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Cozy Irish Stew with Lamb and Root Vegetables

irish stew with lamb - featured image

A hearty and soul-satisfying Irish stew featuring tender lamb shoulder and a medley of root vegetables simmered in a rich broth. Perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds lamb shoulder, cut into chunks
  • 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 parsnips, peeled and chopped
  • 3 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or red), peeled and diced
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups beef or lamb stock
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or rendered lamb fat
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat lamb shoulder chunks dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  2. Heat vegetable oil or rendered lamb fat in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown lamb in batches for 4-5 minutes per batch until all sides are seared. Remove lamb and set aside.
  3. Lower heat to medium. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes, stirring often.
  4. Return lamb to the pot. Pour in beef or lamb stock to just cover the meat. Add fresh thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer covered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
  5. Add chopped carrots, parsnips, and potatoes to the pot. Stir gently, cover, and simmer for another 30-40 minutes until vegetables are tender but not mushy.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Stir in chopped fresh parsley.
  7. Ladle stew into warm bowls and serve with crusty bread or buttered soda bread.

Notes

For gluten-free, verify stock labels. To prevent mushy vegetables, add root vegetables after lamb has simmered for an hour and cook just until tender. Skim foam during simmering for a clear broth. Leftovers taste better the next day. Can be made in a slow cooker by browning lamb and sautéing aromatics first, then cooking on low for 6-8 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: Irish stew, lamb stew, root vegetables, cozy dinner, comfort food, slow simmer, hearty stew