Irish Comfort Stew with Guinness
Indulge in the rich and hearty flavors of this Irish Comfort Stew, slow-cooked to perfection with tender beef or lamb, fresh vegetables, and the robust taste of Guinness stout. This beloved recipe brings warmth on chilly evenings and is perfect for cozy family gatherings. Enhanced with aromatic herbs like rosemary and thyme, the stew develops deep flavors while your kitchen fills with an enticing aroma. Add dumplings or serve over a generous bed of creamy mashed potatoes for a fulfilling meal guaranteed to impress. Whether you're savoring it on a rainy day or celebrating a special occasion, this stew is sure to become a beloved staple in your home. Enjoy with thick slices of crusty Vienna bread for the ultimate comfort food experience!
4
Servings
450
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
rump beef steaks or lamb shanks
1 kg (2.2 lbs) (cut into chunks)
salt
to taste (n/a)
black pepper
to taste (n/a)
plain flour
1/4 cup (for dusting meat)
plain flour
2 tablespoons (for thickening)
water
1/2 cup (for thickening)
garlic cloves
2, crushed (n/a)
dried rosemary
1 teaspoon (dried or 1 tablespoon fresh)
dried thyme
1 teaspoon (dried or 1 tablespoon fresh)
dried bay leaves
2 (n/a)
Guinness stout (or other stout)
400 ml (n/a)
beef stock
2 cups (n/a)
butter
2 tablespoons (for caramelizing onions)
packed brown sugar
2-3 tablespoons (for caramelizing onions)
onions
2, cut in wedges (n/a)
carrots
2, cut in 1-inch pieces (n/a)
celery
4 stalks, chopped (n/a)
large potato
1, peeled and cut in 1-inch pieces (n/a)
fresh parsley
1/4 cup, chopped (for garnishing)
Instructions
1
Start by searing the meat: Lightly sprinkle the beef or lamb with salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of flour. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the meat in batches until it's deeply colored on all sides. Transfer the browned meat to the slow cooker.
2
In the same skillet, melt the butter and brown sugar over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring frequently, until caramelized and golden brown. This will add a lovely sweetness to your stew.
3
In the slow cooker, combine the Guinness stout, beef stock, crushed garlic, chopped carrots, celery, potato chunks, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary. Stir well to mix all ingredients together.
4
Add the caramelized onions to the slow cooker, mixing them through the stew.
5
Set your slow cooker to Auto or Low for 8 hours, or High for 4-5 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender.
6
About 30 minutes before serving, if you prefer your vegetables fresher, add your celery, carrots, and potatoes to the pot, or leave them in longer if you want them more tender.
7
Once the cooking time is finished, mix the remaining 2 tablespoons flour with 1/2 cup water until smooth. Stir it into the stew and set the slow cooker on High, stirring occasionally until the stew thickens.
8
Finally, add fresh parsley before serving. Pair with thick slices of Vienna bread and enjoy the delightful flavors!
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
30g
Carbs
35g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Irish Comfort Stew with Guinness?
It is a hearty, slow-cooked stew made with tender beef or lamb, vegetables, and a robust Guinness stout base.
Can I use lamb instead of beef for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1 kg of rump beef steaks or lamb shanks cut into chunks.
What type of beer is best for this stew?
Guinness stout is recommended, but you can use any other dark stout beer of your choice.
How do I prepare the meat before slow cooking?
Sprinkle the meat with salt, pepper, and flour, then sear it in a skillet until deeply colored on all sides.
Why are the onions caramelized with brown sugar?
Caramelizing the onions with butter and brown sugar adds a rich sweetness that balances the bitterness of the stout.
How long does the stew take to cook on the Low setting?
Set your slow cooker to Low for approximately 8 hours.
How long does the stew take to cook on the High setting?
Set your slow cooker to High for approximately 4 to 5 hours.
What vegetables are included in this Irish stew?
The recipe includes carrots, celery, onions, and large potato chunks.
How do I thicken the stew at the end?
Mix 2 tablespoons of flour with 1/2 cup of water and stir it into the stew, then cook on high until thickened.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary or thyme for every 1 teaspoon of dried herbs.
When should I add the fresh parsley?
Add the fresh chopped parsley as a garnish just before serving.
What bread goes best with this stew?
Thick slices of crusty Vienna bread are the perfect accompaniment for this comfort food.
How should I cut the vegetables?
Carrots and potatoes should be cut into 1-inch pieces, while celery should be chopped and onions cut into wedges.
Can I add dumplings to this recipe?
Yes, the description suggests adding dumplings for an even more fulfilling meal.
Is it better to serve the stew over mashed potatoes?
Serving the stew over a generous bed of creamy mashed potatoes is a highly recommended way to enjoy it.
How many calories are in a serving of this stew?
There are approximately 450 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains about 20g of fat.
How much protein is in one serving?
This recipe provides 35g of protein per serving.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe calls for 2 crushed garlic cloves.
What is the purpose of the beef stock?
Beef stock provides the savory liquid base that works in tandem with the Guinness to cook the meat and vegetables.
How can I ensure my vegetables aren't too mushy?
Add the celery, carrots, and potatoes about 30 minutes before serving if you prefer them to be fresher and firmer.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I cook this without a slow cooker?
While written for a slow cooker, you can cook it in a heavy pot on very low heat on the stove for several hours.
What do I do after adding the flour and water mixture?
Turn the slow cooker to High and stir occasionally until the sauce thickens to your liking.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Yes, the recipe specifies using a large peeled potato cut into 1-inch pieces.
Is there a specific way to prepare the garlic?
The garlic should be crushed before being added to the slow cooker.
What herbs provide the main aroma for this stew?
The primary aromatic herbs used are rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves.
Is this recipe suitable for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings and rainy days.
Can I substitute the sugar?
You can use a similar sweetener, but packed brown sugar is best for the caramelization process described.