IRISH BEEF STEW 
4 lbs. beef, chuck or round cut into 2 inch squares
4 tbsp. shortening
2 qts. boiling water
Juice of one lemon
1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 lg. onion, minced
4 bay leaves
2 tbsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. paprika
2 dashes of ground cloves
2 tbsp. sugar
2 small cans white onions
2 lg. cans Irish potatoes
2 bunches carrots, quartered
2 pkgs. pie crust mix
1 c. flour

Dredge meat in flour. Melt shortening until it is smoking hot. Brown meat, add water, lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce. Add garlic, onion and bay leaves. Add dry ingredients. Bring to a rolling boil, then lower heat to a medium setting. Cook slowly for two hours, adding water to cover if necessary.

Add carrots, cook 20 minutes on high heat, add potatoes and onions, let cook ten more minutes or until carrots are tender.

Prepare pie crust as directed on package. Pour stew into one huge or two large casserole dishes. Cover with pie crust. Brown in 400 degree oven until crust is browned.

recipe reviews
Irish Beef Stew
 #1988
 Jeff Cox says:
What is the purpose of using shortening to brown the meat in this recipe vs using a non-hydrogenated oil such as butter or vegetable oil? My wife has an allergy to hydrogenated oil, so which oil would you recommend we use in this recipe to avoid the shortening. Thanks.
 #6403
 Otis says:
Well if your wife is allergic to hyrogenated fats, then use butter, or unhydrogenated oils, heat a little Canola oil, then melt some butter into it for browning.
 #21552
 John (Massachusetts) says:
In lieu of shortening (crisco) substitute lard. Far better in flavor, and only a little work to make your own.
Not only is it better for you than all of this "unnatural" stuff, but it tastes far better, and keeps for months!
 #49520
 Julie (California) says:
I never use oil when browning my meat. Yes, a bit sticks to the pan but I think most of that is the flour anyway. When you add the water it all gets incorporated and is fine. But that is just me. I dont like to add oil to my family's food unless I really have to.

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