Irish Stew

Steps

1. 1
   Step 1:

   Heat the oven to 180C/350F/gas mark 4.

2. 2
   Step 2:

   Drain and rinse the soaked wheat, then put it in a medium pan with plenty of water.

3. 3
   Step 3:

   Bring the wheat to a boil and simmer for 1 hour, until cooked.

   1 h
4. 4
   Step 4:

   Drain the wheat and set aside.

5. 5
   Step 5:

   Season the lamb with 1 teaspoon of salt and some black pepper.

6. 6
   Step 6:

   Put 1 tablespoon of oil in a large, deep sauté pan with a lid and place over medium-high heat.

7. 7
   Step 7:

   Add some of the lamb without overcrowding the pan and sear for 4 minutes on all sides.

   4 min
8. 8
   Step 8:

   Transfer the seared lamb to a bowl and repeat with the remaining lamb, adding oil as needed.

9. 9
   Step 9:

   Lower the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan.

10. 10
    Step 10:

    Add the shallots and fry for 4 minutes, until caramelised.

    4 min
11. 11
    Step 11:

    Tip the shallots into the lamb bowl, then repeat with the remaining vegetables until they are browned, adding more oil as needed.

12. 12
    Step 12:

    Once all the vegetables are seared and removed from the pan, add the wine, sugar, herbs, 1 teaspoon of salt, and a good grind of black pepper.

13. 13
    Step 13:

    Boil over high heat for about 3 minutes.

    3 min
14. 14
    Step 14:

    Return the lamb, vegetables, and whole wheat to the pot, then add the stock.

15. 15
    Step 15:

    Cover and boil for 5 minutes.

    5 min
16. 16
    Step 16:

    Transfer the pot to the oven and cook for 1 1/2 hours.

    2 h
17. 17
    Step 17:

    Remove the stew from the oven and check the liquid.

18. 18
    Step 18:

    If there is a lot of liquid, remove the lid and boil for a few minutes.