Stovies: Slow-cooked potatoes with meat.
Stovies are a hearty and traditional Scottish dish that features slow-cooked potatoes with meat, usually leftover roast or sausages. The name 'stovies' comes from the method of 'stoving,' which means to cook slowly in a closed pot. This comfort food is also known for including onions and sometimes carrots, creating a richly flavored and comforting dish. It's often seasoned with simple salt and pepper, and occasionally herbs such as thyme or bay leaves are added for a deeper flavor profile. Stovies are commonly served with oatcakes or crusty bread and, in some variations, accompanied by pickled beetroot or cabbage. It's a warm, satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings.
Welcome back to What's For Tea! In today's episode, we're embracing the hearty flavors of Scotland with a comforting dish known as Stovies. This traditional meal is ideal for those chilly evenings where you crave something satisfying and warm. Stovies are versatile, allowing you to use various meats or keep it vegetarian. This recipe will feature minced beef as the star ingredient, cooked on the stove top for convenience and speed. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 20 grams of softened butter
- 200 grams of finely chopped onions
- 500 grams (approx. 1 pound) of high-quality minced beef
- 400 ml of warm water
- 4 large baking potatoes, chopped into eighths
- 300 grams of chopped root vegetables (carrots and turnip recommended)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions:
1. Begin by preparing your potatoes and root vegetables. Chop each potato into 8 pieces and finely dice your carrots and turnip.
2. Place a large pan or stockpot over medium heat. Melt the softened butter and then add your chopped onions. Sauté the onions until they are soft, taking care not to let them brown – it should take a few minutes.
3. Once the onions are softened, add the minced beef to the pan. Stir continuously, ensuring the beef browns evenly and breaks up nicely. The best quality beef will yield less fat and leave the mixture quite dry.
4. After the beef has browned, add the chopped root vegetables to the pan and stir them into the meat. Allow them to slightly soften within the mixture for about 5 minutes.
5. Add the chopped potatoes to the pan, followed by pouring in 400 ml of warm water. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preference. Stir everything well to combine.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, allowing it to simmer gently. After 30 minutes, stir the mixture again. Simmer for another 20 minutes, letting the potatoes cook until they start to break down. The potatoes should be soft enough to mash against the side of the pan easily.
7. Turn off the heat, cover with a lid, and let everything sit for 15 to 20 minutes. The Stovies will thicken and the flavors will meld together during this time.
8. After the resting period, turn the heat back on and let the stovies simmer for another 5 minutes until heated through, stirring well.
9. Your Traditional Scottish Stovies are now ready to serve! Enjoy this hearty, rustic dish on its own or with a side of crusty bread.
Equipment: Large pan or stockpot, cutting board, knife
Cooking Tips: For a thicker consistency, let the stovies rest longer after turning off the heat. The more you stir when reheating, the thicker the mixture will become. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your preference.
This recipe is brought to you by What's For Tea – be sure to check out their YouTube channel for more delicious recipes and culinary ideas: https://www.youtube.com/@WhatsForTea
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