Slow Cooker Irish Stew

This is a traditional Irish stew to simmer in the slow cooker for easy preparation while the family is away at school and work. Chunky potatoes fill this hearty stew to warm you up on a cold night. Look for less expensive cuts of lamb for stews, such as shanks and shoulders or let chops, that are meaty and flavourful.

• Ready In: 8 hrs
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 3  lbs leg of lamb, shoulder chops or 3  lbs lamb shanks
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon pepper
• 1⁄2 cup water
• 3  onions, chopped
• 2  large carrots, chopped
• 2  tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, chopped
• 1  tablespoon dried thyme or 1  tablespoon savory or 2  tablespoons fresh thyme or 2  tablespoons savory, chopped
• 2  cups  beef stock or 2  cups  chicken stock
• 2 1⁄2 lbs  round potatoes (Iabout 8) or 2 1⁄2 lbs  long potatoes, peeled and cubed (Iabout 8)
• 2  tablespoons butter, softened
• 2  tablespoons all-purpose flour

Directions

1. Sprinkle both sides of lamb cuts with half of the salt and pepper. Brown lamb all over, in batches, in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place in slow cooker.
2. Add water to skillet and bring to a boil, scraping up brown bits. Pour liquid into slow cooker.
3. Return skillet to medium heat and cook onions, carrots, parsley thyme and remaining salt and pepper for about 8 minutes until softened and beginning to turn golden.
4. Scrape into slow cooker.
5. Add stock and potatoes. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until lamb is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
6. In a small bowl, mash together butter and flour until well combined. Uncover slow cooker, and stir butter mixture into stew and cook on high for 20 minutes or until slightly thickened.