There’s something incredibly comforting and homely about a steaming bowl of Irish stew. Originating from Ireland, this hearty meal has been warming the hearts and bellies of people for centuries. Traditionally, it’s made with mutton, potatoes, and onions, but over the years, many have added their own twist to it, making it a versatile dish that’s loved worldwide. In my version, I use a mix of canned Castleberry Pork and Beef BBQ, along with chicken meat and a medley of veggies. This not only adds a depth of flavor but also makes it a complete meal in itself. What I love about this dish is its simplicity. All you need to do is mix the ingredients and let them simmer to perfection. You can use a crockpot or a regular pot on the stove – it’s that easy! And the best part? It’s just as good (if not better) the next day! So, if you’re looking for a comforting, easy-to-make dish that’s packed with flavor, then this Irish stew recipe is the one for you!
Ingredients
- 2 cans of Castleberry Pork BBQ
- 2 cans of Castleberry beef BBQ
- 1 large can of All White Chicken Meat, drained
- 2 cans of creamed corn, do not drain
- 2 cans stewed tomatoes
Cooking Method
- Mix together in a crockpot and let simmer on low several hours.
- You can also cook on low in a pot on the stove.
- You can experiment and add other vegetables that you like as well.
- It is really easy and delicious.
- Serve with garlic bread and salad.
Calorie: 350
Total cooking time: Several Hours
Difficulty level: Easy
A Comedic Culinary Concoction: The Irish Stew Saga
So, there I was, once again, attempting to tame the wild beast that is my kitchen. Armed with my trusty crockpot and a questionable array of ingredients, I was determined to create a meal that would make my Irish ancestors proud. Or at least not cause them to roll in their graves.
The Unlikely Secret Weapon: Castleberry BBQ
First up, I had to face the fact that I was about to use not one, but two cans of Castleberry Pork BBQ in an Irish stew. Yes, you read that right. Pork BBQ. In an Irish stew. My grandmother’s voice echoed in the back of my mind, “In the name of Saint Patrick, what are you doing?” But I was on a mission. A mission of culinary… let’s just call it audacity.
So, the pork BBQ went into the pot, followed swiftly by its equally perplexing cousin – 2 cans of Castleberry beef BBQ. I could practically hear the mooing.
The Chicken Conundrum: All White Chicken Meat
Next came the chicken. A large can of All White Chicken Meat, drained and looking slightly lost amidst the BBQ sauce. A small part of me felt sorry for the chicken, so out of place in its new surroundings. But, I reminded myself, that’s how all great recipes start – with a bit of chaos and a lot of hope.
The Creamed Corn and Tomato Tango
Then came the corn. Not just any corn, but creamed corn. Two cans, un-drained. The corn added a creamy richness to the stew that felt like a warm hug on a cold day.
As for the tomatoes, well, I just tossed them in there. Two cans of stewed tomatoes, swimming fearlessly alongside the BBQ and the chicken. If they were scared, they didn’t show it. Brave little tomatoes.
The Simmering Symphony
With all the ingredients finally in the crockpot, I began the wait. Several hours of simmering on low, turning my kitchen into a steamy, aroma-filled sanctuary. I took this time to contemplate my life choices, and also to prepare the garlic bread and salad.
The Stovetop Option and the Vegetable Variations
You know what they say – variety is the spice of life. So, I thought, why not throw in some extra veggies? Carrots, peas, whatever was lurking in the back of the freezer. Into the pot they went! And for those kitchen rebels out there, you can totally cook this on low in a pot on the stove. Just be prepared for the inevitable “Is that BBQ I smell?” questions.
The Taste Test
Finally, the moment of truth. The stew was ready. It was easy, it was delicious, and it was served with garlic bread and salad. As I took the first bite, I could almost hear the collective sigh of relief from my ancestors. The BBQ, the White Chicken, the corn, the tomatoes – they all came together in a beautiful, delicious harmony.
The Final Verdict
So, there you have it. My hilarious, slightly chaotic, but ultimately successful attempt at an Irish stew with a twist. It may not have been traditional, but boy was it tasty. And let’s be honest, isn’t that the only thing that really matters in the kitchen?
Remember, my fellow food fanatics, cooking is all about having fun. So, grab your crockpot, embrace the chaos, and let’s get cooking!
