There is a deeply rooted kinship between the Scots and the Irish dating back to ancient times and enduring through centuries of shared experience. This bond is clearly evident in similar cultural traditions of each country, including many of the foods. Over time, however, each of these two Celtic cultures has developed a distinctive signature dish. In Scotland, it is the beloved haggis. In Ireland, it is Irish stew.

Just about everyone we know loves Irish stew, and for quite some time our customers asked us to make a Caledonian Kitchen version. After a long labor of love that involved a lot of research and testing, we came up with a unique cooking process that produces the thick, savory broth characteristic of the best Irish stews. We also developed two special recipes that, we are honored to say, our Irish friends have declared to be superb.

This version of our Irish stew was inspired by a County Cork farmhouse recipe. It features our high quality lamb and vegetables simmered gently in a mixture of a quality Chardonnay, Guinness Stout, seasoning, and spices. We think you will enjoy its hearty, rich, and full flavor.

As a suggestion, serve it with a brown bread and as a companion to a full-bodied Irish ale or stout. One taste will take you away to the land of “ballymaloe”.