My satisfying stew is full of potatoes, turnips, carrots, and lamb. I like to serve it with Irish soda bread, which makes a hearty St. Patrick’s Day meal.

Welcome to the lush, verdant hills of Ireland, where the captivating aroma of hearty, slow-cooked goodness fills the air. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey steeped in tradition and warmth as we present the beloved Irish Stew. This iconic dish, hailing from the Emerald Isle, carries with it the spirit of Irish hospitality and a taste that warms the soul.

Irish Stew is a masterpiece born out of simplicity, yet it encapsulates the essence of comfort food at its finest. At its heart lies tender, succulent pieces of lamb, sourced from the verdant pastures that blanket the Irish countryside. Slow-cooked to perfection, the lamb becomes imbued with flavors that speak of time-honored cooking techniques and generations of culinary wisdom.

Surrounding the lamb are a medley of humble yet flavorful ingredients. Hearty potatoes, earthy carrots, and fragrant onions meld together in a harmonious symphony, creating a robust and nourishing broth that envelops each ingredient with warmth and depth. A sprinkle of aromatic herbs and a touch of seasoning lend their magic, transforming this rustic stew into a culinary masterpiece.

INGREDIENTS

• 1½ pounds lamb stew meat
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 4 cups water
• 2 cups sliced peeled potatoes
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• ½ cup sliced carrot
• ½ cup cubed turnip
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon dried marjoram
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
• ⅛ teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons fat-free milk
• ½ teaspoon browning sauce (optional)
• 3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the lamb stew meat and brown it on all sides.
2. Pour in the water and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 1 hour to tenderize the lamb.
3. Add the sliced potatoes, onion, carrot, turnip, salt, dried marjoram, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and pepper to the pot. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil again. Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, fat-free milk, and browning sauce (if using) until smooth. Pour this mixture into the stew, add the minced fresh parsley, and stir well.
5. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the stew to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until the stew has thickened slightly.
6. Serve the delicious Irish stew hot, garnished with additional fresh parsley if desired.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

• Enjoy this delicious Irish stew as a comforting meal on its own or pair it with crusty Irish soda bread for a complete and satisfying dining experience. It’s perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or any time you crave a hearty and flavorful stew.

Enjoy the rich flavors of this hearty Irish stew, filled with tender lamb and an assortment of vegetables, for a satisfying and comforting meal.