This traditional Welsh dish combines succulent lamb with vegetables and thyme, slow-cooked in a clay pot to infuse the flavors, resulting in a warming and nourishing stew.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Ingredients (Serves 4-6 people)
- 1 kg lamb shoulder or leg, cut into chunks
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 3 large carrots, sliced
- 2 onions, roughly chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 500 ml lamb or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
1 tablespoon is circa 15 ml, and a teaspoon is circa 5 ml.
Preparation Method
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F).
Step 2: Brown the Lamb
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the lamb chunks and brown them on all sides for 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the lamb from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes until softened. Add the carrots and cook for another 3 minutes. Remove from the heat.
Step 4: Prepare the Clay Pot
Place the browned lamb, sautéed onions, garlic, and carrots into the clay pot. Layer the potatoes on top. Season everything with salt, black pepper, and fresh thyme. Add the bay leaves for extra flavor.
Step 5: Add the Broth
Pour the lamb or vegetable broth into the clay pot, ensuring the ingredients are mostly submerged. Stir gently to combine all the flavors.
Step 6: Slow Cook the Stew
Cover the clay pot with a lid or aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Let the stew cook for 2 hours or until the lamb is tender and the potatoes are soft. Check occasionally to ensure enough liquid, adding more broth if needed.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once the stew is ready, remove the bay leaves and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the stew directly from the clay pot for a rustic presentation.
Tips and Tricks
- Lamb Cuts: Opt for lamb shoulder or leg for the best results, as they are ideal for slow cooking.
- Clay Pot: If you don’t have a clay pot, use a Dutch oven or casserole dish with a lid.
- Chef’s Recommendation: Add a splash of red wine to the broth for extra depth of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This lamb stew pairs perfectly with crusty bread to soak up the rich broth. It also goes well with a simple green salad or steamed green vegetables like peas or broccoli.
Wine Matching
This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with a medium-bodied red wine, such as a Welsh Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon, complementing the lamb’s rich flavors.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
Dietary Modifications
- Gluten-Free: This dish is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those avoiding gluten.
- Dairy-Free: The recipe is dairy-free, making it perfect for those with lactose intolerance.
Storage Suggestions
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven.
- Freezing: You can freeze the stew for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
About Welsh Lamb Stew
Welsh lamb is known for its tender and flavorful meat, thanks to the lush pastures and natural environment in Wales. This traditional lamb stew, simmered with simple ingredients, brings out the natural flavors of the meat and vegetables. The use of thyme and bay leaves adds aromatic warmth to the dish, making it a comforting meal, especially during colder months.
Cultural Context
Lamb has long been a staple in Welsh cuisine, where sheep farming is integral to rural life. This stew reflects the hearty, rustic cooking that defines Welsh food culture, where high-quality local ingredients are celebrated through slow-cooking methods. The clay pot is a traditional vessel that retains moisture and infuses the stew with deep, rich flavors, making it an authentic comfort food.
