Winter is on its way out, so it’s time to make the most of stews, soups and casseroles before the hot weather comes in. Colin’s Irish stew with lamb shanks and a herb topping is ideal for cold August nights, and will have you wishing it was still early June.
Make it in only one pot, and let it simmer on the stove and warm up the house.
Ingredients
Method
Heat oil in a stockpot on low. Add carrot, celery, onion and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Add bay leaves, marjoram and thyme. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
Add lamb shanks (don’t brown them, as this is a white stew). Add wine and cook, stirring, to deglaze. Add sugar. Bring to the boil. Season.
Pour in enough water to cover lamb. Stir in soy sauce. Bring to the boil on high. Cover with lid and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 2 hours or until lamb is almost cooked but not coming off bone easily.
Add potato, turnip and swede. Simmer for a further 10 minutes or until vegetables are cooked and lamb is tender. Season.
For Herb topping, combine parsley, mint and capers in a bowl.
Sprinkle herb topping over stew and serve with sourdough.

