Irish Beef Stew

Irish beef stew is a beloved comfort food, known for its rich, savory flavors and tender chunks of beef. This hearty dish is perfect for warming up on a cold day and is traditionally made with simple, wholesome ingredients. Here’s how to make a classic Irish beef stew that will transport you to the Emerald Isle.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 cups of beef broth
• 1 cup of Guinness stout beer (optional for a richer flavor)
• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 2 parsnips, peeled and cut into chunks (optional)
• 3 stalks of celery, chopped
• 1 cup of frozen peas
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef:

• In a large bowl, season the beef cubes with salt and pepper.
• Sprinkle the flour over the beef and toss to coat evenly.

2. Brown the Beef:

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
• Add the beef in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the beef on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the beef and set aside.

3. Sauté the Aromatics:

• In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

4. Build the Broth:

• Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
• Pour in the beef broth and Guinness stout beer (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
• Add the Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and dried thyme.

5. Simmer the Stew:

• Return the browned beef to the pot.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
• Cover and let it simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

6. Add the Vegetables:

• After the stew has simmered for 1 hour, add the carrots, potatoes, parsnips (if using), and celery.
• Continue to simmer for another 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the vegetables are tender and the beef is fork-tender.

7. Final Touches:

• Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
• Remove the bay leaves and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

8. Serve:

• Ladle the stew into bowls.
• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
• Serve with crusty bread or traditional Irish soda bread for a complete meal.

Tips for the Perfect Irish Beef Stew

1. Choose the Right Cut: Beef chuck is ideal for stew due to its marbling, which breaks down and becomes tender during slow cooking.
2. Brown the Beef Well: Browning the beef adds depth of flavor to the stew. Make sure to do it in batches to avoid steaming the meat.
3. Use Guinness Stout: While optional, Guinness stout beer adds a rich, deep flavor that complements the beef and vegetables beautifully.
4. Low and Slow Cooking: Simmering the stew slowly allows the flavors to meld together and the beef to become tender.
5. Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can remove a cup of the stew, blend it, and return it to the pot, or simply let the stew simmer uncovered for a bit longer to reduce the liquid.

This traditional Irish beef stew recipe is sure to become a favorite with its rich flavors and hearty ingredients. Enjoy the comforting warmth and delicious taste of this classic dish!