Traditional Irish Stew

Sat, 7 October 2023

INGREDIENTS:
2 tbsp olive oil
2.5 lb / 1.25 kg beef chuck , boneless short rib or any other slow cooking beef (no bone)
3/4 tsp each salt and black pepper
3 garlic cloves , minced
2 onions , chopped (brown, white or yellow)
6 oz / 180g bacon , speck or pancetta, diced
3 tbsp flour (all purpose/plain, Note 3 for GF)
440ml / 14.9 oz Guinness Beer (Note 1)
4 tbsp tomato paste
3 cups (750 ml) chicken stock/broth (or beef broth – Note 4)
3 carrots , peeled and cut into 1.25 cm / 1/2″ thick pieces
2 large celery stalks , cut into 2cm / 1″ pieces
2 bay leaves
3 sprigs thyme (or sub with 1 tsp dried thyme leaves)

METHOD:
1. Cut the beef into 5cm/2″ chunks. Pat dry then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
2. Heat oil in a heavy based pot over high heat. Add beef in batches and brown well all over.
Remove onto plate. Repeat with remaining beef.
3. Lower heat to medium. If the pot is looking dry, add oil.
4. Cook garlic and onion for 3 minutes until softening, then add bacon.
5. Cook until bacon is browned, then stir through carrot and celery.
6. Add flour, and stir for 1 minute to cook off the flour.
7. Add Guinness, chicken broth/stock and tomato paste. Mix well (to ensure flour dissolves
well), add bay leaves and thyme.
8. Return beef into the pot (including any juices). Liquid level should just cover – see video or
photos.
9. Cover, lower heat so it is bubbling gently. Cook for 2 hours – the beef should be pretty tender
by now. Remove the lid then simmer for a further 30 – 45 minutes or until the beef falls apart at
a touch, the sauce has reduced and thickened slightly.
10. Skim off fat on the surface, if desired. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Remove bay leaves
and thyme.
11. Serve with creamy mashed potatoes!