Description: Ballymaloe Irish Stew is a delicious variation of the classic Irish stew. It features tender pieces of lamb, potatoes, carrots, and a medley of herbs, creating a hearty and heartwarming meal.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Serving size: 4 Servings
Ingredients:
- 500g lamb shoulder or neck, trimmed and cut into chunks
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 onions, peeled and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1.2 liters beef or vegetable broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 sprigs of thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Add the lamb chunks and brown them on all sides. This should take about 5 minutes. Once browned, remove the lamb from the pot and set it aside.
In the same pot, add the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent.
Return the browned lamb to the pot with the onions and garlic.
Add the diced potatoes and sliced carrots to the pot.
Pour in the beef or vegetable broth until the ingredients are just covered. You may need to adjust the amount of broth depending on the size of your pot.
Toss in the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours. The stew is ready when the lamb is tender and the potatoes and carrots are soft.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Serving:
Ladle the Ballymaloe Irish Stew into bowls, making sure each serving has a good mix of lamb, potatoes, and carrots.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
This Ballymaloe variation of Irish stew is a comforting and wholesome dish, perfect for warming up on a chilly day. The slow simmering of lamb, potatoes, and carrots in a flavorful broth results in a satisfying meal that embodies the heart of Irish cuisine. Enjoy this taste of Ireland with your family and friends!