RECIPES FOR IRISH STEW WITH LAMB RECIPES

Steps:

• 1. Preheat the oven to 180ºC/gas 4.
  2. Heat the butter in a large frying pan over a medium heat and brown the lamb chops, then remove to a plate.
  3. Peel and finely slice the onions and carrots, then add to the pan and soften for 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.
  4. Add a wineglass of water and deglaze the pan for 5 minutes.
  5. Peel and slice the potato, then spread half in a layer in a large casserole dish and season well.
  6. Add a layer of onion and carrot, the lamb chops, thyme and bay leaves, then season again.
  7. Add the remaining onion and carrot and sprinkle the pearl barley on top. Layer over the remaining potato, the deglazed liquid and 500ml of water.
  8. Cover and bake for 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the meat is tender and the potato starts to crisp up, then serve.

Steps:

• Heat oven to 160C/fan 140C/gas 3. Heat the oil in a flameproof casserole. Sizzle the bacon for 4 mins until crisp. Turn up the heat, then cook the lamb for 6 mins until brown. Remove the meats with a slotted spoon. Add the onions, carrots and herbs to the pan, then cook for about 5 mins until softened. Return the meat to the pan, stir in the pearl barley, pour over the stock, then bring to a simmer.
• Sit the chunks of potato on top of the stew, cover, then braise in the oven, undisturbed, for about 1½ hrs until the potatoes are soft and the meat is tender. The stew can now be chilled and kept in the fridge for 2 days, then reheated in a low oven or on top of the stove. Remove from the oven, dot the potatoes with butter, scatter with the spring onions and serve scooped straight from the dish.