HOW TO PREPARE IRISH STEW.

Irish stew is a comforting dish that traditionally features lamb or mutton, potatoes, onions, and sometimes carrots and/or parsnips. Here’s a basic recipe to make traditional Irish stew:

Ingredients:
500g (about 1 lb) lamb or mutton (shoulder or neck cuts are ideal), cut into bite-sized pieces
4 large potatoes, peeled and sliced
2 large onions, chopped
2-3 large carrots, sliced (optional)
2-3 parsnips, sliced (optional)
4 cups beef or chicken stock (or use water and a bouillon cube)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter
A handful of fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
1-2 bay leaves (optional)
1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
Directions:
Preparation: Begin by preparing all your vegetables and meat. Cut the meat into bite-sized pieces, and peel and chop/slice the vegetables as noted.

Brown the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil or butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the lamb pieces and brown them on all sides. This will help develop a deeper flavor in the stew.

Add Vegetables: Once the meat is browned, add the chopped onions to the pot. Sauté until they begin to soften and turn translucent, about 5 minutes. If using carrots and parsnips, add them next and sauté for another 5 minutes.

Layering: Layer the sliced potatoes on top of the meat and vegetables in the pot. This helps them steam and cook evenly.

Add Liquids: Pour the beef or chicken stock over the potatoes, meat, and vegetables in the pot. If you’re using water and a bouillon cube, you can add them now. The liquid should just about cover the ingredients.

Season: Add salt, pepper, and if using, the bay leaves and thyme.

Simmer: Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let the stew simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours. The meat should be tender and the potatoes fully cooked.

Adjust Seasonings: Check the seasoning of the stew, adding more salt or pepper if necessary.

Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

Serve your Irish stew with some crusty bread or soda bread on the side, and enjoy this warm and hearty dish! Remember, like many stews, it may taste even better the next day after the flavors have melded overnight in the refrigerator.