Irish stew has been recognized as Ireland's national dish for at least 200 years. Basic ingredients include onions, potatoes, carrots and lamb, although the beef may substitute for lamb. Although not particularly low in calories, Irish stew provides quite a bit of protein and carbohydrates, and fiber. Exact nutrition will vary depending on the specific type and amount of ingredients used in the recipe.
Calories
Total calories in Irish stew will vary depending upon the amount of meat and potatoes included in each serving. Additional vegetables contribute little to the overall calorie content. Traditional recipes use around 1/3 pound of lamb and half of a potato per serving, yielding about 600 calories.
Protein
Protein content in Irish stew comes from lamb or beef. Using 2 lbs. of lamb or beef for six servings yields about 30 grams of protein per serving. Optional ingredients can add other sources of protein to Irish stew. More meat per serving increases the protein content; using beef or chicken broth instead of water increases protein content minimally, 1 g per serving at most. Adding more vegetables does not significantly increase protein content.
Carbohydrates
The potatoes and carrots in Irish stew contribute to the overall carbohydrate content. Traditional recipes use about half a potato and half a carrot per serving. One carrot contains about 6 g of carbohydrates, the NutrientFacts website calculates; one potato contains about 20 g of carbs. Leeks, a common optional ingredient, pack about 15 g of carbohydrates each, while onions, another popular addition, have about 10 g apiece.
Fiber
Irish stew may not be high in fiber, but using whole vegetables instead of peeled versions can increase the fiber content. Traditionally made stew contains about 7 g of fiber per serving. The soluble fiber in carrots forms a gel-like material, which, according to the Mayo Clinic, can help lower blood cholesterol and glucose levels.
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