Ingredients

4 slices bacon , chopped
2 pounds cubed lamb stew meat
salt and ground black pepper to taste
2 stalks celery , sliced
1 carrot , chopped
1 red onion , chopped
4 cloves garlic , chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes , with juice
4 cups beef stock , or as needed
1 cup pearl barley , rinsed
1 pound small red potatoes , cubed
2 carrots , sliced
1 rutabaga , peeled and cubed
1 package sliced fresh mushrooms
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour , or as needed
JG's Irish Lamb Stew is a popular traditional Irish dish that has been passed down through generations. It originated as a peasant food that used affordable and available ingredients like lamb, potatoes, and barley to make a nourishing and flavorful stew. Today, it is a staple in Irish cuisine and a beloved comfort food for many. JG's recipe adds a twist to the classic by incorporating bacon, mushrooms, and herbs that give it an extra depth of flavor and aroma. It can be served with bread, crackers, or a side salad and stored in the fridge or freezer for future meals.

Instructions

1.Cook bacon in a large pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp, about 10 minutes.
2.Remove bacon with a slotted spoon to a plate lined with paper towels.
3.Season lamb with salt and pepper.
4.Increase pot heat to medium-high.
5.Brown lamb in pot in hot bacon grease, working in batches, until browned on all sides, 7 to 10 minutes per batch.
6.Transfer browned lamb to a plate.
7.Cook and stir celery, 1 chopped carrot, red onion, and garlic in the same pot over medium-high heat until slightly softened, about 5 minutes.
8.Stir rosemary, thyme, and oregano into celery mixture; cook and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute.
9.Stir diced tomatoes with juice into vegetable mixture.
10.Stir beef stock into vegetable-tomato mixture and bring to a simmer.
11.Add barley, potatoes, sliced carrots, and rutabaga to stock mixture; simmer until barley and vegetables are tender, about 1 hour.
12.Stir mushrooms into stew; simmer until mushrooms are cooked, about 15 minutes.
13.Whisk flour and enough water together in a bowl to make a smooth paste; stir into stew to thicken.

PROS

JG’s Irish Lamb Stew is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for cold weather.

It is packed with nutritious vegetables, protein, and fiber.

It also makes a great one-pot meal that saves time and energy.

CONS

This stew is relatively high in calories and fat due to the lamb and bacon.

It may not be suitable for people with dietary restrictions or preferences.

It also requires some preparation time and effort to chop and cook the ingredients.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

JG’s Irish Lamb Stew is loaded with beneficial nutrients that can support overall health and well-being.
Lamb is a good source of protein, iron, and zinc that can promote muscle growth and repair, blood circulation, and immune function.
Vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, and mushrooms are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber that can boost digestion, immunity, and heart health.
Barley is a whole grain that can regulate blood sugar, lower cholesterol, and reduce inflammation.

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