If you’re a purist, Irish stew is one of the easiest dishes to make for St. Patrick’s Day.
That’s because, according to culinary lore, the only ingredients are lamb, potatoes, onions and water. Adding anything else supposedly clouds the true flavors of the stew.
And if you’re really going to stay true to tradition, all you’re allowed to do is dump those ingredients in a pot (preferably over an open fire) and walk away for the day.
The good news is that making a far more flavorful version of this stew isn’t all that difficult, and your efforts are rewarded with a rich, brothy meal with layers of flavor that complement — rather than compete with — the core ingredients.
And no open fire or all-day simmering is needed.
Irish lamb stew
2pounds lamb stew meat, cut in 1 1/2-inch pieces
Salt and ground black pepper
2tablespoons olive oil
2leeks, white parts only, sliced
2medium yellow onions, chopped
1pound carrots, cut into 11/2-inch pieces
1pound parsnips, cut into 11/2-inch pieces
1quart vegetable broth
3bay leaves
3sprigs fresh thyme
1 1/2 pound (24 ounces) new potatoes
2tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Season the lamb with salt and pepper.
In a large Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pan over medium-high, heat the oil. Working in batches, Add the lamb to the pan and sear on all sides, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. As each batch is browned, use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer it to a plate.
When all the lamb has been seared, add it all back to the pan. Add the leeks, onions, carrots, parsnips, broth, bay leaves and thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and cook for 1 hour. After 1 hour, add the potatoes and continue to cook until the potatoes and the lamb are tender when pierced with a fork, about another 30 minutes. Remove the bay leaves and thyme stems. Stir in the parsley and season with additional salt and black pepper, if needed.
Makes 6 servings. Per serving: 490 calories; 130 calories from fat (27 percent of total calories); 15 g fat (5 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 95 mg cholesterol; 52 g carbohydrate; 37 g protein; 10 g fiber; 860 mg sodium.
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