Traditional Irish Beef Stew

Certainly! Traditional Irish Beef Stew is a hearty and comforting dish, especially popular during the colder months. Here’s a basic recipe for you:

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (about 1 kg) stewing beef, cut into chunks
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 large onions, coarsely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup Guinness beer (or any other stout beer)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced into chunks
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Coat the Beef:
   • In a bowl, coat the beef chunks with flour, salt, and pepper.
3. Brown the Beef:
   • Heat the vegetable oil in a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef chunks on all sides. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Remove the browned beef and set it aside.
4. Saute Onions and Garlic:
   • In the same pot, add chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook until the onions are softened.
5. Deglaze the Pot:
   • Pour in the Guinness beer to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
6. Add Remaining Ingredients:
   • Return the browned beef to the pot. Add beef broth, tomato paste, sugar, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine.
7. Simmer:
   • Bring the stew to a simmer. Then, cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Let it cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
8. Add Vegetables:
   • Add the carrots and potatoes to the pot. Cover and continue cooking in the oven for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked through.
9. Check Seasoning:
   • Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt and pepper if needed.
10. Serve:
    • Ladle the stew into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Enjoy your delicious and traditional Irish Beef Stew!