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Mary Berry Irish Stew Recipe

Mary Berry Irish Stew

Mary Berry’s Irish Stew is a slow-cooked dish made with lamb or mutton, potatoes, onions, and carrots, gently simmered in stock until the meat is tender and the broth is rich. This dish is a staple in Irish cuisine, known for its simple preparation and deeply satisfying taste.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Stew:

  • 800g lamb shoulder or neck (cut into chunks)
  • 1 tbsp plain flour (for coating the meat)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion (sliced)
  • 2 carrots (sliced)
  • 2 celery stalks (chopped)
  • 1 leek (sliced)
  • 3 large potatoes (peeled and cut into chunks)
  • 500ml lamb or beef stock
  • 250ml water
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)

For Garnish:

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the lamb.
Pat the lamb dry with a paper towel and season with salt and black pepper. Toss in flour to coat lightly.

Step 2: Brown the meat.
Heat olive oil in a large casserole dish over medium-high heat. Add the lamb in batches and sear until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the vegetables.
In the same dish, add the onions, carrots, celery, and leeks. Sauté for 5 minutes until slightly softened.

Step 4: Add potatoes and herbs.
Return the browned lamb to the pot, then add the potatoes, thyme, and bay leaf.

Step 5: Pour in the stock.
Pour in the lamb stock and water. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the meat is tender and the broth is rich.

Step 6: Adjust seasoning and serve.
Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.