A Good Family Stew of Mutton

Ingredients

• 2.5 lbs mutton
• 3 lbs turnips
• 3 lbs carrots
• 2 small heads celery
• salt
• black pepper
• flour
• weak broth or cold water
• 1 or 2 onions
• butter

Instructions

1. Put into a broad stewpan or saucepan a flat layer of mutton chops, freed entirely from fat and bone (or cutlets from the leg divided into suitable bits), just dipped into cold water, seasoned with pepper, and lightly dredged with flour.
2. On these lay a layer of mild turnips sliced half an inch thick and cut into squares, then carrots of the same thickness, with salt and black pepper between them.
3. Add another layer of mutton, then plenty of vegetables, and as much weak broth or cold water as will barely cover the whole.
4. Strew one or two minced onions between the other vegetables if their flavour is liked.
5. Bring the stew slowly to a boil and let it just simmer for two to three hours, according to the quantity.
6. For enhanced savour, brown the meat in a little butter before stewing, if desired.
7. Fry the vegetables lightly in butter before adding them to the stew, if desired.
8. Add a head or two of celery if you wish to improve the flavour.
9. In summer, substitute cucumber, green onions, shred lettuces, and green peas for the winter vegetables.