Savory Irish Lamb Stew with Cabbage
Indulge in the comforting warmth of this Savory Irish Lamb Stew, where tender organic lamb shoulder melds perfectly with a medley of fresh vegetables, including sweet baby potatoes, vibrant carrots, and crunchy cabbage. This dish honors tradition while allowing for personal touches, making it a versatile option for any gathering or cozy dinner at home. The deep flavors of the lamb broth, enhanced by the aromatic herbs and a splash of whiskey, create a rich and hearty stew that beckons you to savor every bite. Serve it alongside my beloved Irish soda bread, and you’ll have a meal worth remembering!
N/A
Servings
250
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
organic boneless lamb shoulder
1 3/4 lbs (cut into 1-inch pieces)
flour
1/2 cup (approximately, for coating)
thin-skinned baby potatoes
1 lb (divided)
baby carrots
6 ounces (whole)
parsnips
2-3 small (peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks)
medium sweet onion
1 (peeled and chopped)
large garlic clove
1 (finely minced)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
fresh lamb broth
2-3 cups (or unsalted chicken/beef broth)
green peas
1/2 cup (if using frozen, thaw first)
cabbage
2 cups (coarsely chopped)
fresh thyme
1 sprig (stems removed, minced)
fresh parsley
4 sprigs (stems removed, minced)
whiskey
2 ounces (optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, toss the lamb chunks with flour until evenly coated. This will help create a rich, thick sauce as it cooks.
3
In a large Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid, layer the ingredients starting with the coated lamb at the bottom. Next, add half of the baby potatoes, followed by the baby carrots, parsnips, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Season each layer generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
4
Finish layering with the remaining potatoes on top. Carefully pour in the fresh lamb broth (and whiskey if desired). Ensure that the pot is well-covered.
5
Place the pot in the preheated oven and let it cook for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened. Check periodically to make sure the stew does not dry out; add additional broth as needed.
6
About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the green peas and coarsely chopped cabbage. Cook until the cabbage is tender yet still crisp, being careful not to let it become slimy.
7
Before serving, decorate the stew with fresh thyme and parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
20g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Irish Lamb Stew with Cabbage?
Savory Irish Lamb Stew with Cabbage is a traditional and comforting dish made with tender organic lamb shoulder, fresh vegetables like baby potatoes and carrots, and a rich broth flavored with whiskey and aromatic herbs.
What cut of meat is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 3/4 lbs of organic boneless lamb shoulder cut into 1-inch pieces for the best flavor and tenderness.
Why is the lamb coated in flour before cooking?
Tossing the lamb chunks in flour helps to create a rich, thick sauce as the stew slow-cooks in the oven.
What oven temperature is required for this stew?
The stew should be cooked in an oven preheated to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius).
What type of potatoes should I use?
The recipe recommends using 1 lb of thin-skinned baby potatoes, divided during the layering process.
What vegetables are included in this Irish stew?
This hearty stew includes baby potatoes, baby carrots, parsnips, sweet onion, garlic, green peas, and cabbage.
How long does the stew need to cook in the oven?
The stew should cook for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened.
Can I substitute the lamb broth?
Yes, if fresh lamb broth is unavailable, you can use unsalted chicken or beef broth as a substitute.
Is whiskey a necessary ingredient for this stew?
No, adding 2 ounces of whiskey is optional, but it enhances the deep flavors of the broth.
When should the cabbage and peas be added?
Add the green peas and coarsely chopped cabbage about 15 minutes before serving to ensure they stay tender yet crisp.
How do I prevent the cabbage from becoming slimy?
By adding the cabbage only during the last 15 minutes of cooking, you ensure it remains tender-crisp rather than overcooked and slimy.
What is the best way to layer the ingredients?
Start with the floured lamb, then add half the potatoes, carrots, parsnips, onion, and garlic, finishing with the remaining potatoes on top.
How should I garnish the stew before serving?
Decorate the stew with fresh minced thyme and parsley for a burst of color and aromatic flavor.
What should I serve with this lamb stew?
It is highly recommended to serve this stew alongside Irish soda bread for a complete, traditional meal.
How many calories are in one serving of this stew?
There are approximately 250 calories per serving of this Savory Irish Lamb Stew.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 12g of fat.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This recipe provides 15g of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 20g of carbohydrates per serving of this stew.
What type of pot should I use for cooking?
A large Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid is ideal for this slow-cooking oven method.
How do I prepare the parsnips?
The parsnips should be peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks before being layered into the pot.
Is the garlic minced or crushed?
The recipe calls for one large garlic clove to be finely minced.
Should I use whole or sliced carrots?
The recipe uses 6 ounces of whole baby carrots.
What type of onion is recommended?
One medium sweet onion, peeled and chopped, is recommended for this recipe.
Can I use frozen peas?
Yes, you can use frozen green peas, but they should be thawed before being stirred into the stew.
What should I do if the stew looks dry while cooking?
Check the pot periodically and add additional broth as needed to prevent the stew from drying out.
How should the cabbage be prepared?
You should use 2 cups of coarsely chopped cabbage.
What herbs are used in the seasoning?
The recipe uses fresh thyme (minced) and fresh parsley (minced) as primary herbs.
Does this recipe follow Irish cuisine traditions?
Yes, it is tagged as Irish cuisine and is described as a traditional slow-cooked family recipe.
Is this a slow-cooked recipe?
Yes, it is a slow-cooked dish that requires 2 to 2.5 hours of oven time to achieve tender meat.
How much flour is needed for the lamb?
Approximately 1/2 cup of flour is used for coating the lamb pieces.