Irish Lamb Stew and Soda Bread

prep time:: 30 Minutes for Stew, 15 Minutes for the Bread
total time:: 4 Hours for both recipes made at once

Makes 4 servings

I was told my Friends’ Mother’s Irish Stew and Soda Bread was the absolute best. When I tried it, I knew it was because of the Guinness... I asked him for the recipe, and after I had to literally beg for it- “Your the best” 50 times later, and I got it, and even the Soda Bread!

ingredients

For the Stew You’ll Need:

3 Pounds Lamb Shoulder, with little fat, Cubed
1/2 Cup Flour
3 Russet Potato’s , Peeled and Cubed
3 Large Carrots, Peeled and Sliced
6 Celery Stalks Cut into 1/2 inch Pieces
2 Large Yellow Onions, Cut into Large Dice
4 Cloves Garlic, Minced
1 Bunch Fresh Rosemary
1 Bunch Fresh Thyme
1 Bunch Fresh Parsley
2 Quarts Beef Broth
1/2 Can Guinness Stout
2 Teaspoons Corn Starch
Salt and Freshly Cracked Black Pepper
to taste.

directions

For the Bread You’ll Need:

1
1 Cup All- purpose Flour
2
1 Cup Whole Wheat Flour
3
1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
4
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
5
1/4 Cup Oatmeal
6
1 Cup Buttermilk

For the Stew:

1
In a large pot,
2
Season the Meat with Salt, and brown in a little bit of Oil.
3
Remove and Reserve, Sprinkling with a little flour. Add the Onions, Garlic, Carrots, and Celery to the pot and Saute, tossing to coat with the fat.
4
Add the Guinness and de-glaze, scraping up the caramelized meat juices.
5
Add the Potato’s, and the meat back in. Add enough stock to barely cover everything.
6
Cook over Medium- Low Heat until just boiling, then reduce heat to very low, and simmer 2-3 hours until the meat is tender, stirring occasionally.
7
Add Seasonings, and Herbs, and stir in the cornstarch (Mixed with 4 Teaspoons Water) and stir.
8
Cook over a Low Heat, for a few more minutes, until thickened.
9
Serve with plenty of Irish Bread, and more Guinness.
10
Enjoy.

For the Soda Bread:

1
Preheat the Oven to 375 degrees F.
2
In a large bowl,mix the Flour, Baking Soda, Salt, and Oats in a bowl.
3
Mix in the Buttermilk, and form a dough.
4
Shape the dough and place it on a baking sheet or in a loaf pan.
5
Bake in the hot Oven for 40 Minutes.It will be done when the top is golden brown.
6
My friend says he “slathers it with butter”.
7
Enjoy.