Leslie's Irish Stew

Ingredients

• 1.5 quartss water
• 1 pound lamb shoulder blade chops
• 1 bottle Irish stout beer , 12 fluid ounce
• 1 large onion , quartered
• 3 stalks celery , quartered
• 1 bunch parsley sprigs
• 10 sprigs fresh thyme , divided
• 4 cloves garlic , crushed
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 4 whole allspice berries
• ground black pepper to taste
• 4 bays leaves , divided

Instructions

1. 1

   Combine water, lamb chops, stout beer, large onion, celery, parsley sprigs, 5 sprigs thyme, garlic, 1 1/2 teaspoon salt, allspice, black pepper, and 3 bay leaves in a slow cooker to make broth.

2. 2

   Cook on High until flavors combine, about 4 hours. Let cool, at least 30 minutes. Place lamb chops in a resealable plastic bag. Strain broth into a bowl; discard solids. Refrigerate lamb chops and broth, 8 hours to overnight.

3. 3

   Combine flour, savory, 1 tablespoon garlic and herb seasoning, salt, and pepper in a brown paper bag. Add cubed lamb; shake until coated.

4. 4

   Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1/3 cubed lamb; cook until browned, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Repeat with remaining olive oil and cubed lamb. Transfer browned lamb to the slow cooker.

5. 5

   Skim fat off the chilled broth and pour into the slow cooker. Trim and bone lamb chops; dice lamb meat and add to the slow cooker. Stir in remaining 5 sprigs thyme and bay leaf, rutabagas, potatoes, cabbage, baby carrots, and small onions.

6. 6

   Cook on High until lamb is tender, about 4 hours. Discard thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Stir in leek, chopped parsley, and 1 teaspoon garlic and herb seasoning. Cook until flavors combine, 2 to 3 minutes more.