Traditional Irish Stew is a popular dish to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. The recipe involves searing lamb and adding onions, potatoes, carrots, beef broth, and spices like thyme and bay leaves to the pot, cooked for up to 90 minutes. A mixture of flour and tomato paste is used to thicken the stew, and it can be served with fresh parsley or chives and Irish soda bread. This wholesome stew is great for any cold winter night and perfect for feeding a large crowd, making it ideal for potlucks or family gatherings.

Traditional Irish Stew – The Ideal Dish for St. Patrick’s Day

Introduction

St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated all over the world on March 17th every year. It is a day to honor St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, who made significant contributions to the conversion of Ireland to Christianity in the 5th century. Celebrations include parades, wearing of green, Irish music, and of course, food. Traditional Irish Stew is the perfect dish for St. Patrick’s Day. It is a hearty, filling, and delicious meal that will warm your soul. Here’s how you can make it at home.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 6 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 2 large onions, chopped
• 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp. tomato paste
• 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 2 tsp. dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves

Instructions

Step 1: Sear the meat

1. Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the lamb shoulder pieces and brown on all sides for about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Add the vegetables and broth

1. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they soften.
2. Add the potato and carrot chunks to the pot.
3. Pour in the beef broth and stir until everything is well combined.
4. Add the bay leaves and dried thyme to the pot.
5. Bring everything to a boil and then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Let it simmer for 60-90 minutes until the lamb is tender.

Step 3: Thicken the stew

1. Mix the flour and tomato paste in a small bowl until it forms a smooth paste.
2. Remove the bay leaves from the pot and discard.
3. Add the flour and tomato paste mixture to the pot and stir until it thickens.
4. Let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes until the stew has reached your desired thickness.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Serve and enjoy

1. Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot.
2. You can garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired.
3. Serve with a crusty bread or Irish soda bread to soak up all the delicious juices.

Conclusion

Traditional Irish Stew is a classic dish that is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day but also great for any cold winter night. It is a wholesome, robust, and satisfying meal that is easy to make and packs a punch of flavor. This recipe is perfect for serving a large crowd, so it’s great for potlucks or family gatherings. Try this recipe at home, and you’re sure to impress your guests!