Ingredients
Stew
- 2 pounds lamb shoulder, cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cups beef or lamb broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Dumplings
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup milk
Instructions
- Brown the lamb: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the lamb pieces and brown them evenly on all sides to develop rich flavor.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, chopped celery, and diced potatoes to the pot. Cook while stirring for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add broth and seasonings: Pour in the beef or lamb broth, then stir in the dried thyme and bay leaf. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Simmer the stew: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 45 minutes, or until the lamb is tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Prepare the dumpling dough: In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the milk and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Add dumplings to stew: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the simmering stew, spacing them evenly.
- Cook the dumplings: Cover the pot and cook for 10 to 15 minutes more, until the dumplings are puffed up and cooked through. Avoid lifting the lid to keep the steam in.
- Finish and serve: Remove the bay leaf, give the stew a gentle stir, and serve hot with the fluffy dumplings on top.
Notes
- For added variety, include peas or parsnips along with the root vegetables.
- Ensure the dumplings are fluffy and light by not overmixing the dough.
- Use fresh herbs like thyme if available for enhanced flavor.
- This stew can be made a day ahead and reheated, as flavors develop further overnight.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Irish