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Irish Lamb Stew with Fluffy Dumplings Recipe

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4.1 from 28 reviews

A traditional Irish comfort dish featuring tender lamb shoulder simmered with root vegetables and aromatic herbs in a savory broth, topped with fluffy homemade dumplings. This hearty stew is perfect for warming up on a cold day and makes a satisfying family meal.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Add dumplings to stew: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the simmering stew, spacing them evenly.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Irish