Slow Cooker Irish Stew with Beef and Guinness
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This classic hearty Irish stew from Bored of Lunch is perfect for popping in the slow cooker for a warming meal at the end of a cold winter's day.
From the book
Introduction
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.
Ingredients
400ml | Guinness |
500g | diced beef |
1 | onion, chopped |
4 | carrots, chopped (skin left on) |
Handful of | fresh thyme |
1 tbsp | tomato purée |
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 |
Essential kit
You will need: a slow cooker.
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.
Notes: 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.
537 calories per serving.