Saturday, March 17, 2012

Irish Stew

Ever since a family vacation to Ireland in the eighth grade, I've been on a the hunt for a wonderful Irish Stew recipe!  I finally found one a year or so ago (though, for the life of me, I have no idea where I found this gem) and decided that this year I'd trade in our normal Shepherd's Pie for Irish Stew on St Patrick's Day.  After all, I can't stand corned beef and cabbage, and it's not really Irish anyway!  This almost didn't happen this year since I had a hard time finding lamb, but I finally did, and this was perfect for a rainy day of watching basketball and drinking Irish beer...oh, and did I mention the gorgeous colors of the Irish flag in this dish make it even more perfect for celebrating my Irish heritage?!?!  Just remember...  "When Irish eyes are smiling, it usually means they're up to something!"

2 pounds boneless leg of lamb, trimmed of fat and cut into 1-inch pieces 
1 3/4 pounds white potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces 
3 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces 
3 stalks celery, thinly sliced 
3 large leeks, white part only, halved, washed and thinly sliced 
14 ounces chicken stock 
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme 
1 teaspoon salt 
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper 
1/4 cup packed parsley leaves, chopped 

Combine lamb, potatoes, carrots, celery, leeks, broth, thyme, salt and pepper in a 6-quart slow cooker; stir to combine. Put the lid on and cook on low until the lamb is fork-tender, about 8 hours. Stir in parsley before serving.

Pairs wonderfully with green beans (my husband mixed them into the stew), crusty bread and shard Irish cheddar, and Irish beer (Harp is my favorite, please and thank you!).

13 comments:

  1. Yummy! I have never cooked with lamb but I bet this is delicious!

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  2. Hey! Thanks so much for linking up with us at Kids in the Kitchen. Love your recipe. Please grab our button or link back so others can share along in the hop to. Blessings and hope to see you again next Tuesday. Thanks so much for sharing your recipe with us! Blessings!

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  3. My first link party and give-away are going on right now through Saturday night. If you haven't stopped by yet, I hope you'll come share this!

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  4. Oh how great! Leg of Lamb yummy!!! Thank you so much for linking up with Kids in the Kitchen - we're so happy to have you & hope you'll join in each week!!

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  5. Yum, I love lamb! Is one of my favorite meats and is great slow cooked in stews. Your stew looks delicious! Thanks for sharing this with Sunday Night Soup Night, look forward to seeing you again soon!

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  6. That looks so yummy. WOuld try it when lent is over:)

    Followed your GFC and Pinterest

    Got a meatless meal recipe? Add it in our new meatless meal blog hop/showcase at http://olahmomma.com/momlounge

    See ya there! Have a great day:)

    The Quiet Mom at http://olahmomma.com

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  7. Kate, I saw this post on Miz Helen's Full Plate Thursday. I make my grandmother's version of Irish Stew, but I would like to try this one because it is made with lamb. It's always nice to find other Southern girls to visit! I am a new follower. Patsy

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  8. The stew looks really good, comforting

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  9. Oh yum! I love stew. Do you ever try it with Guinness? Mmmmmmmm

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  10. I forgot to thank you for stopping by and joining our Friday Food Fight. :-)

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  11. Thank you so much for sharing your great recipe with Full Plate Thursday. Hope you are having a great Spring week end and come back to see me real soon!
    Miz Helen

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  12. Your right, very colorful stew it is. I love stew it's so comforting. Thanks your recipe sounds great.

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