County Cork Irish Stew

County Cork Irish Stew Recipe - A Hearty Dish from Ireland

Region / culture: Ireland | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

County Cork Irish Stew is a traditional dish that has been enjoyed in Ireland for generations. This hearty and comforting stew is made with tender lamb chops, potatoes, cabbage, peas, and a variety of vegetables, all simmered together in a flavorful broth. It is the perfect dish to warm you up on a cold day.

History

Irish stew has been a staple in Irish cuisine for centuries. Originally made with whatever ingredients were available, such as mutton or goat meat, potatoes, and onions, it has evolved over time to include a wider variety of vegetables and seasonings. County Cork Irish Stew is a regional variation of this classic dish, known for its use of lamb chops and a mix of vegetables.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) potatoes, peeled and cut into quarters
2 cups cabbage, shredded
1.5 cups peas
1.5 cups celery, diced
1 tbsp vegetable oil
12 white onions
8 lamb chops
1 leek, sliced
some herbs (parsley, bay leaf, peppercorns, thyme, and rosemary)
seasoning

How to prepare

Season the lamb chops with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large saucepan and brown the chops on both sides. Remove any melted fat that may accumulate. Once all the lamb chops are browned, add enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil. Place parsley, bay leaf, peppercorns, thyme, and rosemary in a cheesecloth and add it to the saucepan. Reduce the heat and simmer. Add potatoes, cabbage, onion, leek, white onions, and celery. Simmer for 20 minutes. Then, add the peas. If necessary, add more water. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes or until the potatoes are soft. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot.

Variations

You can substitute the lamb chops with beef or chicken if you prefer.
Add some diced carrots or turnips for extra flavor and texture.
For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms or bell peppers.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the lamb chops before adding them to the stew to enhance their flavor.

- Use a mix of fresh herbs, such as parsley, thyme, and rosemary, to add depth to the broth.

- Simmer the stew slowly to allow the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender.

- Adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.

Serving Suggestions

County Cork Irish Stew is best served hot, straight from the pot. You can accompany it with some crusty bread or Irish soda bread to soak up the flavorful broth. A side salad or steamed greens can also complement the stew nicely.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the lamb chops before adding them to the stew helps to seal in the juices and enhance their flavor.

- Simmering the stew slowly allows the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender.

- Adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have lamb chops, you can use beef or chicken instead.

- Feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand, such as carrots, turnips, or bell peppers.

- Substitute vegetable oil with olive oil or butter for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

County Cork Irish Stew can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Presentation Ideas

Serve County Cork Irish Stew in a large bowl, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. You can also sprinkle some grated cheese on top for extra flavor. Pair it with a glass of red wine or a pint of Guinness for a complete Irish meal.

Pairing Recommendations

County Cork Irish Stew pairs well with a variety of beverages, including red wine, beer, or cider. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with a glass of apple juice or sparkling water. A side of Irish soda bread or crusty bread is also a great accompaniment.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

County Cork Irish Stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply transfer it to a saucepan and heat over medium heat until warmed through. You may need to add a little water or broth to thin out the stew if it has thickened.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of County Cork Irish Stew contains approximately 400 calories. This makes it a satisfying meal that can help keep you full and energized.

Carbohydrates

County Cork Irish Stew is a hearty dish that is relatively low in carbohydrates. The main sources of carbs in this recipe come from the potatoes, peas, and cabbage. One serving of this stew contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The lamb chops in County Cork Irish Stew are a good source of healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, the vegetable oil used for browning the meat adds some fat to the dish. One serving of this stew contains around 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Lamb is a rich source of protein, making County Cork Irish Stew a protein-packed meal. One serving of this stew provides approximately 25 grams of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.

Vitamins and minerals

County Cork Irish Stew is a nutrient-dense dish that provides a variety of vitamins and minerals. Potatoes are a good source of vitamin C and potassium, while cabbage is rich in vitamin K and fiber. Peas are high in vitamin A and iron, and lamb is a good source of B vitamins and zinc.

Alergens

This recipe contains lamb, which is a common allergen for some individuals. If you have a lamb allergy, you can substitute the meat with beef or another protein of your choice.

Summary

County Cork Irish Stew is a well-rounded dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a nutritious and delicious meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Summary

County Cork Irish Stew is a classic dish that is hearty, comforting, and full of flavor. Made with tender lamb chops, potatoes, cabbage, peas, and a mix of vegetables, it is a nutritious and delicious meal that is perfect for a cozy night in. Enjoy this traditional Irish stew with your family and friends for a taste of Ireland at home.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, it left a lasting impression on me. It was many years ago when I was just a young girl living in County Cork, Ireland. My mother had invited some friends over for dinner, and she decided to make her famous Irish stew. As I watched her prepare the ingredients and cook the stew, I was mesmerized by the way she effortlessly combined flavors and created a dish that was both comforting and delicious.

I remember asking my mother where she had learned to make such a wonderful stew, and she told me that it was a recipe that had been passed down through generations in our family. She explained that Irish stew was a traditional dish in our culture, and each family had their own unique variation of the recipe. She had learned how to make it from her own mother, who had learned from her mother before her.

From that moment on, I was determined to learn how to make Irish stew myself. I would watch my mother in the kitchen whenever she made it, taking mental notes of her techniques and ingredients. As I grew older, I began to experiment with the recipe on my own, adding my own twist to it and making it my own.

One day, I decided to invite my grandmother over to teach me her version of Irish stew. She was delighted to share her knowledge with me, and we spent the day in the kitchen together, chopping vegetables, browning meat, and simmering the stew for hours on end. As the aroma of the stew filled the kitchen, my grandmother shared stories of her own childhood and the memories she had of making Irish stew with her own mother.

I was amazed at how much history and tradition were tied up in this simple dish. It was more than just a recipe – it was a connection to my past, to my family, and to my heritage. I realized that each ingredient, each step in the cooking process, held a significance that went beyond the taste of the stew itself.

After that day, I made Irish stew whenever I could, always using my grandmother's recipe as a base but adding my own touches to make it my own. I would often invite friends and family over to share in the meal, and they would always rave about how delicious it was. I felt a sense of pride knowing that I was carrying on a tradition that had been passed down through generations in my family.

As I grew older and moved away from County Cork, I continued to make Irish stew wherever I went. It became a comfort food for me, a reminder of home and of the loved ones I had left behind. I would often think of my mother and grandmother as I cooked, feeling their presence in the kitchen with me as I stirred the pot and added the final touches to the stew.

Now, as I sit here reflecting on the journey that led me to this recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the women who came before me and for the love and tradition that they passed down to me. Irish stew will always hold a special place in my heart, not just because of its delicious taste, but because of the memories and connections it represents.

And so, whenever I make Irish stew now, I do so with a sense of reverence and gratitude for the history and tradition that have been woven into this humble dish. It is more than just a recipe – it is a link to my past, a celebration of my heritage, and a way to honor the strong and resilient women who taught me how to cook with love and passion.