Irish Stew (Stobhach)

Irish Stew (Stobhach)

The original one-pot meal of the Gaels, traditionally made with mutton, potatoes, and onions, thickened only by potato starch, cooked in cauldrons over peat fires.

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 2 hrs
Total Time 2 hrs 30 mins
Servings 6

Ingredients

  • 1kg lamb shoulder (cubed
  • bone-in)
  • 1kg potatoes (waxy)
  • 4 onions (thick sliced)
  • 4 carrots (chunky)
  • 500ml lamb stock or water
  • bunch parsley
  • thyme
  • bay leaf
  • salt
  • pepper
  • butter

Instructions

1

Layering

In heavy pot, layer half the potatoes (thick slices), then lamb, then onions and carrots. Season each layer.

2

Top Layer

Add remaining potatoes in neat layer on top. Add herbs.

3

Liquid

Pour stock to just barely cover potatoes.

4

Simmering

Bring to boil, reduce to gentle simmer. Cover, cook 1.5 hours.

5

Thickening

Some potatoes will break down, naturally thickening stew. Remove lid last 20 minutes if too thin.

6

Finishing

Stir in knob of butter and chopped parsley. Serve with soda bread.

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