Irish Stew

Any Irish person will tell you that the best Irish stew is the one their mother makes. In fact, no two Irish stews are the same, because everyone who cooks it changes the recipe in their own way.

Originally, Irish stew was a dish that poorer people made because it was cheap and filling. The main ingredients were lamb and potatoes, both of which were easy to find in Ireland. Other ingredients were usually onions, carrots and parsley.

Today, Irish stew is still the same basic dish – a kind of thick soup or casserole made of meat, potatoes and vegetables. However, the exact recipe varies to suit individual tastes and the availability of ingredients. For example, many Irish immigrants in America found beef to be cheaper and more available than lamb, and so they used beef instead. Some recipes have even changed this simple dish into a gourmet meal.