Traditional Scottish Stovies Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 kg potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 500 g beef stewing steak, cut into chunks
  • 2 large onions, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil (any type)
  • 2 beef stock cubes
  • 1 tablespoon Worcester sauce
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the beef chunks and cook until browned on all sides.
  3. Add the onions and cook until they are soft and translucent.
  4. Dissolve the beef stock cubes in 500 ml of boiling water and add to the pan.
  5. Add the chopped potatoes, Worcester sauce, salt, and pepper to the pan.
  6. Stir well, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan and cook for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  7. The Stovies are ready when the potatoes are soft and the liquid has reduced. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
  8. Serve hot, ideally with crusty bread on the side.

Tools for making

  • Large pan - A pan with a capacity large enough to hold all the ingredients.
  • Cooking oil - Any type of cooking oil can be used for this recipe.
  • Chopping board - Used for chopping the onions and potatoes.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for cutting the onions, potatoes, and beef.
  • Wooden spoon - Used for stirring the ingredients while cooking.
  • Boiling water - Needed to dissolve the beef stock cubes.
  • Cover or lid - Used to cover the pan while the Stovies are cooking.

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian option: Replace the beef stewing steak with chunks of vegetarian meat substitute, such as seitan or tempeh.
  • Smoked stovies: Add a smoked element by using smoked paprika or smoked salt.
  • Spicy stovies: Add a kick of heat by including chopped chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce.
  • Herb-infused stovies: Enhance the flavor with the addition of fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley.
  • Root vegetable stovies: Mix things up by using a combination of different root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and turnips alongside the potatoes.
  • Crusty breadcrumb topping: Sprinkle a layer of breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter or olive oil on top of the stovies for a crunchy finish.
  • Cheesy stovies: Add grated cheese, such as cheddar or Parmesan, on top during the last few minutes of cooking, allowing it to melt and form a delicious cheesy crust.

Recipe overview

Stovies is a traditional Scottish dish known for its hearty and comforting qualities. This recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients like potatoes, beef, and onions slowly cooked together to create a rich and filling stew. As you follow this recipe, expect to engage in a slow cooking process that will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. The end result is a pot full of soft, flavorful potatoes and tender beef that can be enjoyed hot, straight from the stove. Perfect for cold nights, this dish is ideally paired with crusty bread on the side to soak up the delicious stew juices.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, you can use lamb or pork instead of beef. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  2. Can I use different types of potatoes? Yes, you can use different varieties of potatoes such as Maris Piper, King Edward, or Russet potatoes.
  3. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? Yes, you can transfer the browned beef, onions, and other ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for about 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  4. Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, you can freeze any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
  5. Can I add vegetables to this recipe? Yes, you can add carrots, swede, or turnips to the stovies for added flavor and texture. Make sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pan - A large, sturdy pan to cook the stovies.
  • Stirring spoon - A long-handled spoon to stir the ingredients while cooking.
  • Cutting board - A flat surface to chop and prepare the potatoes and onions.
  • Knife - A sharp knife to cut the potatoes, onions, and beef.
  • Measuring spoons - Spoons to accurately measure the Worcester sauce, salt, and pepper.
  • Boiling water - Sufficient boiling water to dissolve the beef stock cubes.
  • Cover - A lid or cover for the pan to simmer the stovies.
  • Serving dish - A dish or plate to serve the stovies.
  • Crusty bread - Optional, but recommended for serving with the stovies.

Origin stories

Stovies, a traditional Scottish staple, has its origins steeped in the resourceful nature of Scottish cooks who wanted to use every bit of food available to them. The name "stovies" comes from the Scottish term "stove", referring to the slow cooking method used in preparing this hearty dish. It was most commonly cooked on a Monday, using the leftover roast from Sunday's dinner. The end result was a meal that brought warmth and comfort to the family table, proving that sometimes, the simplest of ingredients can create the most satisfying of dishes. It's said that no two pots of stovies are the same, and every Scottish family has their own cherished recipe.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.