Best Guinness Irish Lamb Stew Recipes

IRISH STEW WITH LAMB AND GUINNESS

Steps:

• The barley is optional but it makes it even more traditional. Cook it in 3 cups of stock for 20 minutes then add it into the stew when you return the meat to the pot.
• Cut off some of the parsley leaves and chop enough to make 2 tablespoons; reserve. Cut off some parsley stems, and tie them into a bundle with a few sprigs of rosemary and thyme; reserve.
• Season the meat with salt and brown the meat in a little oil. Remove and reserve, and sprinkle with a little flour, shaking off excess. Add the onions, garlic, carrots and celery to the pan and sauté, tossing to coat with the fat. Add the Guinness and deglaze, scraping up any caramelized meat juices. Add the potatoes, return the meat to the pot (and the barley if you're using it). Add enough stock to barely cover, cook over medium heat until just boiling, then reduce heat to very low and simmer 2 - 3 hours, until the meat is tender, stirring occasionally.
• Check seasonings, add salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat, stir in parsley and the cornstarch (mixed into 4 teaspoons water) and stir. Cook over low heat for a few more minutes to thicken. Serve with plenty of Irish brown or white soda bread, tea and more Guinness if you like.

GUINNESS IRISH LAMB STEW RECIPE - (4.4/5)

Steps:

• For the lamb: The best cut of beef to buy is a boneless lamb shoulder. Pat the lamb very dry, so that there isn't any moisture (for better searing). Cut into cubes and season with salt & pepper. Dredge in flour. Vegetable preparation: Cut off one end of the onion (I leave the root end on), then cut the onion in half. Remove the outer first layer of peel. Wash the carrots (I don't peel them) and cut into large chunks. Wash the celery and keep whole (I personally don't care for cooked celery) so I use the whole celery to flavor the broth, and then remove it before serving. Tie the thyme, rosemary and parsley with kitchen twine. In a Dutch oven, heat a small amount of olive oil and bring to high heat. Sear the lamb by cooking, untouched, for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Cook in batches, so that the meat doesn't become crowded. Set the cook lamb aside. The more brown crust on the bottom of the pot, the more flavor. Lamb is fatty, so you most likely won't need to add any additional oil to brown the vegetables. For the vegetables: On medium-high heat, add the onion halves, flat side down and cook until lightly brown, 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside. Cook the carrots for the same amount of time as the onion and set aside. Last, cook the garlic cloves for about 1 minute and set aside. If there is any leftover fat/oil, carefully drain it from the pot. On high heat, add the beer and scrape with a rubber spatula to loosen up the brown bits, and stir. Turn the heat down to medium-high. Add the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce and stir (or whisk) until combined. Add the onion, lamb and carrots; add the beef stock, celery stalks and the tied herbs. Bring the stew to a boil, covered, and them turn the heat down to a low simmer. Simmer for about 3 hours. OPTIONAL: If you are going to add the barley, bring 1-1/2 cups water or chicken stock (or a combination of both) to a boil. Add the barley, cover and cook on medium-low until the liquid has evaporated--20-30 minutes. Set aside. Final Touches: Taste the liquid for seasoning. I make my own beef stock, and I don't salt it. Add salt, to your liking. To thicken the stew: Whisk 4 Tablespoons cornstarch and cold water until smooth and lump-free. Very slowly, while stirring, pour HALF the cornstarch mixture into the stew. Wait a minute or two, for the sauce to thicken. Add the barley, and wait a few more minutes to see how much it thickens. Only add the remaining cornstarch mixture if the stew hasn't quite thickened enough so that Homemade Irish Soda Bread can sop up that tasty gravy. (see my recipe for Irish Soda bread at http://www.keyingredient.com/recipes/254359/irish-soda-bread/)