Irish Stew For One

So you’re in the mood for something hearty and comforting, right? Look no further than this Irish Stew, made just for one. We’re talking tender pieces of lamb, a bunch of tasty veggies, and a splash of Guinness for that rich, traditional flavor. The best part? It’s super easy to whip up but still gives you all the authentic flavors you’re craving. You’re gonna love this one-bowl wonder.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: This recipe utilizes readily available ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store.
• Single Serving: This recipe is scaled down to serve one person, reducing waste and making it perfect for anyone who is cooking for one.
• Ease of Preparation: The steps in this recipe are straightforward, making it suitable for both beginner and experienced home cooks.
• Comfort Food: Hearty and warming, this dish provides a satisfying and comforting meal, especially during the colder months.
• Adaptable: You can easily substitute ingredients based on dietary needs or preferences.

What Is Irish Stew?

Irish stew, traditionally known as “stobhach gaelach,” is a celebrated dish from Ireland. It’s a comforting stew made with meat, typically lamb or mutton, potatoes, and onions. The ingredients simmer together to create a warm, filling meal. The result? A hearty, nourishing stew that’s perfect for a chilly day.

Ingredient Notes And Substitutions

This section provides a quick rundown of the ingredients used in this Irish Stew recipe. For complete measurements and step-by-step instructions, please scroll to the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.

• Vegetable Oil: Ideal for browning the lamb, but canola oil or avocado oil works as a fine substitute.
• Lamb: The star of traditional Irish stew. If lamb’s not your thing, beef makes a good stand-in.

• Guinness Beer: A classic Irish stout that brings depth and a subtle bitterness to your stew. Swap it for another stout or a non-alcoholic beer if you prefer.
• Vegetables: The recipe calls for potatoes, onions, and carrots. However, you’re welcome to swap in other root veggies you enjoy.

• Worcestershire Sauce: Brings a savory, umami kick. No Worcestershire? Soy sauce will do the trick.
• Tomato Paste: Choose tube-packaged tomato paste for a longer fridge life. Freeze any leftover paste in ice cube trays and store the frozen cubes in a zip-top bag for later use.
• Flour: All-purpose flour is used to give the stew its comforting thickness. Gluten-free? Use cornstarch or a compatible gluten-free flour blend.
• Beef Broth: This liquid gold adds another layer of flavor and is essential for simmering. Go for low-sodium broth to better manage the saltiness of your stew.

How To Make Irish Stew For One

See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.

1. Begin by heating a tablespoon of oil in a 2-quart saucepan set to medium-high heat. Season your lamb with salt and pepper before browning it evenly on all sides for roughly 6 minutes. Once browned, transfer the lamb to a separate dish.
2. If there’s no residual oil in the pot, add an extra half tablespoon. Incorporate the chopped onions and celery, stirring occasionally until the onions become translucent. This should take about 2 minutes.
3. Next, include the garlic, stirring regularly for half a minute. This step will release a fantastic aroma in your kitchen.
4. Add the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, stirring consistently for 30 seconds.
5. Introduce the flour, sprinkling it over the vegetables. Continue to stir until no visible flour remains and the vegetables acquire a slightly mushy appearance from the flour coating. This should take about 1 minute.
6. Pour the beer and add the dried thyme, stirring until the beer has reduced and somewhat thickened.
7. Incorporate the broth and reintroduce the lamb to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, covering the pot to simmer for 25 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally, maintaining a very low simmer.
8. Lastly, add the potatoes and carrots to the stew, cover the pot, and allow it to cook on low heat for another 25 minutes. By the end, the meat should be tender and easily flake apart, and the potatoes should be cooked through. If not, continue cooking in 10 minute increments until the stew is ready.

Expert Tips

• Sear the meat: Whether you’re using lamb or opting for beef, browning the meat is crucial. Do not skip this step and make sure to sear every piece of meat thoroughly.
• Preserve the browned bits: After removing the meat, keep the browned bits left at the bottom of the pan. These crispy residuals are packed with flavor. Rather than removing them, use the Guinness to deglaze the pan and incorporate this flavor back into the stew.
• Follow the recipe sequence: Resist the urge to cook all the vegetables simultaneously. Adding potatoes and carrots together can result in them becoming mushy. While we want them tender, maintaining some texture is important.
• Adjust seasoning before serving: Always taste your stew before serving. Depending on your preference, you might need to add additional salt for enhanced flavor.

What To Serve With Irish Stew

A good stew becomes a great meal with the right accompaniments. Here are a few suggestions:

• Soda Bread: The traditional partner for Irish stew, this quick bread is perfect for soaking up the rich broth.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: For a touch of green, try these roasted sprouts.
• Mashed Potatoes: This Irish Stew pairs delightfully well with a side of creamy mashed potatoes. The potatoes’ rich and smooth texture complements the chunky and hearty components of the stew. Not only does this make for a satisfying meal, but it also ensures that all the flavorful stew juices get soaked up, leaving no flavor behind.