Traditional Irish Stew with Pearl Barley

Experience the heartwarming flavors of Ireland with this Traditional Irish Stew with Pearl Barley, a hearty and wholesome dish perfect for cozy family dinners. Made with tender chunks of lamb shoulder, hearty root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and parsnips, and the nutty goodness of pearl barley, this classic stew is simmered to perfection in a rich broth infused with fresh thyme. The slow-cooking process ensures melt-in-your-mouth lamb and a depth of flavor that's truly comforting. Garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and best served with crusty bread, this Irish stew is a celebration of rustic comfort and old-world charm. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any cold evening, this recipe delivers warmth and nourishment in every spoonful.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:140 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 800 grams lamb shoulder (boneless, cut into chunks)
• 600 grams potatoes (peeled and chopped into large chunks)
• 300 grams carrots (peeled and sliced into thick rounds)
• 200 grams parsnips (peeled and sliced into thick rounds)
• 1 large yellow onion (peeled and finely chopped)
• 2 stalks celery stalks (chopped)
• 100 grams pearl barley
• 1.2 liters beef or lamb stock
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (chopped)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Step 2

Season the lamb chunks with salt and black pepper, then brown them in batches in the pot. Remove the lamb and set aside.

Step 3

Lower the heat to medium and add the chopped onion, celery, and thyme to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.

Step 4

Return the lamb to the pot, then add the pearl barley. Stir everything together for 1-2 minutes.

Step 5

Pour in the stock, ensuring the ingredients are just covered. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 45 minutes, covered.

Step 6

Add the potatoes, carrots, and parsnips to the pot. Stir well and simmer for another 30-40 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the lamb is falling apart.

Step 7

Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 8

Serve the Irish stew hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and accompanied by crusty bread if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3486.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3554.7

Total Fat 197.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 71.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 620.3mg	0%
Sodium 4990.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 278.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 47.8g	0%
Total Sugars 39.7g
Protein 188.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 453.0mg	0%
Iron 22.4mg	0%
Potassium 7374.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.7%

Protein: 20.7%

Carbs: 30.6%