Best 4 Chef Johns Irish Stew Recipes

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The renowned chef John Besh, better known as Chef John, has a delectable Irish stew recipe that has won the hearts of many food enthusiasts. This sumptuous dish is a perfect representation of comfort food, originating from the emerald isles of Ireland. It is a symphony of tender lamb, hearty potatoes, and an assortment of vegetables, all simmered in a flavorful broth. The result is a soul-warming stew that is sure to impress both novice and experienced chefs alike. Join us on a culinary adventure as we explore the intricate details of Chef John's Irish stew recipe, unveiling the secrets behind its remarkable taste and exploring variations that can enhance your culinary experience.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

CHEF JOHN'S IRISH PORK STEW



Chef John's Irish Pork Stew image

I'm sure you've heard by now that corned beef and cabbage is not authentic St. Patrick's Day food. I decided to do a little mash-up and this Irish pork stew with baby cabbage was the result. By the way, baby cabbage can be a little hard to find, but you can use Brussels sprouts, and no one will know the difference, mostly because there isn't one.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Stews     Irish Stew Recipes

Time 2h50m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 (2 1/2 pound) boneless pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch cubes
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 bay leaf
¾ teaspoon caraway seed
1 (12 fluid ounce) bottle dark beer (such as Guinness®)
2 cups chicken broth
3 carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 stalks celery, cut into 1-inch pieces
¼ cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
12 Brussels sprouts, halved
3 cups mashed potatoes, or as needed
1 teaspoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, or to taste

Steps:

  • Season pork cubes with salt and black pepper.
  • Heat vegetable oil in a pot over high heat. Working in batches, cook and stir pork in hot oil until browned on all sides, 5 to 10 minutes. Transfer pork to a bowl and reduce heat to medium.
  • Melt butter in the pot. Cook and stir onion with a pinch of salt in hot butter until onion is softened and translucent, 7 to 10 minutes. Add garlic; saute until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  • Stir flour into onion mixture; cook and stir until flour is completely incorporated, about 2 minutes. Add bay leaf and caraway seed; cook for 2 minutes more. Pour beer into onion mixture. Cook and stir until thickened, 1 to 3 minutes.
  • Stir pork, chicken broth, carrots, and celery into beer mixture; bring to simmer. Stir 1/4 cup parsley and balsamic vinegar into stew, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until pork is fork-tender, about 2 hours.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the Brussels sprouts and cook uncovered until almost tender, about 5 minutes. Drain.
  • Stir Brussels sprouts into stew and simmer until heated through, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Divide mashed potatoes between 6 bowls. Ladle stew over potatoes and top each with a pinch of parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 400.8 calories, Carbohydrate 32.9 g, Cholesterol 68.3 mg, Fat 19.4 g, Fiber 4.7 g, Protein 20.3 g, SaturatedFat 7.1 g, Sodium 768.5 mg, Sugar 6.6 g

CHEF JOHN'S IRISH STEW



Chef John's Irish Stew image

Pay attention to the cut of lamb used in this recipe. I used lamb shoulder chops, which are a fantastic value, when you consider flavor, useable meat, and price. They will probably be the cheapest lamb at the store, have more flavor and richness than leg meat, and are cheaper than shanks and loins. It takes a while for the meat to braise and fall off the bone, but it's a wait rewarded with tender, succulent chucks of lamb.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Stews     Irish Stew Recipes

Time 2h45m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 13

3 pounds lamb shoulder chops
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups chicken stock
½ teaspoon dried rosemary
2 carrots, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
water as needed
1 ½ pounds baby Dutch yellow potatoes
¼ cup chopped green onions

Steps:

  • Season lamb shoulder chops with salt and black pepper.
  • Heat oil in a large heavy skillet over high heat. Working in batches, cook lamb shoulder chops until browned on both sides, 3 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer chops to a stock pot.
  • Cook and stir onion with a pinch of salt in the same skillet over medium heat until slightly softened and edges are browning, about 5 minutes. Stir butter into onion until melted; add flour and stir until onions are coated, about 1 minute.
  • Pour stock into onion mixture; bring to a boil, add rosemary, and stir until mixture thickens, 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Stir carrots and celery into pot with lamb shoulder chops and pour chicken stock mixture over the top. Add water as needed to cover meat completely. Bring mixture to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and cook until meat is almost falling off the bone, about 1 1/2 hours.
  • Transfer meat to a plate. Stir potatoes into stew and return meat to stew, placing on top of vegetables. Simmer, covered, until potatoes are tender and meat is falling off the bone, about 30 minutes.
  • Transfer meat to a plate using a slotted spoon. Bring stew to a boil and cook, skimming off fat, until stew is reduced and thick, 10 to 12 minutes.
  • Remove meat from bones; discard bones and any pieces of fat. Stir meat back into stew. Stir green onions into stew and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 507.6 calories, Carbohydrate 28.6 g, Cholesterol 120.5 mg, Fat 29.1 g, Fiber 4.1 g, Protein 32.1 g, SaturatedFat 12 g, Sodium 465.8 mg, Sugar 4 g

CHEF JOHN'S IRISH STEW



Chef John's Irish Stew image

Pay attention to the cut of lamb used in this recipe. I used lamb shoulder chops, which are a fantastic value, when you consider flavor, useable meat, and price. They will probably be the cheapest lamb at the store, have more flavor and richness than leg meat, and are cheaper than shanks and loins. It takes a while for the meat to braise and fall off the bone, but it's a wait rewarded with tender, succulent chucks of lamb.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Irish Stew

Time 2h45m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 13

3 pounds lamb shoulder chops
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups chicken stock
½ teaspoon dried rosemary
2 carrots, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
water as needed
1 ½ pounds baby Dutch yellow potatoes
¼ cup chopped green onions

Steps:

  • Season lamb shoulder chops with salt and black pepper.
  • Heat oil in a large heavy skillet over high heat. Working in batches, cook lamb shoulder chops until browned on both sides, 3 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer chops to a stock pot.
  • Cook and stir onion with a pinch of salt in the same skillet over medium heat until slightly softened and edges are browning, about 5 minutes. Stir butter into onion until melted; add flour and stir until onions are coated, about 1 minute.
  • Pour stock into onion mixture; bring to a boil, add rosemary, and stir until mixture thickens, 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Stir carrots and celery into pot with lamb shoulder chops and pour chicken stock mixture over the top. Add water as needed to cover meat completely. Bring mixture to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and cook until meat is almost falling off the bone, about 1 1/2 hours.
  • Transfer meat to a plate. Stir potatoes into stew and return meat to stew, placing on top of vegetables. Simmer, covered, until potatoes are tender and meat is falling off the bone, about 30 minutes.
  • Transfer meat to a plate using a slotted spoon. Bring stew to a boil and cook, skimming off fat, until stew is reduced and thick, 10 to 12 minutes.
  • Remove meat from bones; discard bones and any pieces of fat. Stir meat back into stew. Stir green onions into stew and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 507.6 calories, Carbohydrate 28.6 g, Cholesterol 120.5 mg, Fat 29.1 g, Fiber 4.1 g, Protein 32.1 g, SaturatedFat 12 g, Sodium 465.8 mg, Sugar 4 g

BEEF AND GUINNESS® STEW



Beef and Guinness® Stew image

The maltiness of dark beer really does amazing things for this gravy. It's a very simple dish, but at the same time it has a deep, complex, rich flavor. I served this in a nice ring of green onion-mashed potatoes. I hope you give this a try, whether for St. Patrick's Day or anytime of the year.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Stews     Irish Stew Recipes

Time 3h

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 16

4 slices bacon, cut into small pieces
2 ½ pounds boneless beef chuck, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 teaspoon salt, or more to taste
freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 onions, coarsely chopped
½ teaspoon salt
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.9 ounce) can dark beer (such as Guinness®)
¼ cup tomato paste
4 sprigs fresh thyme
3 carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 stalks celery, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 teaspoon white sugar
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
2 ½ cups chicken stock, or as needed to cover
4 cups mashed potatoes

Steps:

  • Cook and stir bacon in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until bacon is browned and crisp, 3 to 4 minutes. Turn off heat and transfer bacon into a large stew pot, reserving bacon fat in the skillet.
  • Season beef chuck cubes generously with 1 teaspoon salt and black pepper to taste. Turn heat to high under skillet and sear beef pieces in the hot fat on both sides until browned, about 5 minutes. Place beef in stew pot with bacon, leaving fat in skillet. Turn heat down to medium; cook and stir onions in the retained fat in the skillet until lightly browned, 5 to 8 minutes; season with a large pinch of salt.
  • Cook garlic with onions until soft, about 1 minute; pour beer into skillet and stir with a wooden spoon, scraping up and dissolving any browned bits of food into the liquid. Pour cooking liquid from skillet into the stew pot. Stir in tomato paste, thyme sprigs, carrots, celery, sugar, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and enough chicken broth to cover.
  • Bring stew to a gentle simmer, stirring to combine; reduce heat to low and cover pot. Simmer stew until beef is fork-tender, about 2 hours. Stir stew occasionally and skim fat or foam if desired.
  • Remove cover and raise heat to medium-high. Bring stew to a low boil and cook until stew has slightly thickened, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove and discard thyme sprigs and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  • Arrange mashed potatoes in a ring in a serving bowl; ladle stew into the center of the potatoes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 528.3 calories, Carbohydrate 42.1 g, Cholesterol 95.7 mg, Fat 24.6 g, Fiber 5.1 g, Protein 29.4 g, SaturatedFat 9.6 g, Sodium 1605.1 mg, Sugar 9.2 g

Chef John's Famous Beef Stew Recipe: Detailed Summary and Recommendations

Chef John's delectable Beef Stew recipe is an embodiment of culinary artistry, seamlessly blending succulent ingredients with rich flavors. This hearty and comforting dish, steeped in the culinary history of Ireland, offers a harmonious symphony of textures and tastes. Let's embark on a culinary journey, unraveling the intricacies of this classic recipe and unveiling expert tips and suggestions to elevate your cooking experience.

Key Ingredients:

  • Beef: The heart of this stew lies in the choice of high-quality, flavorful meat. Opt for a chuck roast or a brisket, noted for their well-marbling and inherent tenderness. These options, when braised over low heat, yield a mouthwatering melt-in-your-month result.
  • Guinness: The dark, velvety soul of this stew. This iconic stout delivers a complex, roasted character that beautifully complements the richness of the meat. As it simmers, it infuses the stew with a deep mahogany hue and unparalleled depth of taste.
  • Vegetables: An orchestra of flavors, each contributing a distinct note to the overall composition. Carrots and parsnips lend a sweet backbone, while celery and onions provide a crisp, aromatic foundation. The robustness of the stew is further orchestrated by the presence of hearty red and golden (Yukon Gold)potatoes, contributing a creamy, comforting texture.
  • Herbs and Spices: This aromatic chorus includes the pungency of thyme and rosemary, the warmth of bay leaves, and the piquant kick of freshly cracked black peppers. These harmonious notes, when fused together, create a fragrant melody that awakens taste buds.

Expert Recommendations:

  • Embrace the Trinity of Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onions form the backbone of Chef John's stew. Ensure they are diced uniformly to ensure even cooking and a harmonious textural symphony.
  • Enhance the Guinness Essence: Unleash the full potential of this stout's magic by allowing it to simmer for an extended period. This patient nurturing allows the alcohol to mellow, the roasted undertones to deepen, and a velvety richness to emerge.
  • Patience is a Culinary Virtue: Refrain from overcooking the meat. The key lies in a patient, low-and-slow approach. This allows the connective tissue to break down, resulting in a fall-apart tenderness that is the epitome of culinary bliss.
  • Garnish with Flair: Elevate the visual appeal of your creation. Consider an ethereal sprinkle of fresh parsley, a pop of color from vibrant chives, or the rustic appeal of thyme sprigs. These touches are not merely decorative; they provide an extra sensory dimension that further enhances the overall experience.
  • Embrace the Culinary Legacy:Irish Stew is a time-honored dish that celebrates a nation's culinary history. Take the time to savor each spoonful, honoring the tradition and culture from which it originated.

Conclusion: A Culinary Masterpieces

Dive into the delectable world of Chef John's Beef Stew, a culinary masterpiece that transcends time and taste. With careful ingredient selection, precise technique, and a touch of culinary artistry, you too can create this flavorsome and comforting dish that pays homage to the rich culinary history of Ireland. Each spoonful is a testament to the power of slow cooking, harmonious flavors, and the ability of simple ingredients to create something truly special. Go forth, embrace the joy of cooking, and let the magic of this stew warm the heart and soul.

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