Irish Stew

By Janet-2

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp. oil
• 2 strips of bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• 2 lbs. stewing beef, cut in 1-inch pieces
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp. flour
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 12 large pearl onions
• 1 1/2 cups beef stock
• 1 bottle dark stout beer (like Guinness)
• 2 tbsp. dark brown sugar
• 2 tbsp. red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp. bouquet garni
• 1/2 tsp. salt to taste
• 1 tsp. freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 6-8 small red potatoes for serving

Preparation

Step 1

In an ovenproof pot, heat the oil. Add the bacon and cook until crisp. Remove the bacon to drain on paper towel. Do not discard the bacon drippings. Return the pot with the drippings to the heat. Add the beef and brown evenly; remove the beef and set aside. Add the chopped onion and flour to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes; be careful not to let it burn. Return the beef and bacon to the pot and add the rest of the ingredients except the potatoes.

Bring to a boil, cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 90 minutes. Taste and add more seasoning if desired. Add a potato to each diner's bowl and ladle sou over it.