Irish Lamb and Oatmeal Stew
A hearty and comforting stew featuring tender lamb, root vegetables, and the subtle nuttiness of oatmeal, a traditional addition to thicken and enrich the broth.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.2 kg Lamb shoulder(cut into 2-inch chunks)
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 4 medium Carrots(peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks)
- 2 medium Parsnips(peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks)
- 600 g Potatoes(waxy, peeled and cut into 1.5-inch chunks)
- 100 g Pearl barley
- 1.5 L Chicken stock
- 3 sprigs Fresh thyme
- 2 Bay leaves
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 150°C (300°F).
💡 Tip: This slow cooking method ensures tender lamb. - 2
Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof casserole dish or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb in batches until well-seared on all sides. Remove lamb and set aside.
- 3
Add the chopped onions to the dish and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Add the carrots and parsnips to the dish and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 5
Return the lamb to the dish. Add the chicken stock, pearl barley, thyme sprigs, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
💡 Tip: Ensure the lamb is mostly submerged in the liquid. - 6
Bring the stew to a simmer on the stovetop, then cover the dish tightly with a lid or foil.
💡 Tip: Skim off any impurities that rise to the surface. - 7
Transfer to the preheated oven and cook for 1 hour.
- 8
Add the potatoes to the stew. Stir gently to incorporate. Cover again and continue to cook for another 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the lamb is fork-tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
💡 Tip: The pearl barley will absorb liquid and help thicken the stew. - 9
Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaves before serving. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
💡 Tip: Allow the stew to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can brown the lamb in bacon fat.
- ✓If you don't have pearl barley, you can use steel-cut oats, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- ✓Serve with crusty Irish soda bread for a complete meal.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a splash of Irish stout or whiskey in step 5 for added depth of flavor.
- Include other root vegetables like turnips or swede.
- For a thicker stew, you can mash a few of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot before serving.