Description
This hearty Irish Lamb Stew features tender lamb shoulder and a medley of root vegetables slowly simmered in rich lamb broth, topped with fluffy homemade dumplings that cook to perfection right on the stove. Perfect for a comforting meal, this classic dish combines traditional Irish flavors with a satisfying cooking technique.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs lamb shoulder, cubed
 - 3 potatoes, cubed
 - 2 carrots, sliced
 - 1 onion, chopped
 - 4 cups lamb or beef broth
 - Salt and pepper, to taste
 
Dumplings
- 1 cup flour
 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
 - ½ teaspoon salt
 - ½ cup milk
 
Instructions
- Brown the lamb: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and brown the cubed lamb shoulder pieces until nicely seared on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. This step develops rich flavors.
 - Add vegetables and broth: Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and cubed potatoes to the pot. Pour in 4 cups of lamb or beef broth, season with salt and pepper to taste, and bring everything to a gentle boil.
 - Simmer until tender: Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the stew simmer for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the lamb and vegetables are tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
 - Prepare the dumpling dough: While the stew simmers, combine 1 cup flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt in a bowl. Gradually stir in ½ cup milk until a soft dough forms.
 - Add dumplings and cook: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough evenly over the simmering stew. Cover the pot tightly and cook for 20 minutes without lifting the lid, allowing the dumplings to steam and become firm and fluffy.
 
Notes
- Keep the lid tightly closed while cooking the dumplings to ensure they steam properly.
 - Use lamb broth for a more authentic flavor, but beef broth is a good substitute.
 - Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste after cooking.
 - For thicker stew, uncover during the last 20 minutes before adding dumplings to reduce some liquid.
 
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
 - Cook Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
 - Category: Stew
 - Method: Stovetop
 - Cuisine: Irish