Guinness Irish Stew
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
2 hrs 30 mins
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Total Time
2 hrs 45 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
415 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
Irish
Guinness Irish Stew
Description
Guinness Irish Stew is a traditional dish that combines sizeable pieces of lamb shoulder with root vegetables and aromatic leeks. The meat is first browned to develop a deep flavor, then cooked with minced garlic and onions, forming a savory base. A mixture of Guinness beer and beef broth adds depth and a subtle bitterness that complements the sweetness of the carrots and heartiness of the potatoes. The favorite ingredient Guinness enriches the broth and aids in tenderizing the meat during the simmering stage.
The stew is thickened slightly with flour added to the softened vegetables, providing a velvety texture without being heavy. Fresh thyme gives an herbal lift. Cooking happens in a tightly covered pot to retain moisture, ensuring the lamb becomes tender and the flavors meld smoothly. The dish is typically served as a filling main course, alone or accompanied by bread to soak up the rich juices.
When using Guinness in slow cooking, most of the alcohol evaporates after a long simmer. For those avoiding alcohol, a substitute of water with beef bouillon and Worcestershire sauce can approximate the savory elements though the final taste will differ. This stew stores well and flavors deepen after a day, making it suitable for preparing in advance.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 lbs lamb shoulder cut into 2 inch chunks, or beef chuck
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 onion large chopped (white or brown)
- 3 leek white stalks not green tops
- 3 garlic minced, cloves
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 22 oz Guinness beer (See Note 1 and 2)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 4 carrot peeled and cut 1/2" pieces
- 2 potato peeled and cut into 2" pieces
- 3 thyme or sub with 1 tsp dried thyme leaves, sprigs
Instructions
- Peel and cut up carrots and potatoes, mince garlic. Trim root end off leeks, strip off tough greens. Cut leeks lengthwise and rinse any grit off under water. Slice into 1/2" pieces. Cut the lamb into 2" chunks. Pat dry and sprinkle with kosher salt and pepper.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a Dutch oven or heavy based pot over high heat. Add lamb in batches and brown well all over. Remove to plate and repeat with remaining lamb. Set aside.
- Lower heat to medium and add remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add onion and leek, cook for 3 minutes until softened, then add garlic, cook 2 minutes. Stir flour into the vegetable mixture and cook for 3 more minutes.
- Add Guinness beer (See Note 1 and 2), stirring and scraping up browned bits on bottom of pan then add beef broth.
- Return browned lamb to the pot, including any juices, along with carrots, potatoes and thyme tied with kitchen twine.
- If lamb and vegetables are not fully covered add enough water to do so. Cover, bring to a boil, stir then lower heat so it is bubbling gently. Cook 2 hours then remove lid and simmer for 30 minutes more until lamb falls apart and the sauce has reduced and thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove thyme bundle and serve with crusty bread.
Notes
- Most alcohol evaporates during the long simmer, but a small percentage remains after 2.5 hours.
- For a non-alcoholic substitute, use 2 1/2 cups water mixed with 2 beef bouillon cubes and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce.
- Brown the lamb well before slow-cooking to develop richer flavor.
- Use fresh thyme sprigs tied with kitchen twine for ease of removal and balanced herbal flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 415 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 415kcal | 21% |
| Carbohydrates | 27g | 9% |
| Protein | 35g | 70% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 98mg | 33% |
| Sodium | 828mg | 35% |
| Potassium | 1008mg | 21% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 7560IU | 151% |
| Vitamin C | 18.5mg | 21% |
| Calcium | 88mg | 9% |
| Iron | 6.5mg | 36% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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