Beef and Guinness Stew Recipe

Mar 16, 2012 11:01 am

When your Irish stew recipe needs a beer kick

By Darina Allen

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Photo: Kristin Peters

A beef stew with Guinness is a St. Patrick's Day treat that's good anytime.

Guinness, Ireland’s famous black stout, has been brewed in Dublin since 1759. It's a staple of any Irish diet and has found its way increasingly into stews and casseroles. The beer actually tenderizes the meat and leaves a delicious malty flavor to any dish. Serve generously for St. Patrick's Day and beyond.

Reprinted with permission from Irish Traditional Cooking

Servings: 6

Ingredients

2 prounds lean stewing beef

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon cayenne

2 onions, chopped

1 clove garlic, chopped

2 tablespoons tomato paste, dissolved in 4 tablespoons water

1 1/4 bottles Guinness

3/4 cup carrots, cut into chunks

1 sprig thyme

parsley, chopped finely to garnish

Directions:

Trim the meat of any fat or gristle, cut into 2-inch cubes and toss them in a bowl with 1 tablespoon oil.
Season the flour with salt, freshly ground pepper and a pinch or two of cayenne. Toss the meat in this mixture.
Heat the remaining oil or dripping in a wide skillet on high heat. Brown the meat on all sides. Add the onions, crushed garlic and tomato paste to the pan, cover, and cook gently for about 5 minutes.
Transfer the contents of the pan to a casserole, and pour some of the Guinness into the skillet. Bring to a boil and stir to dissolve the caramelized meat juices on the pan.
Pour onto the meat in the casserole with the remaining Guinness; add the carrots and the thyme. Stir, taste, and add a little more salt if necessary.
Cover with the lid of the casserole and simmer very gently until the meat is tender— 2-3 hours. The stew may be cooked on top of the stove or in a low oven at 300ºF.
Taste and correct the seasoning. Scatter with lots of chopped parsley and serve with champ, colcannon or plain boiled potatoes.

Level of Difficulty:

Easy

Prep Time:

20 minutes

Cooking Time:

3 hours

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