Slow Cooker Traditional Irish Lamb Stew
Warm your heart and home with this Slow Cooker Traditional Irish Lamb Stew, a comforting and hearty dish that celebrates the rich flavors of Ireland. Tender cubes of boneless lamb shoulder are simmered alongside a medley of fresh vegetables including potatoes, carrots, and onions, all infused with fragrant herbs like rosemary and thyme. This stew is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, and the long cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete meal that will transport you straight to the Emerald Isle.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless lamb shoulder
1 1/2 lbs (cut into 1-inch cubes)
potatoes
6 small (sliced)
white onions
6 small (quartered)
carrots
6 (sliced)
dried rosemary
2 teaspoons
dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon
bay leaf
1
water
2 cups
Instructions
1
In a large slow cooker, combine the boneless lamb shoulder, sliced potatoes, quartered onions, sliced carrots, dried rosemary, dried thyme, and bay leaf.
2
Pour in the water, ensuring all ingredients are submerged.
3
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on high for 1 hour to help the ingredients begin to heat through.
4
After 1 hour, reduce the heat to low and allow the stew to cook for an additional 10 to 12 hours, until the lamb is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
5
Once cooked, season the stew to taste with salt and pepper.
6
Finally, remember to discard the bay leaf before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Traditional Irish Lamb Stew?
Traditional Irish Lamb Stew is a comforting and hearty dish made with tender lamb shoulder, root vegetables, and fragrant herbs simmered slowly to meld flavors.
What cut of meat is used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for 1 1/2 lbs of boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes.
How long does the stew cook in the slow cooker?
The stew cooks for 1 hour on high followed by an additional 10 to 12 hours on low.
What vegetables are included in this Irish stew?
The recipe includes six small sliced potatoes, six small quartered white onions, and six sliced carrots.
Do I need to brown the lamb before adding it to the slow cooker?
No, the instructions specify to combine the raw lamb cubes directly with the other ingredients in the slow cooker.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The stew is seasoned with 2 teaspoons of dried rosemary, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, and one bay leaf.
How much liquid is required for this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 cups of water, ensuring all ingredients are submerged before cooking.
Should I cook the stew on high or low?
You should start on high for 1 hour to heat the ingredients, then switch to low for the remainder of the 10-12 hour cooking period.
When should I add salt and pepper?
Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste once the cooking process is complete.
What should I do with the bay leaf before serving?
You must remember to discard the bay leaf before serving the stew.
Can I substitute the water with broth?
Yes, you can substitute the 2 cups of water with lamb or beef broth for a richer flavor profile.
What size should the lamb pieces be?
The boneless lamb shoulder should be cut into 1-inch cubes for optimal tenderness.
How should the onions be prepared?
The six small white onions should be quartered before being added to the slow cooker.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written with meat, vegetables, water, and herbs, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
What is the best way to serve Irish Lamb Stew?
It is best served with crusty bread to complement the hearty vegetables and tender lamb.
Can I use a different type of potato?
While the recipe calls for small sliced potatoes, you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes which hold their shape well in slow cookers.
Is this a good recipe for meal prep?
Yes, the long cook time and the fact that it yields a hearty stew makes it excellent for preparing ahead of time.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, but you should generally use three times the amount of fresh herbs when substituting for dried.
Does the lamb become tender after 12 hours?
Yes, the low and slow cooking method is specifically designed to make the lamb shoulder cubes very tender.
Can I add other vegetables?
Certainly; vegetables like leeks, parsnips, or peas are common additions to traditional Irish stews.
Why do I start the slow cooker on high for one hour?
Starting on high for the first hour helps the large volume of ingredients reach a safe cooking temperature more quickly.
How many carrots are needed?
The recipe requires 6 carrots, which should be sliced before adding to the pot.
Can I use a lamb leg instead of shoulder?
You can, but the shoulder is preferred for stews because its higher fat content keeps it moist during long cooking times.
Is this recipe suitable for a large family?
Yes, with 1.5 lbs of meat and 18 vegetable units (potatoes, onions, carrots), it provides a substantial meal.
What type of onions work best?
The recipe suggests small white onions, which provide a mild and sweet flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze this stew?
Yes, lamb stew freezes well for up to 3 months, though the texture of the potatoes may change slightly.
What makes this stew 'traditional'?
It is considered traditional due to its use of lamb, root vegetables, and simple herb seasonings common in Irish rural cooking.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, provided your slow cooker is large enough to hold double the ingredients while keeping them submerged.
Do I need to peel the carrots?
While the recipe just says 'sliced', most people prefer to peel the carrots first for a better texture.