Irish Lamb Guinness Stew

Irish Lamb Stew is a traditional, hearty, cozy, nourishing meal to make when it’s cold outside, and it’s the perfect way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! This version uses Guinness beer, or another dark Irish beer, along with beef broth as the base of the stew. It consists of lamb, potatoes, onions, carrots, and herbs, slow-cooked to create a delicious and comforting stew. So here’s the lovely Guinness Lamb Stew:

Ingredients:

• 1.5 to 2 pounds (680 to 900 grams) of lamb stew meat, cut into chunks
• 4 to 5 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 to 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 cups (946 ml) of beef or vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• 1 can (14.9 oz/440 ml) of Guinness stout beer

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the lamb chunks and brown them on all sides. Remove the lamb from the pot and set it aside.
2. In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant.
3. Return the lamb to the pot and add the diced potatoes and sliced carrots. Pour in the broth, ensuring that the ingredients are covered. Pour in the entire can of Guinness Draught. If needed, add more broth or water.
4. Add the bay leaf and dried thyme to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the lamb is tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking.
6. Once the stew is done, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
7. Serve the Irish lamb stew hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley. It pairs well with crusty bread or Irish soda bread.

Note: This is a basic recipe, and you can customize it by adding other vegetables such as peas or parsnips, or by incorporating herbs like rosemary or parsley to enhance the flavor. Enjoy your homemade Irish lamb stew and a favorite tipple!