Irish Stew, a comforting and hearty dish, has been a staple in Irish cuisine for centuries. Traditionally made with lamb or mutton, potatoes, onions, and water, it embodies simplicity and the flavorful bounty of the land. In the spirit of keeping traditions alive while embracing modern convenience, this recipe brings the classic Irish Stew into your kitchen using an Instant Pot. This method significantly reduces cooking time, allowing you to enjoy this warming dish any night of the week.
Ingredients
2 lbs lamb shoulder, cut into chunks
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
4 cups beef broth
1 cup Guinness beer (optional but recommended for a richer flavor)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon sugar
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
Season the lamb chunks with salt and pepper. Turn on your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” setting.
Add olive oil and once hot, sear the lamb chunks in batches until browned on all sides.
Remove and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables
In the same pot, add the onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
You might want to add a bit more oil if the pot seems dry.
Deglaze the Pot
Pour a bit of the beef broth into the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. These bits add a lot of flavors!
Combine Ingredients
Return the lamb to the pot along with the carrots, potatoes, the rest of the beef broth, Guinness beer, tomato paste, sugar, bay leaves, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine.
Cook
Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and set it to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” high for 35 minutes. After the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully do a quick release for any remaining pressure.
Serve
Open the lid once it’s safe to do so. Discard the bay leaves and check the seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Tips for the Perfect Irish Stew
Lamb or Mutton? Traditional Irish Stew is made with mutton, but lamb is more commonly used today for its tenderness and flavor.
Thickening the Stew: For a thicker stew, you can remove some of the cooked potatoes, mash them, and stir them back into the stew.
Guinness Beer: The addition of Guinness adds a depth of flavor that complements the lamb beautifully. However, it can be omitted if you prefer.
Storage: Irish Stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
The Instant Pot transforms this traditional Irish meal into a weeknight-friendly dish without compromising on the rich, comforting flavors that have made it a beloved classic. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or simply in the mood for a cozy meal, this Irish Stew recipe promises warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
Irish Stew stands well on its own as a complete meal, thanks to its hearty combination of protein and vegetables. However, for an even more traditional experience or when serving this dish to guests, consider the following pairing and serving suggestions:
Irish Soda Bread:
A loaf of warm, freshly baked Irish soda bread is the perfect companion to Irish Stew. Use it to sop up the savory broth, ensuring you savor every last drop. The bread’s slight sweetness complements the richness of the stew beautifully.
Green Salad:
To balance the heartiness of the stew, serve it with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. The crisp freshness of the salad will contrast nicely with the stew’s depth of flavor.
Root Vegetables:
For an even more substantial meal, consider roasting additional root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes. Their earthy flavors pair well with the lamb and can be served alongside or added into the stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking in the Instant Pot.
Wine Pairing:
A full-bodied red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a robust Merlot, pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of lamb and the savory notes of the stew. The wine’s tannins will complement the meat’s richness, making for an elegant dining experience.
Dessert:
Finish the meal on a light note with a classic Irish dessert such as apple cake or bread pudding. These desserts, not too sweet and often spiced with cinnamon or nutmeg, offer a comforting end to a traditional Irish meal.
The Joy of Cooking with an Instant Pot
The Instant Pot has revolutionized home cooking by significantly reducing cooking times and simplifying recipes that traditionally take hours to prepare. This Irish Stew recipe is a perfect example of how it can transform a dish without sacrificing any of the flavors that make it special.
When using the Instant Pot, keep these additional tips in mind for the best results:
Natural Release is Key: For meat dishes, allowing the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally is crucial. This slow release helps keep the meat tender and prevents it from becoming tough.
Layering Ingredients: When adding ingredients to the Instant Pot, place vegetables at the bottom and meat on top. This prevents scorching and ensures even cooking.
Adjusting for Altitude: If you live at a high altitude, remember to adjust your cooking time accordingly, as the pressure cooking time increases slightly with altitude.
Cooking traditional dishes like Irish Stew in an Instant Pot brings together the best of both worlds: the deep, developed flavors of a slow-cooked meal and the convenience of modern technology. Whether you’re new to Instant Pot cooking or looking for new recipes to try, this Irish Stew is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
