The traditions of St. Patrick’s Day in America are well known. Wear green, attend parades, and eat Irish stew or corned beef and cabbage. Irish stew is commonly considered the national dish of Ireland. So, what makes Irish Stew Irish? Traditional Irish stew originated in Ireland and was made with lamb (or mutton) and root vegetables. Recipes vary by chef and region, but basic ingredients in an Irish stew include the meat, along with potatoes, onions, and parsley. Some versions also use carrots, turnips, or barley. Get a little Irish in ye on St. Patrick’s Day Sunday, March 17.
Former Royal Chef shares Irish Stew recipe he cooked at Sandringham House https://youtu.be/v9HWZe9cSrM?si=cQWVlv4H3jWbV0qq.
IRISH STEW
Traditional Ingredients:
- Butter: to brown the meat.
- Bacon: adds a smoky flavor.
- All-purpose flour: coats the meat, which helps it brown, and thickens the broth.
- Stew meat: mutton or lamb stew meat are most traditional.
- Guinness stout or red wine: use the classic dark Irish beer for extra flavor in the broth, or substitute with a dry red wine such as pinot noir, merlot, shiraz, or cabernet sauvignon.
- Tomato paste: adds flavor and thickens the broth slightly.
- Brown sugar: a hint of sweetness.
- Garlic, thyme, bay leaf, and paprika: adds savory.
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper: enhance the flavors.
- Beef broth: the liquid base that braises the meat.
- Onions, carrots, potatoes, and mushrooms: vegetables that add great flavor to the stew and bulk up the meal.
- Fresh parsley: brightens up the rich stew.
This hearty stew can be cooked on the stovetop or in a slow cooker and tailored to suit your dietary needs. You can find lots of recipes online that vary from complex to simple.
Recipe Variations:
- Instead of the Guinness beer, use a dry red wine such as cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, merlot, or pinot noir.
- For an alcohol-free stew, use extra beef broth as a substitute for the Guinness or wine.
- A splash of Worcestershire sauce would be a nice addition to the gravy.
- Herbs to put in Irish stew: sprigs of fresh thyme and parsley, which are classic savory herbs to pair with a rustic beef or lamb dish. If you’d like even more herb flavor in your stew, try adding rosemary.
- Mushrooms are a popular ingredient in this stew; however, if you don’t care for mushrooms, you can substitute with frozen peas or some chopped cabbage.