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Recipe  •  23 January 2023

 

Irish stew with beef & Guinness

A one-step, full-flavour Irish stew.

Being from the island of Ireland, I had to include an Irish stew. Everyone has their own recipe, but this is how I make mine. It’s controversial, but I like it this way and it was inspired by my Mum who always has, and always will, make her stew in a slow cooker because it adds so much flavour. Don’t worry if you don’t like Guinness, you won’t taste it – the alcohol evaporates, leaving an amazing richness in the gravy.

Tip: All you need is crusty bread with butter, and lots of it. If you like a thick sauce, add the gravy granules or cornflour paste, but I prefer mine without.

Serves 4

  • 400ml Guinness
  • 500g diced beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 carrots, chopped (skin left on)
  • handful of fresh thyme
  • 1 tbsp tomato puree
  • 2–3 beef stock cubes
  • 600ml boiling water (or less if you prefer)
  • 1 tsp curry powder
  • 1–2 bay leaves
  • 3 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 7 potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • gravy granules or 1 heaped tbsp of cornflour, mixed to a paste with 1 tbsp water (optional)
  • fresh parsley, to garnish (optional)
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Method

Place all the ingredients in the slow cooker, stir and season to taste. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8–9 hours, then use a spoon to break up some of the potatoes into the sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if using.

Feature Title

Bored of Lunch: The Healthy Slow Cooker Book
The much-anticipated first book from the hit diet recipe platform, Bored of Lunch. Eat well and save money with 80 easy, healthy slow cooker recipes. For fans of Pinch of Nom Quick and Easy (463k TCM), BBC Good Food's Slow Cooker Favourites (163k TCM) and The Fitness Chef (20k TCM).
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