How to make scouse in slow cooker
Scouse is a traditional dish that originates from Liverpool, UK. It is a hearty stew made with meat, typically beef or lamb, and lots of vegetables. Traditionally, scouse was cooked low and slow in a pot on the stove, but these days, many people prefer to use a slow cooker for convenience and ease.
The slow cooker is a fantastic appliance for making scouse as it allows all the flavors to meld together over a long period of time, resulting in a delicious and comforting meal. Plus, the slow cooker does all the hard work for you, making it the perfect choice for busy individuals or families.
Not only does using a slow cooker make scouse incredibly easy, but it also brings out the flavors of the meat and vegetables even more. The long, slow cooking process allows the meat to become incredibly tender and the vegetables to release their natural sweetness. The end result is a flavorful and nourishing dish that will warm you up on even the coldest of days.
If you’re a fan of comfort food, then making scouse in a slow cooker is a must-try. Whether you’re new to scouse or have been eating it all your life, you’ll love the convenience and wonderful taste that slow cooking brings to this classic dish.
Step-by-step guide to making scouse in a slow cooker
Scouse is a traditional dish from Liverpool, England, made with meat, vegetables, and potatoes. By using a slow cooker, you can create a delicious and hearty scouse stew with minimal effort. Follow this step-by-step guide to make scouse in a slow cooker:
- Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. You will need:
- 500g stewing beef, diced
- 2 onions, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 parsnips, peeled and chopped
- 2 leeks, washed and sliced
- 2 beef stock cubes
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 500ml water
- Heat a frying pan over medium heat and brown the beef in batches. Transfer the browned beef into the slow cooker.
- In the same frying pan, sauté the onions until translucent. Add them to the slow cooker.
- Add the carrots, potatoes, parsnips, and leeks to the slow cooker.
- Dissolve the beef stock cubes in 500ml of hot water and pour it into the slow cooker. Add the bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Give everything a good stir to combine the ingredients.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours or on high heat for 4-6 hours.
- After the cooking time is up, check the seasoning and adjust if needed.
- Serve the scouse hot, preferably with crusty bread or buttered toast.
Enjoy the comforting and flavorsome scouse made effortlessly in your slow cooker!
Prepare the ingredients and slow cooker
To make scouse in a slow cooker, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1.5lbs stewing beef, cut into cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 parsnips, peeled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon plain flour
- 1 pint beef stock
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Once you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, you can begin preparing your scouse.
Step 1: Prepare the Meat
Start by cutting the stewing beef into small cubes. This will help it cook evenly and tenderize the meat. Set the meat aside once it is cut.
Step 2: Chop the Vegetables
Next, chop the onion, peel and slice the carrots and parsnips, and peel and dice the potatoes. Having the vegetables prepared in advance will make the cooking process much easier.
Step 3: Sear the Meat
Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the cubed beef and cook until it is browned on all sides. This will help to seal in the juices and add flavor to the scouse.
Step 4: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Transfer the seared meat to the slow cooker. Sprinkle it with the plain flour and toss until all the meat is coated evenly. This will help to thicken the broth in the scouse.
Step 5: Add the Vegetables and Seasonings
Add the chopped onions, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and sliced parsnips to the slow cooker with the meat. Pour in the beef stock, and add the bay leaves and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Now that you have all the ingredients prepared and in the slow cooker, you are ready to start cooking your scouse!
Cook the scouse in the slow cooker
Once you have prepared all the ingredients and have them ready to go, it’s time to start cooking the scouse. Follow these simple steps to ensure a delicious and tender dish:
1. Turn on your slow cooker and set it to low heat. This will allow the flavors to develop slowly and for the meat to become tender.
2. Add the diced beef and lamb to the slow cooker. Make sure to sear the meat beforehand in a hot pan to seal in the juices and enhance the flavors.
3. Next, add the chopped onions, carrots, and potatoes to the slow cooker. These vegetables will not only add flavor, but also help to thicken the stew as they cook.
4. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, and dried herbs to season the scouse. You can use a combination of dried thyme, bay leaves, and rosemary for an aromatic twist.
5. Pour in the beef stock and Worcestershire sauce to enhance the savory taste of the scouse. These liquids will also keep the stew moist as it cooks.
6. Give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients and ensure that the meat and vegetables are evenly distributed.
7. Put on the lid of the slow cooker and let it cook on low heat for 8-10 hours. This will allow the scouse to simmer slowly and develop its rich and flavorsome taste.
8. Check on the scouse occasionally and give it a gentle stir. You can also adjust the seasoning if desired.
9. Once the scouse is ready, serve it piping hot in bowls with crusty bread on the side. Enjoy the hearty and comforting taste of this traditional English stew!
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