Irish Beef Stew with Guinness

If you have not been to Ireland, it is as magical as it's made out to be. I've always gone in the Spring or Autumn and the weather is kind to me. It always seems that on days when I want to go take pictures, it is bright and sunny, or at least gives me spectacular clouds. On days when I am going to be stuck on a bus or train all day it rains and at the end of every day there's always a pub nearby.

Ross Castle, Killarney, Ireland

Kerry Bog Pony, Kerry, Ireland

Red Deer, Killarney National Forest, Killarney, Ireland

A couple of things you need to know when travelling in Ireland

1. Any Guidebook telling you where your accommodations are was given this information by the host. "Less than a kilometer from the bus/train" actually means "less than a kilometer from the pub and after that who cares." If they offer to come get you, say YES.
2. Crossing lights are just a suggestion. Go when you can. (same advice for bathrooms. If you find one, go when you can.)
3. Any information you need can be gathered at the pub; and if not who cares, you're at the pub.
4. Don't suggest to the barkeep that he mix Guinness and anything. (I do, but have been close to evicted several times.)

Nancy Murphy's Pub, Enniskerry, Ireland

Irish Beef Stew with Guinness

2 tbsp olive oil


2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1"-ish bits

1 large onion, peeled and rough cut


2 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped


1 tsp dried or fresh thyme

1 tsp dried or fresh rosemary


2-3 tbsp flour


3/4 cup beef stock
(I used bouillon)

1/2 cup Guinness


1 tbsp chopped parsley


1/2 lb carrots, sliced


1/2 lb potatoes cubed

1/2 lb mushrooms cleaned and chunked. (Or in my case rehydrated and chunked)

salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste


Directions:

In a large pot (I use my FAGOR 6qt pressure cooker pot, just not pressurizing it, for this), heat the oil and add the meat.

Brown the meat on both sides on high heat. In the same pot cook the onions for a few minutes until they are translucent.

Reduce the heat to low and add the garlic, thyme, rosemary, parsley (which I took off my plate at the restaurant and brought home) and flour, and stir well until nice and mixed.

While I realize Guinness does not travel as it should and should always be gotten at the source, if possible, sometimes a compromise has to be made. Open the beer, take a sip to make sure it's not gone bad or anything like that...(I suppose if you are making this for the crock pot before heading to work you should omit the sipping step).

Add the beef stock and beer. Simmer and stir until the stew begins to get thick. Add the remaining ingredients and cover.


If at any point it looks like there is not enough liquid add the rest of the Guinness if you didn't already drink it.

Turn the heat to low and leave on the stove for a couple of hours stirring occasionally.

You did good...Drink one of the other leftover beers.

You can also do all the prep (brown the meat, cook the onions and herbs etc) stick it all in a crock pot set it on medium and leave it all day while you are at work!

Serve with nice warm Very Easy Beer Bread