iFoods.tv Feature

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BEEF & GUINNESS STEW

A family favorite and something I grew up up eating a lot of.
4-6 Servings

2 lbs. chuck steak (stewing beef, pref grass fed) - cut 1" dice
1 cup all-purpose flour
3 tbsp. olive oil
1 1/2 tbsp. tomato paste
1 bouquet garni (parsley, thyme, bayleaf)
1 garlic clove - peeled
1 medium white onion - thinly sliced
2 carrots - peeled & cut into 1/4" slice
1/2 lb. mushrooms - sliced
4 cups beef broth
1 cup Guinness
S&P to taste

Preheat saute pan on med-high heat. Season flour with S&P, coat the beef shaking off excess. Saute the beef in 3 batches adding 1 tbsp. oil each time. Once beef is browned, set aside. Using same pan, add onion & carrots and garlic, saute for 3 mins. Add mushrooms and continue to saute for an additional minute. Add in tomato paste and stir constantly for 1 minute. Pour in 1 cup guinness and scrape all carmelised bits from bottom of pan. Add beef and veg mix together into large stock pot along with herbs and remaining liquid. Bring to a boil and reduce to simmer covered for 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 hrs. approximately. It's ready to go when the beef is fork tender. Serve with soda bread and a good pint o' Guinness. Slainte!

To view the instructional video click stobhach

SHEPHERD'S PIE / COTTAGE PIE

I know I slacked a bit on potato week but I was gearing up for the food demo which took over a lot of my time--I baked 12 loaves of soda bread! This dish has potatoes so I figured it's good enough to post under both Potato Week and Meat Week. In keeping with the March Madness of Irish Food, here's a traditional Irish meal.

It's a classic Irish dish that I grew up on. I think a lot of people assume that shepherds pie is made with either beef or lamb whereas shepherds pie is only made with minced or diced lamb and a cottage pie is with minced or diced beef. The process and ingredients are the same apart from the meat. Generally agreed it originated in the North of England and Scotland where there are large numbers of sheep--hence the name, it's thought to have been invented in the 18th century by frugal peasant housewives looking for creative ways to serve leftovers to their families. Presently, shepherd's pie and cottage pie are usually made from the leftovers of Sunday lunch. I remember we would have roast lamb, carrots, gravy and potatoes on Sunday which (if there was any leftover) would be turned into a pie for Monday.

Recipe:

1 lb. ground lamb or ground lean beef (pref grass fed)

1 medium white onion - diced

1 medium carrot - diced

2/3 cup frozen peas

1 tsp. fresh thyme - chopped

2 tbsp. tomato paste

2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

2 cups veal / beef broth

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 large potatoes

1/2 cup low-fat or skim milk

olive oil

S&P to taste

In a medium hot pan, saute onions and carrots in 1 tbsp. olive oil for 5 mins. Once softened remove and set aside. Increase heat in same pan, add lamb or beef and saute for 10 mins. stirring constantly to brown. Once ready add onion & carrot. Add the flour and cook for 2 mins. Once all the flour has been absorbed add the tomato paste, thyme, Worcestershire sauce and broth. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 mins. Add frozen peas.

Taste & season with S&P. Pour mixture in 4" deep casserole dish and let cool.

Meanwhile, boil and mash potatoes. Add warmed milk and mix. Season with S&P.

Once meat mixture is cooled, layer mash potatoes on top.

In preheated 375 degree oven, bake on a baking sheet for 30 - 40 mins 'til potatoes are browned and crispy.Serve & enjoy!

PARSNIP & POTATO PANCAKES

PARSNIP & POTATO PANCAKES

Recipe
3 cups yams or sweet potatoes, grated
3 cups parsnips, grated
1/2 cup green onions, chopped
1/3 cup all purpose flour
1 1/2 tbsp thyme
2 eggs, beaten
2 tbsp. olive oil
S&P to taste

Servings: 10-12 individual pancakes

In a large bowl combine potatoes, parsnips, green onions, flour, thyme and beaten eggs. Season with S&P. Toss with your hands making sure the egg is blended well and evenly distributed in the vegetables. Preheat a skillet or saute pan on med. heat with 1 1/2 tbsp. of olive oil. Add the mixture in individual pancake size portions, patting down to make even. Brown for 3-4 minutes. Check to see if crispy, then drizzle olive oil over the top (so it won't stick) before flipping. Turn over and brown other side for another 3-4 minutes. That's it!

NOTE: Make sure your saute pan isn't too hot or the pancakes will brown too quickly and the veg. won't be cooked.

This is a great brunch idea and you'll definitely impress you're friends. It is not only delicious, it makes a great healthy alternative to fried potatoes. Even the little ones will like it because it's sweet and has the name Pancake. You can always trust an Irishman. We think of everything!

CURRIED PARSNIPS

PARSNIP TIPS:

Since I'm getting used to this video stuff I may be leaving out my 'healthified' tips so here goes:
Olive Oil vs. Butter: it's true parsnips love butter but your arteries and arse may not appreciate it as much. Olive oil contains the "good fats" and works just fine on those taste buds.
Honey vs. Sugar: parsnips are also partial to sugar but as we all now that's a no-no as much as possible. Lean towards honey, agave, or even pure maple syrup to get the effect but without using refined sugars. Parsnips tend to be sweet on their own so you'll be amazed how easy it will be not to use sugar.
Curry Powder: bloody good stuff on 'em!

INTRO TO PARSNIPS: ROASTING

FISH 'N' CHIPS

After we got back from Ireland a couple months ago having had our fair share of fish 'n' chips, which I love by the way especially after a few beers, I had an idea. I wanted to come up with my healthy and tasty version of this classic. So I did.
When deciding what fish to use always go for a firm variety such as halibut, cod, or sea bass. In terms of the way you cook it, not only do I like the look of grilling but it's obviously the healthiest choice. You can bake it or even fry it if you want. If you choose the latter, I suggest shallow frying instead of deep frying for healthier results and use canola oil instead of vegetable oil in a shallow saute pan.

Grilled Fish'n'Chips:

1 x 4oz Wild Pacific Halibut
1 x medium sweet potato
2 x tbsp. olive oil
1/2 x tsp. garlic-minced
S&P to taste
lemon wedge
Condiments - ketchup, tarter sauce, malt vinegar

Preheat oven to 400 degrees
Begin by cutting the sweet potato in half lenghtwise and then into quarters. In a bowl toss potatoes with 1 tbsp. olive oil, S&P, garlic and even chili flakes if desired. Once oven is hot bake on middle shelf, approx. 20 minutes or 'til tender. If you're not sure if they're ready, don't be afraid, taste it! Be sure you don't put them on the bottom shelf or it'll burn the underside and be raw inside. Once they're cooking, sear seasoned fish in hot pan 'til golden on both sides, approx. 2-3 mins. This not only gives it a nice look but will help keep the fish moist while it's cooking. Pop it in oven for about 6 mins or until firm to the touch.
Let the fish rest for a minute or so when it comes out so all the juices won't run out of it when you cut into it. You can serve this as is or have some broccoli or green beans with it, it's up to your inner chef. Of course if you just want a snack or have some friends coming over, make a batch of the fries and dig in! I think this is about as easy as it gets when it comes to cooking. Simple, fresh, delicious and healthy!