Spring in Ireland marks the arrival of an abundance of delicious, fresh seasonal produce. One of these is Wild Garlic. Sprouting in moist woodlands with a pretty white flower, this versatile plant can be used in everything from soups, salads, bread, butter and most popularly, pesto.

A walk through the Irish woodlands in spring is not complete without the delectable smell of Wild Garlic.

An Irish Staple

A beef stew is synonymous with Ireland. When travelling through Ireland (Oh we can’t wait!), no matter the time of year or where you go , you can guarantee to find a Beef Stew on a menu!

This slow cooked Beef & Guinness Stew with Wild Garlic dumplings combines a number of Irish ingredients to create a rich and delicious dish.

Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons of Olive Oil
• 4 1/2 lb Lean Beef Stew Meat
• 3 teaspoons of Coarse Salt
• 3 teaspoons of Black Pepper
• 6 tablespoons of Flour
• 12 large Rooster Potatoes, largely diced
• 9 large Carrots, peeled and diced into 3 inch pieces
• 6 large Parsnips, peeled and diced into 3 inch pieces
• 3 1/2 large Red Onion, chopped
• 1 head of Celery
• 6 cloves of Garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons of Tomato Paste
• 4 litres of Beef Stock
• 1 large bottle of Guinness Extra Stout
• Coarse Salt & Ground black Pepper to taste
• Wild Garlic

Instructions

• In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat & turn on your slow cooker.
• In a 180 C oven, place 3 carrots with some garlic & seasoning & roast until soft.
• Prepare your beef by tossing it with salt, pepper & enough flour to coat. Add to your heated pan & cook until all sides are browned. Approximately 8 minutes.
• While beef is browning, add potatoes, remainder of the carrots, parsnips, onion, garlic and tomato paste to slow cooker. Stir to coat with paste.
• Add browned beef, beef stock and Guinness to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
• Cook stew on high for 3-4 hours or low for 8-10 hours.
• For the dumplings, steam 3 potatoes and mash together with the roasted carrots adding butter, seasoning and some wild garlic. Combine with flour to make a ball.
• With 30 minutes remaining, add dumplings to stew in slow cooker and allow them to soak up flavours.
• Season to taste & serve.

*Dish serves 12 people. Beef stew will keep in the freezer but dumplings are not suitable for freezing

Enjoy!

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