Shepherd's Stew

Shepherd's Stew

Shepherd's Stew is a traditional dish that originated in the United Kingdom. It is a hearty and flavorful stew made with lamb or mutton, vegetables, and herbs. This article will provide a detailed recipe for Shepherd's Stew, along with information on its history and variations.

History

Shepherd's Stew has a long history in the United Kingdom, dating back to the 18th century. It was originally a dish made by shepherds, who would cook it over an open fire while tending to their flocks. The stew was a convenient and nourishing meal that could be prepared using simple ingredients readily available in the countryside.

Over time, Shepherd's Stew became popular beyond the shepherding community and spread throughout the country. It is now considered a classic British dish and is enjoyed by people of all backgrounds.

Recipe

Ingredients

To make Shepherd's Stew, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) of lamb or mutton, cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 4 cups (946 milliliters) of beef or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1 cup (150 grams) of frozen peas

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare Shepherd's Stew:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the lamb or mutton cubes to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the meat from the pot and set it aside.
3. In the same pot, add the diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are softened.
4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional minute.
5. Return the browned meat to the pot and add the beef or vegetable broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 1 hour or until the meat is tender.
7. Add the potato chunks and continue to simmer for another 20 minutes or until the potatoes are cooked through.
8. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
9. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Variations

Shepherd's Stew can be customized to suit individual preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:

• Vegetarian Shepherd's Stew: Replace the lamb or mutton with plant-based protein alternatives such as tofu or tempeh. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Guinness Shepherd's Stew: Add a bottle of Guinness stout to the stew for a rich and robust flavor.
• Lamb and Lentil Shepherd's Stew: Incorporate lentils into the stew for added texture and nutrition.

See Also

• British Cuisine
• Stew
• Lamb and mutton