Traditional Irish Stew

Prep: 30 min Cook: 60 min
Categories: Soups & Stews, Holiday: St. Patrick's Day, Traditional: British-Irish

Ingredients:

1. 3-4 c water
2. 1 lamb or mutton discards, such as: neckbone, shank, etc.
   
3. 1-2 lb lamb or mutton
   
4. 2 large onions
   
5. 4 large carrots
6. 8 large potatoes
7. Parsley
   
8. Salt & pepper, to taste
   

Optional Ingredients for a more modern stew:

1. Other Root Vegetables, such as: turnips or parsnips
   
2. A bottle of good Stout Irish Beer
   
3. Barley
   
4. Herbs, such as: rosemary or thyme
5. Mushrooms
6. Brown Table Sauce, such as: Worcestershire, Epicure's, or Piccalilli
   
7. Tomato Sauce, such as: Ketchup or Italian Sauce
   
8. A touch of Curry powder
9. Beef bouillon or gravy granules
10. Powdered oxtail soup mix, such as a good Irish brand like Knorr

Directions:

1. Simmer water & discards in a large pot for 30 min to form a good stock
   
2. Wash onions & carrots than slice into large, bite sized chunks
3. Wash & slice potatoes into halves, peel if you'd prefer
   
4. Cube meat, if using ground mean roll into meatballs.
5. Remove discards from pot & replace with meat & potatoes, bring to a boil.
   
6. Once boiling add remaining vegetables, keep on a low boil for approximately 30 min.
7. Check with a fork to see if meat is thoroughly cooked & potatoes are soft inside, if not continue boiling an additional 15 min.
   
8. Bring to a simmer adding herbs & spices.
9. Simmer 15 min to let spices soak in.
   

Perfectly paired with a slice of bread & butter.