Hearty Irish Mutton Stew
This Hearty Irish Mutton Stew is a richly flavored traditional dish, perfect for warming up on a chilly night. Utilizing tender cuts of mutton, this stew is slow-cooked to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. The combination of hearty root vegetables, including potatoes, carrots, and onions, infuses the broth with a deep, satisfying character. Mutton offers a more robust flavor than lamb, making this stew a comfort meal that nourishes both body and soul. Enjoy it alongside homemade Irish Soda Bread for a truly authentic culinary experience that fills your home with the enticing aroma of a traditional Irish kitchen.
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
boned mutton (or lamb)
2 1/2 lbs (cut into chunks)
large potatoes
4 (peeled and sliced thickly)
large onions
2 (peeled and sliced thickly)
medium carrots
4 (peeled and sliced thickly)
fresh parsley
1 sprig (chopped)
water
2 cups (for cooking)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting the boned mutton into appropriately sized chunks to ensure even cooking.
2
Peel the large potatoes, onions, and medium carrots, then slice them thickly to maintain their structure during the long cooking process.
3
Chop the fresh parsley finely to release its vibrant flavor.
4
In a large pot or Dutch oven with a well-fitting lid, layer the ingredients: start with a layer of sliced potatoes, followed by the mutton, then the onions, carrots, and parsley, and finish with another layer of potatoes for a solid top.
5
Pour in the water gently, covering the ingredients, and season generously with salt and pepper to your taste.
6
Cover the pot and place it on the stove over the lowest heat possible, allowing it to simmer gently. Cook for approximately 2 1/2 hours until the meat is fork-tender and the potatoes have contributed their starch to thicken the broth.
7
Alternatively, for a convenient and flavorful option, transfer the ingredients into a crock pot. For mutton, cook on low for 8 hours; for lamb, cook for 5 hours for an equally outstanding stew.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
17g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Irish Mutton Stew?
It is a traditional slow-cooked dish featuring tender mutton and root vegetables in a satisfying broth.
What is the main meat used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 lbs of boned mutton, though lamb can be used as a substitute.
Can I use lamb instead of mutton?
Yes, lamb is a perfectly acceptable alternative to mutton for this stew.
What is the flavor difference between mutton and lamb?
Mutton offers a more robust and deep flavor compared to the milder taste of lamb.
What vegetables are needed for this stew?
You will need 4 large potatoes, 2 large onions, and 4 medium carrots.
How should the vegetables be prepared?
The potatoes, onions, and carrots should be peeled and sliced thickly to maintain their structure during slow cooking.
How much water is required for the broth?
The recipe requires 2 cups of water.
How do I layer the ingredients in the pot?
Start with a layer of potatoes, then the mutton, followed by onions, carrots, and parsley, finishing with a final layer of potatoes.
Why are potatoes placed at the top and bottom of the pot?
This layering allows the potatoes to release their starch, which naturally thickens the broth.
What herbs are used in this Irish stew?
One sprig of fresh parsley, finely chopped, is used to add flavor.
How long does the stew cook on the stove?
It should simmer for approximately 2 1/2 hours.
What is the recommended heat setting for stovetop cooking?
The stew should be cooked over the lowest heat possible with a well-fitting lid.
Can I make this mutton stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, it can be made in a crock pot on the low setting.
How long does mutton cook in a crock pot?
Mutton should be cooked on low for 8 hours in a slow cooker.
How long does lamb cook in a crock pot?
If using lamb, cook it on low for 5 hours in a slow cooker.
How do I know when the meat is done?
The meat is ready when it is fork-tender.
What are the nutritional facts for one serving?
One serving contains approximately 200 calories, 10g of fat, 17g of carbohydrates, and 15g of protein.
What should I serve with Irish Mutton Stew?
It is traditionally enjoyed alongside homemade Irish Soda Bread.
Is this recipe suitable for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as a perfect meal for warming up on a chilly night.
How should the mutton be cut?
The boned mutton should be cut into appropriately sized chunks to ensure even cooking.
What kind of pot should I use?
A large pot or a Dutch oven with a well-fitting lid is recommended.
How much mutton is required?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 lbs of meat.
What seasonings are used?
The stew is seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.
Is this a traditional recipe?
Yes, it is an authentic traditional Irish culinary experience.
How many calories are in the stew?
There are 200 calories per serving.
How much protein is in the stew?
The stew provides 15g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in a serving?
There is 10g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in the stew?
Each serving contains 17g of carbohydrates.
What is the total ingredient count?
The recipe consists of 8 main ingredients.
Why is this considered comfort food?
Because it is a hearty, slow-cooked meal that nourishes both the body and soul.