Irish Lamb or Beef Stew

Derf's Note:

This is comfort food. Serve with Irish soda bread and a mix of carrots and peas. This stew can also be cooked in a crockpot, layer the same and cook on low for 8 hours.

• Total Time: 2 hrs 55 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 2 hrs 35 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 2 lbs boned lamb (Lamb is traditional) or 2 lbs boned beef , sliced, 1/4 inch slices (Lamb is traditional)
• 2 lbs peeled potatoes , thinly sliced (a mandolin slicer works best)
• 3 large onions , thinly sliced
• salt and pepper , each layer to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 13 ounces water

Directions:

1. Trim the meat, leaving a little of the fat and slice.
2. Season the meat and veggies with salt, pepper, 2 teaspoons of parsley and the thyme.
3. Layer the potatoes, meat and onions in a large casserole, starting and finishing with a layer of potatoes.
4. Add the water and cover tightly.
5. Cook in a preheated oven at 275 degrees for 2 1/2 hours, shake occasionally to prevent sticking, and check liquid now and then.
6. Do not add unless absolutly necessary.
7. The potatoes will thicken the finished stew so it should not be too runny.
8. Just before serving, remove lid and brown the top under a hot broiler and sprinkle with remaining parsley.
9. The potatoes on top should be nice and brown and crisp.

Reviews

[Lorac]

Dorothy, I was just going to post this recipe but I see you beat me to it. This is an authentic version that is simple and quick. The meat is not browned and requires just potatoes and onions. In my version I use bay leaf instead of thyme, 1 cup beef broth and 1 cup beer instead of water and I don't brown the potatoes. Current food trends seem so dependent on a long list of ingredients and strange parrings. It is so wonderful to eat such delicious simple food.

[Jacki W.]

This was very easy to make. I used my crockpot and cooked all day long-was ready right after the football game! Great flavor with just simple ingredients.

[Kris Richardson]

This stew was amazing! It took about 10mins to prepare. I used lamb and let it cook slow all afternoon. By dinnertime the wonderful aroma had me on my knees! I would recommend this recipe especially to the guys out there who want a REALLY easy way to make a dinner that lasts for 2 days of breakfast, lunch & dinner ;)