Irish Stew
Recipe courtesy of the Idaho Potato Commission.
Recipe Ingredients:
2 pounds boneless blade steaks (6 lamb shoulder chops can be substituted)
2 pounds Idaho Potatoes (4 med. potatoes) peeled and sliced 1/4-inch thick
3 cups onions, peeled, cut in half and thinly sliced
2 cups carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch lengths
12 sprigs fresh thyme, or 1 1/2 teaspoons dry thyme - divided use
Salt to taste
Fresh ground black pepper to taste
12 ounces (1 1/2 cups) prepared beef broth
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Fresh chopped flat-leaf parsley for garnish
Cooking Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- On the bottom of a 3-quart casserole dish or heavy pot with a lid, spread half the potatoes, onions and carrots. Season heavily with salt and pepper. Top with 6 sprigs of fresh thyme or 3/4 teaspoon of dry thyme. Place the blade steaks or chops on top of the vegetables. Top the meat with the remaining potatoes, onions and carrots. Season well with more salt and pepper. Top with remaining dry thyme.
- Cover the stew with the beef broth and enough cold water to barely cover the top layer of vegetables in the pot. Place the lid on the pot and cook for 2 1/2 hours. until the meat and potatoes are fork tender.
- To serve, remove the meat, potatoes, and vegetables from the pot. Discard the thyme stalks if using fresh thyme.
- In a small bowl, blend 3 tablespoons of flour with enough water to make a smooth paste. With a wire whisk, blend the flour mixture into the hot broth. Stir well to dissolve the mixture. Place the pot on the stove and bring to a boil. Cook the sauce for 3 to 4 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- To serve, place the potatoes, vegetables and a piece of meat on plates or in large bowls. Top with sauce and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Makes 6 servings.
Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/6 of recipe): Calories: 472; Total Fat: 17g; Saturated Fat: 7g; Cholesterol: 112mg; Total Carbs: 42g; Protein: 38g; Sodium: 492mg.
Recipe and photograph courtesy of the Idaho Potato Commission.