How do I thicken a stew?

To thicken a thin stew, stir in a cornflour slurry made from equal parts cold water and cornflour during the final 10 minutes of cooking. You can also remove the lid to reduce the liquid naturally or mash a few cooked potatoes into the broth to release their starch.

How do I make stew in a slow cooker?

To make stew in a slow cooker, combine your meat, vegetables, stock, herbs, and seasonings in the slow cooker. Cook on low for several hours, or on high if you're short on time, until the meat is tender and the flavours are fully developed.

How long should I cook stew?

Stew typically takes 4 to 8 hours on the low setting of a slow cooker, or 2 to 4 hours on high. Cook until the meat is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft without falling apart.

What should I serve with a stew?

Stew pairs perfectly with hearty sides that soak up the rich gravy, such as creamy mashed potatoes, warm crusty bread, or fluffy rice. For a lighter option, serve it with steamed green vegetables or a crisp garden salad.

What should I put in a stew?

A classic stew starts with a hearty protein such as diced beef or lamb, combined with root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and parsnips. Add onions, garlic, stock, and herbs such as thyme and bay leaves to create a rich, comforting flavour.

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How to Make the Best Stew

A delicious stew is such an easy recipe when you understand the basic method. Start with high-quality, fresh ingredients to build a flavourful base. Begin by searing your choice of meat — such as beef, lamb, or chicken — until it's browned on all sides, which helps lock in flavour.

Sauté aromatics like onions, garlic, and celery to enhance the stew's depth. Then, add a variety of vegetables and seasonings, such as carrots, potatoes, thyme, and bay leaves. Use a robust broth or stock, and let the stew simmer slowly over low heat to allow the flavours to meld and the meat to become tender.

Stir occasionally and taste as you go, adjusting the seasoning if needed. For an extra touch of flavour, finish with fresh herbs or a splash of wine before serving.

A Classic Irish Stew Recipe

A classic Irish stew is a comforting and hearty dish that has been cherished for generations. Traditionally made with tender lamb, potatoes, carrots, and onions, this stew is simmered slowly to create a rich and satisfying meal. Perfect for warming up on a cold day, Irish stew is a timeless favourite that brings a taste of Ireland to your table.

Ingredients

1 tbsp plain flour
1 leek, sliced
1 baking potato, diced
10 g panko breadcrumbs
14 g red wine stock paste
60 g bacon lardons
200 g lamb mince
1 garlic clove, minced
1 spring onion, chopped
2 carrots, sliced
¼ tsp dried thyme

Method

Prep your vegetables by thinly slicing the leek, dicing the baking potato, cutting the carrots into rounds, chopping the spring onion, and mincing the garlic.
Combine the lamb mince in a mixing bowl with the panko breadcrumbs, half the garlic, and a pinch of dried thyme, then roll the mixture into small, even meatballs.
Fry the bacon lardons in a large pot until crispy, then remove them and use the rendered oil to brown the meatballs on all sides before setting aside.
Soften the sliced leek, remaining garlic, and carrots in the same pot for 3 to 4 minutes to absorb the rich pan juices.
Scatter the plain flour over the vegetables and stir thoroughly to coat them, creating a natural thickening base.
Return the bacon and meatballs to the pot, then stir in the diced potato, red wine stock paste, and two cups of cold water.
Briefly bring the liquid to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer, cover with a lid, and cook for 45 minutes until the gravy is thick and the vegetables are completely tender.

And voila, you have a classic Irish stew to enjoy with the whole family!

The Best Sides to Serve with Homemade Stew

A thick, gravy-heavy stew requires a structured side dish that can effortlessly soak up the delicious pan juices without disappearing into the bowl.

Starch: Traditional British pairings like a mountain of buttery mashed potato or a thick slice of warm crusty bread work beautifully to balance the robust, savoury broth.
Salad: If you prefer a lighter contrast, a crisp green salad tossed in a sharp vinaigrette offers a refreshing crunch that cuts through the richness of slow-cooked meats.

To find more rapid dinner solutions that pair beautifully with fresh greens, explore our full collection of quick cook recipes.

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