Irish Stew Recipe

Being from the island of Ireland, I had to include an Irish stew. Everyone has their own recipe, but this is how I make mine. It’s controversial, but I like it this way and it was inspired by my Mum who always has, and always will, make her stew in a slow cooker because it adds so much flavour. Don’t worry if you don’t like Guinness, you won’t taste it – the alcohol evaporates, leaving an amazing richness in the gravy.

Irish Stew Recipe with Beef and Guinness

Serves 4
Per serving: 537 calories

Ingredients

• 400ml Guinness
• 500g diced beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 carrots, chopped (skin left on)
• a handful of fresh thyme
• 1 tbsp tomato purée
• 2–3 beef stock cubes
• 600ml boiling water (or less if you prefer)
• 1 tsp curry powder
• 1–2 bay leaves
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped
• 7 potatoes, peeled and quartered
• gravy granules or 1 heaped tbsp of cornflour, mixed to a paste with 1 tbsp water (optional)
• fresh parsley, to garnish (optional)
• salt and pepper, to taste

Method

1. Place all the ingredients in the slow cooker, stir and season to taste. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8–9 hours, then use a spoon to break up some of the potatoes into the sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if using.

All you need is crusty bread with butter, and lots of it.
If you like a thick sauce, add the gravy granules or cornflour paste, but I prefer mine without.