Irish Stew

This is traditional Irish peasant fare, full of ingredients that were readily available. Irish Stew is typically a "white" stew, which means that the meat is never browned beforehand. From Classic International Recipes.

• Ready In: 1 hr 31 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1  lb boneless lamb, cut into 3/4 inch pieces (common in the US to substitute beef)
• 4  cups beef broth
• 2  medium onions, cut into wedges
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1  bay leaf
• 4  medium potatoes, peeled and quartered...large bite sizes (1 1/2 pounds)
• 6  medium carrots, sliced 1/2 inch thick
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
• 1⁄4 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
• 1⁄2 cup cold water
• 1⁄4 cup all-purpose flour
•  snipped parsley, to garnish

Directions

1. In a large Dutch oven combine the lamb, beef broth, onions, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes.
2. Skim off the fat. Add the potatoes, carrots, thyme, and basil. Cover and simmer for 30 to 35 minutes more or until the vegetables are tender. Remove the bay leaf and discard.
3. Combine the cold water and the flour. Stir into the stew. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir 1 minute more. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
4. Sprinkle each serving with snipped parsley.