How to make stovies with corned beef
If you’re looking for a hearty and comforting dish to warm you up on a chilly day, look no further than stovies with corned beef. This traditional Scottish dish is made with simple ingredients and packed with rich flavours. Stovies are essentially a one-pot meal, cooked slowly to develop a thick and satisfying texture.
To make stovies with corned beef, you’ll need some pantry staples like potatoes, onions, and beef stock, along with corned beef, which adds a delightful salty and savoury taste. The method is straightforward – the potatoes and onions are diced and cooked in a pot with some oil until soft and slightly caramelized. Then, the corned beef is added, along with the beef stock, and everything is simmered until the flavours meld together.
Not only is this dish incredibly delicious, but it is also versatile. You can make it your own by adding other ingredients like carrots, leeks, or even some spices to give it an extra kick. Stovies with corned beef can be enjoyed as a main course with crusty bread or as a side dish to complement your favourite meat. It’s a true comfort food that is sure to become a family favourite.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make stovies with corned beef from scratch. Grab your apron, potatoes, and a big pot – it’s time to get cooking!
Step-by-step guide to making delicious stovies with corned beef
Stovies with corned beef is a traditional Scottish comfort dish that is easy to make and packed with flavor. Follow these simple steps to create a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Start by peeling and slicing your potatoes into thin rounds. A waxy variety such as Maris Piper or King Edward is recommended for best results.
- Next, heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot on medium heat and add a knob of butter or a drizzle of olive oil. Once the fat has melted, add the potatoes and season them with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the potatoes for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and take on a bit of color.
- While the potatoes are cooking, chop an onion and mince a couple of garlic cloves. Add them to the pot with the potatoes and cook for a few more minutes until the onions become translucent.
- Open a can of corned beef and chop or break it up into small pieces. Add the corned beef to the pot and stir everything together well.
- If desired, you can add other vegetables such as carrots or leeks at this point. They should be chopped into small pieces and added to the pot.
- Pour in enough beef or vegetable stock to just cover the ingredients in the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft and the flavors have melded together.
- Give the stovies a final seasoning with salt and pepper before serving. Traditionally, stovies are served with oatcakes or crusty bread to mop up the delicious gravy.
Your delicious stovies with corned beef are now ready to be enjoyed. Serve them as a hearty main course or as a comforting meal on a cold winter’s day. Enjoy!
Prepare the ingredients
Before you can start making stovies with corned beef, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Corned beef
Get a can of good quality corned beef from your local grocery store. Make sure it’s fully cooked and ready to use. You’ll need about 1 pound of corned beef for this recipe.
2. Potatoes
The main ingredient in stovies is potatoes. Peel and chop 3-4 large potatoes into small cubes. This will give your stovies a hearty texture.
3. Onion
A medium-sized onion will add flavor to your stovies. Slice it thinly or chop it finely, depending on your preference.
4. Beef stock
For added richness and flavor, you’ll need beef stock. You can either use homemade beef stock or store-bought. Make sure you have around 2 cups of stock for this recipe.
5. Worcestershire sauce
A dash of Worcestershire sauce will enhance the taste of your stovies. Just a few drops should do the trick.
6. Salt and pepper
Season your stovies with salt and pepper according to your taste.
Now that you have all your ingredients prepared, you’re ready to move on to the next step in making delicious stovies with corned beef!
Cook the potatoes
To make stovies with corned beef, you’ll need to start by cooking the potatoes.
Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Peel the potatoes
Begin by peeling the potatoes to remove the skin. Rinse them under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
Step 2: Cut into chunks
Next, cut the potatoes into rough chunks. They should be approximately 1 inch in size.
This will help them cook evenly and retain a good texture in the stovies.
Step 3: Boil the potatoes
Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover them with cold water.
Add a pinch of salt to the water to enhance the flavor of the potatoes.
Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat and let the potatoes cook until they are tender.
This will usually take around 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of the potato chunks.It’s important not to overcook the potatoes, as they need to hold their shape in the stovies.
To test if they’re done, poke a fork into a potato chunk – it should slide in easily without resistance.
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them in a colander and let them sit for a few minutes
to allow any excess moisture to evaporate. This will help keep the stovies from becoming too watery.
Now that you’ve cooked and prepared the potatoes, they’re ready to be combined with the corned beef
and other ingredients to make delicious stovies. This cooking process will give the potatoes a soft,
creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the corned beef and other flavors in this classic Scottish dish.
Sauté the onions and garlic
To begin making stovies with corned beef, start by sautéing the onions and garlic in a large pot or skillet over medium heat.
Add a tablespoon of vegetable oil and heat it until it shimmers.
Next, add the diced onions to the pot and cook them for about 5 minutes, or until they become translucent. Stir them occasionally to prevent any burning.
Once the onions are soft and translucent, add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional minute, or until fragrant.
Sautéing the onions and garlic in the beginning will help to develop their flavors and enhance the overall taste of the stovies. It also provides a aromatic base for the dish.
When the onions and garlic are nicely sautéed, they will release a tempting aroma that fills the kitchen and it will add another layer of depth to the stovies. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can become bitter if cooked for too long.
Once the onions and garlic are cooked to perfection, you can proceed to the next step in preparing your delicious stovies with corned beef.
Add the corned beef and potatoes
A can of corned beef works well for this recipe, as it is easy to break apart and cook with the potatoes. Alternatively, you can use leftover cooked corned beef from another meal. Break it apart with a fork or your hands into small chunks and add to the pot.
Stir everything together gently, ensuring that the potatoes and corned beef are evenly distributed throughout the pan. The combination of flavours will begin to meld together, creating a mouthwatering aroma that will fill your kitchen.
Cover the pan with a lid and let the mixture cook over medium-low heat for about 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and adjust the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer.
During this time, the potatoes should become tender and take on the flavours of the onions and corned beef. The mixture will thicken slightly, creating a rich and hearty stovie.
When the potatoes are cooked through, taste the stovies and season with salt and pepper to your preference. You may also add any additional herbs or spices, such as thyme or paprika, to enhance the flavour.
At this stage, you can serve the stovies as they are, or if desired, you can brown the top under the grill or broiler for a crispy finish. Simply transfer the stovies to a heatproof dish, place it under the grill for a few minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.
Garnish with some fresh parsley or chives, if desired, and serve piping hot. Stovies made with corned beef and potatoes are a traditional Scottish comfort food that is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your hunger.
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