Peasant Fare

By Margaret Saul
Published on December 11, 2008
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Germany's contribution to the world of comfort foods is Gaisburger Marsch, a stewlike concoction served in a casserole of your choosing.
Germany's contribution to the world of comfort foods is Gaisburger Marsch, a stewlike concoction served in a casserole of your choosing.
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Sausage provides the foundation for a delicious Cumbria Pie, which with its top of mashed potatoes makes a complete meal.
Sausage provides the foundation for a delicious Cumbria Pie, which with its top of mashed potatoes makes a complete meal.
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Create a tasty Arroz con Pollo for your next family gathering; everyone will love it.
Create a tasty Arroz con Pollo for your next family gathering; everyone will love it.
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A simple recipe, Students' Ragout is layered in a pot and cooked on the stovetop or a single burner, making it a great one-dish meal.
A simple recipe, Students' Ragout is layered in a pot and cooked on the stovetop or a single burner, making it a great one-dish meal.

I’ve traveled quite a bit, especially in Europe, and discovered that American macaroni and cheese isn’t the only comfort food in the world.

Once, on a visit to Bunratty in Ireland, we planned to have dinner at the castle there, but they were booked so our hostess said, “Why don’t you go to the caille instead?” When I asked what that was, she said it was the feast the servants had that was more casual and more fun than eating at the castle. She called and made a reservation for us.

The caille included ballad singing, clog dancing and a delicious dinner of lamb stew, salad, Irish soda bread and fruit cobbler. I knew immediately that lamb stew was the comfort food of Ireland, and everyone seemed to agree with me.

Irish Lamb Stew

2 1/2 pounds boneless lamb shoulder
1/4 cup flour
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