Irish Part 2--Guinness Irish Stew

Here's part 2 of our "Irish series." (Why wait for St. Patrick's Day?) 

No need for perfumy sprays to make your house smell good...this'll do it. Only difference is that your house will smell like a home. Grandma's always did and generally it was so good you just had to ask what it was in the oven creating the wonderful smell! Usually it was something unique and different like this little bit of heaven in a dish.

I'm convinced that the secret ingredient is the dark, heavy and pungent Guinness Draught. It's pricey but I'm not sure anything else would work--I know Bud or Miller would not. Dear husband suggested Killian's Red or O'Douls, but I'm not sure I'd want to risk a substitution! You can tell I'm no beer expert by any means and, in this case, not very adventurous but I would honestly recommend staying true to this stew's ingredients list. You will not regret it!

Guinness Irish Stew

2 tbsp olive oil

3 bay leaves

2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch chunks

1 large onion, coarsely chopped

2 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

2-3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

¾ cup beef broth

½ cup Guinness Draught

1 tablespoon dried chopped parsley

½ pound carrots, sliced (no need to peel)

salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Heat a Dutch oven over medium high heat and add olive oil and bay leaves. Cook the bay leaves for a moment and then increase heat to high, add the stew meat and brown on both sides. Add the sliced onion and cook for a few minutes until transparent. 

Reduce the heat to low and add the garlic, thyme, rosemary and flour. Stir well until smooth. Add beef stock and Guinness. Simmer, stirring until stew thickens slightly. 

Add remaining ingredients, cover, and place in a 275F oven for about 2 hours. Check periodically and add a little liquid if necessary. Salt and pepper to taste before serving (may not need salt). Serves 4-6.

Try the Irish Soda Bread to go along with this.