Discover the perfect recipe for Classic Irish Stew, a comforting and hearty dish made with tender lamb or beef, flavorful potatoes, sweet carrots, and savory onions. This traditional Irish stew is ideal for cozy dinners and showcases rich, wholesome flavors. Follow our easy step-by-step guide to create a delicious stew that brings warmth and satisfaction to every meal.

Ingredients:

- 2 lbs lamb or beef stew meat, cut into chunks

- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced

- 2 onions, chopped

- 4 cups beef or vegetable broth

- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 tablespoon tomato paste

- 1 teaspoon dried thyme

- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 1 bay leaf

- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)

Instructions:

Prepare the Meat:

  - Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

  - Add the lamb or beef chunks and brown on all sides. Remove the meat and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables:

  - In the same pot, add onions and garlic. Sauté until onions are translucent and garlic is fragrant.

Add Tomato Paste:

  - Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.

Deglaze and Combine:

  - Return the browned meat to the pot. Add the beef or vegetable broth, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.

Simmer:

  - Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender.

Add Vegetables:

  - Add potatoes and carrots to the pot. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Thicken Stew (Optional):

  - If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons of flour with a small amount of cold water to make a slurry. Stir into the stew and cook for an additional 10 minutes, until thickened.

Serve:

  - Remove the bay leaf before serving. Enjoy your Irish stew hot with crusty bread.

Nutritional Values

Lamb or Beef Stew Meat (2 lbs or 900g)

 - Calories: 250 kcal

 - Protein: 26 grams

 - Fat: 20 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

Benefits:

 - High in protein, supporting muscle growth and repair.

 - Provides essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins.

Potatoes (4 large, peeled and cut into chunks)

 - Calories: 77 kcal

 - Protein: 2 grams

 - Fat: 0.1 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 17 grams

 - Fiber: 2.2 grams

Benefits:

 - Good source of carbohydrates and dietary fiber.

 - Contains vitamins C and B6, as well as potassium.

Carrots (4, peeled and sliced)

 - Calories: 41 kcal

 - Protein: 0.9 grams

 - Fat: 0.2 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 10 grams

 - Fiber: 2.8 grams

Benefits:

 - Rich in beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A.

 - Supports eye health and provides antioxidants.

Onions (2, chopped)

 - Calories: 40 kcal

 - Protein: 1 gram

 - Fat: 0.1 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 9 grams

 - Fiber: 1.7 grams

Benefits:

 - Contains antioxidants like quercetin.

 - Adds flavor and depth to dishes.

Beef or Vegetable Broth (4 cups)

 - Calories: 15 kcal

 - Protein: 1 gram

 - Fat: 0.5 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor and some protein.

 - Nutrient content varies depending on preparation.

Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons)

 - Calories: 884 kcal

 - Protein: 0 grams

 - Fat: 100 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

Benefits:

 - Provides essential fatty acids.

 - Enhances flavor and helps with cooking.

Garlic (2 cloves, minced)

 - Calories: 149 kcal

 - Protein: 6 grams

 - Fat: 0.5 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 33 grams

 - Fiber: 2.1 grams

Benefits:

 - Contains allicin, which may have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

 - Adds flavor and has potential health benefits.

Tomato Paste (1 tablespoon)

 - Calories: 82 kcal

 - Protein: 4 grams

 - Fat: 0.2 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 19 grams

 - Fiber: 1.8 grams

Benefits:

 - Provides a concentrated source of vitamins and antioxidants, like lycopene.

 - Enhances flavor and color of dishes.

Dried Thyme (1 teaspoon)

 - Calories: 101 kcal

 - Protein: 5 grams

 - Fat: 1 gram

 - Carbohydrates: 24 grams

 - Fiber: 14 grams

Benefits:

 - Contains antioxidants and essential oils with potential antibacterial properties.

 - Enhances flavor and aroma.

Dried Rosemary (1 teaspoon)

 - Calories: 131 kcal

 - Protein: 3 grams

 - Fat: 6 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 20 grams

 - Fiber: 14 grams

Benefits:

 - Rich in antioxidants and may support digestion.

 - Adds a distinct flavor to dishes.

Salt and Pepper

Salt:

  - Calories: 0 kcal

  - Sodium: ~38,000 mg

Benefits:

  - Enhances flavor and helps with fluid balance in the body.

Black Pepper:

  - Calories: 255 kcal

  - Protein: 10 grams

  - Fat: 3 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 64 grams

  - Fiber: 26 grams

Benefits:

  - Contains piperine, which may aid digestion and have antioxidant properties.

Bay Leaf (1)

 - Calories: 313 kcal

 - Protein: 7 grams

 - Fat: 8 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 75 grams

 - Fiber: 26 grams

Benefits:

 - Adds aromatic flavor to dishes.

 - Contains antioxidants and may aid digestion.

All-Purpose Flour (2 tablespoons, optional, for thickening)

 - Calories: 364 kcal

 - Protein: 10 grams

 - Fat: 1 gram

 - Carbohydrates: 76 grams

 - Fiber: 2.7 grams

Benefits:

 - Used as a thickening agent in recipes.

 - Provides some protein and energy through carbohydrates.