A Hearty and Healthy Take on Tradition with Boulder Ingredients

When it comes to celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Boulder, nothing beats a rich, slow-simmered Irish stew made with locally sourced, high-quality ingredients. While traditional Irish stew is known for its simple, hearty flavors, this Boulder-inspired version takes it up a notch by incorporating grass-fed meats, organic vegetables, and a touch of craft beer or bone broth from local Colorado purveyors.

This dish is perfect for a cold March evening, whether you’re winding down from a hike, celebrating with friends, or simply looking for a nourishing meal. With wholesome ingredients from Boulder’s best grocers, ranchers, and markets, you can enjoy a taste of Ireland—Boulder-style.

Boulder’s Best Irish Stew Recipe: Fresh, Locally Sourced Ingredients

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs grass-fed lamb or beef stew meat (available at Whole Foods, Lucky’s Market, or from local ranchers like Buckner Family Farm)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or Colorado grass-fed butter
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 large organic carrots, peeled and sliced
• 4 Yukon Gold potatoes, diced (substitute with sweet potatoes for a lower-carb option)
• 4 cups organic beef broth (or substitute with a splash of Boulder-brewed stout for added depth)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste (found at natural grocers for a no-added-sugar option)
• 1 tsp fresh thyme (or dried if out of season)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Optional: A handful of locally grown mushrooms for an earthy touch
• Optional: A splash of a Boulder brewery’s dark stout for extra richness

Instructions: How to Make the Perfect Boulder-Style Irish Stew

1. Sear the Meat for Deep Flavor
Heat the olive oil or grass-fed butter in a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the grass-fed stew meatand sear it on all sides until golden brown, locking in that deep, caramelized flavor. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, sauté the onions and garlic until they turn fragrant and slightly golden. Stir in the tomato paste, cooking it for 1-2 minutes to develop a deeper richness.

3. Deglaze with a Boulder Craft Beer or Bone Broth
Pour in a splash of locally brewed stout (like Avery Brewing’s Out of Bounds Stout) or a high-quality Colorado bone broth, scraping up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pot—this is where the real depth of flavor comes from.

4. Add Locally Sourced Ingredients & Simmer
Return the seared meat to the pot and add the carrots, potatoes, thyme, bay leaf, and the rest of the broth (or beer). Stir, cover, and let it simmer on low for 90 minutes to 2 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender and the flavors meld together beautifully.

5. Season, Garnish, and Serve Boulder-Style
Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve with a thick slice of locally baked sourdough or traditional Irish soda bread.

Why This Boulder-Inspired Irish Stew Stands Out

✅ Locally Sourced, High-Quality Ingredients – Using grass-fed meat, organic veggies, and Boulder-sourced ingredients makes this stew nutrient-dense and incredibly flavorful.
✅ Healthier Than Traditional Irish Stew – This version is free from processed ingredients, lower in sodium, and packed with vitamins from fresh, whole foods.
✅ Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or Any Cozy Night In – Whether you’re celebrating in Boulder or just craving a nourishing meal, this stew delivers comfort and health in one pot.
✅ Customizable to Your Diet – Use sweet potatoes for a lower-carb option, swap beef for bison, or add mushrooms for extra nutrients.

Pair It with a True Boulder Beverage

For the ultimate St. Patrick’s Day meal, pair your stew with:

• A pint of Boulder-brewed Irish stout (try Avery Brewing’s Out of Bounds Stout or a seasonal release from Sanitas Brewing).
• A smooth Colorado whiskey for an extra warm-up.
• A cup of organic Irish breakfast tea (for a non-alcoholic, cozy option).

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Boulder’s Best Locally Sourced Irish Stew

Boulder is known for its commitment to fresh, local, and sustainable food, so why not bring that philosophy to your St. Paddy’s Day celebration? This ultimate locally sourced Irish stew is the perfect fusion of Boulder’s love for fresh ingredients and Irish tradition—a soul-warming meal that’s as rich in flavor as it is in local pride.

Whether you’re celebrating with a pint at a local brewery or making a cozy homemade meal, this Boulder-inspired Irish stew is the perfect way to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day in the Rockies.

Sláinte! (Cheers to Good Health!)

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