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What is Mulligan Stew?

O. Wallace
O. Wallace

Nearly every cold climate culture has its own version of Mulligan Stew, which is a cheap, filling meal that can be made with a pot, a fire and whatever is available at the time. Also referred to as Irish Stew, Hobo Stew, and “hotch potch,” Mulligan Stew is a time honored tradition of combining a meat, a starch and vegetables for a hearty, easy and satisfying meal. Mulligan stew is perhaps the predecessor to the one-pot meal — the essential crock pot dish of yesteryear.

No definite origin of Mulligan Stew and its name can be found, but it is thought to have been a hand down from the traditional Irish stew that so many peasants relied on as a primary source of sustenance. Because so many Irish farmers raised sheep, lamb and mutton were primary ingredients in Mulligan Stew. Potatoes — although these were most likely omitted during the potato famine — and other root vegetables were stewed together with the meat to create a rich, thick stew.

Potatoes are a common ingredient in Mulligan stew.
Potatoes are a common ingredient in Mulligan stew.

Irish culture was especially influential, particularly when Irish immigration in the U.S. peaked in the latter half of the 19th century. The first mention of Mulligan stew in print was made in 1904 in an issue of the Yukon Midnight Sun. Since many Irish immigrants were faced with poor conditions in the United States as well, this peasant dish translated, and those making the stew used beef and any other ingredients that were available.

Mulligan stew contains meat, potatoes, and root vegetables such as carrots.
Mulligan stew contains meat, potatoes, and root vegetables such as carrots.

Also known as Hobo stew, this meal was a favorite in camps where the homeless lived. Making Mulligan stew often turned out to be a cooperative effort where each person contributed a separate ingredient to it. Reportedly, the man in charge of collecting and stewing the ingredients was the designated “mulligan mixer.” In this respect, Mulligan Stew echoed the “Stone Soup” story where three itinerant men, with the help of a town, made a soup based on a stone and donated ingredients.

Taking a long time to cook properly, round steak is ideal for stew.
Taking a long time to cook properly, round steak is ideal for stew.

Recipes for Mulligan stew and related offshoots vary, and are as diverse as the ingredients available to the cook. Virtually any type of red meat can be used, to which water, potatoes, root vegetables such as celery, carrots and turnips are added. Any seasonings can be added, but salt and pepper are a must. Some variations also add tomatoes or a tomato sauce to liven up the broth, or flour to thicken it. Making Mulligan stew can be an adventure for you and your family, by making a fun night of using what is available in your pantry and refrigerator, and tasting what happens!

Discussion Comments

tigers88

My mom used to make mulligan stew a lot but she called it hamburger stew because that was usually the meat she used. That and carrots, potatoes, peppers, really whatever she had in the fridge thrown together with some canned tomatoes and boiled for an hour or two.

It was not gourmet cooking to be sure but it filled you up. She had three boys to feed so it was really about quantity more than quality.

clippers

I love a hot bowl of mulligan stew on a cold wet night. I cannot think of anything that is so warming and nourishing. It is like putting a blanket on your insides.

vigilant

What I love about mulligan stew is that there is really no recipe for it. It is the most basic ingredients and the most basic preparation. Beyond that, you can pretty much do whatever you want.

I have seen it with everything from deer meat to Vienna sausages thrown in. All veggies from corn on the cob to radishes, once even apples. No two stews are alike which I think is really cool.

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    • Potatoes are a common ingredient in Mulligan stew.
      By: mbongo
      Potatoes are a common ingredient in Mulligan stew.
    • Mulligan stew contains meat, potatoes, and root vegetables such as carrots.
      By: vvoe
      Mulligan stew contains meat, potatoes, and root vegetables such as carrots.
    • Taking a long time to cook properly, round steak is ideal for stew.
      By: Louella Folsom
      Taking a long time to cook properly, round steak is ideal for stew.
    • Variations of Mulligan stew include tomato sauce or tomatoes to add extra flavor.
      By: Viktorija
      Variations of Mulligan stew include tomato sauce or tomatoes to add extra flavor.