Scottish Stew and Doughboys
Cook Time: 2 hours
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Description: This delightful Scottish stew is bursting with flavor, making it a beloved choice for the entire family, perfect for those cozy evenings at home. Passed down through generations, this recipe from my Nana embodies the essence of comfort cooking, combining tender beef with hearty vegetables and fluffy doughboys that soak up the rich gravy.
Recipe Category: Stew
Keywords: Scottish, European, Beginner Cook, Easy, Comfort Food
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Stewing beef |
| 2 | Tablespoons seasoned flour |
| 1 | Onion |
| 2 | Carrots |
| 1 | Turnip |
| 4 | Beef bouillon cubes |
| 2 | Cups water |
| 1 | Cup flour |
| 4 | Ounces beef suet |
| 2 | Ounces vegetable suet |
| 1 | Tablespoon cornflour |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 426.1 |
| Total Fat | 19.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 83.1 mg |
| Sodium | 629.6 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.4 g |
| Sugars | 3.5 g |
| Protein | 29.4 g |
Instructions
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Preparation of the Beef: Begin by chopping the stewing beef into bite-sized pieces and then roll each piece into the seasoned flour, ensuring they are well coated. This will add a lovely flavor and help to thicken the stew.
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Browning the Meat: Heat a generous amount of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated beef to the pan. Allow it to brown on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Don’t be alarmed if some bits stick to the bottom of the pan; this will add depth to the flavor of your stew.
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Adding Vegetables: After the beef is nicely browned, add the chopped onion, carrots, and turnip to the pan. Stir them in and let them cook together until the vegetables start to soften, approximately 5-10 minutes. The aromas at this stage will be incredibly inviting!
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Preparing the Broth: While the vegetables are cooking, dissolve the beef bouillon cubes in about 3/4 pint (approximately 1.5 cups) of warm water. Stir until fully dissolved, creating a rich beef broth.
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Combining Ingredients: Pour the prepared broth into the stew, making sure to scrape any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Season with salt and pepper to taste, giving it a gentle stir to combine all ingredients.
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Slow Cooking: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and allow the stew to simmer gently. Let it cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Keep an eye on the gravy level, adding more water if needed to maintain a nice, rich sauce.
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Making the Doughboys: About 15-20 minutes before the stew is ready, prepare the doughboys. In a mixing bowl, blend the flour and both types of suet together until well combined. Gradually add just enough water to form a soft dough.
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Shaping the Doughboys: Take portions of the dough and roll them into balls, each about the size of a golf ball. These doughboys will expand while cooking, so don’t worry if they seem small.
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Cooking the Doughboys: Place the doughboys gently on top of the simmering stew, ensuring they sit on the gravy. Cover the pan with a lid to allow them to steam and cook through. They will take about 15-20 minutes to become light and fluffy, nearly doubling in size.
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Finishing Touches: Once the doughboys are cooked, carefully remove them from the stew. If the gravy is too thin, thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of cornflour with a bit of water and stirring it into the stew until the desired consistency is reached.
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Serving Suggestion: For the best flavor, consider cooking the stew in the morning and allowing it to sit; then, simply reheat it while preparing the doughboys for dinner. This makes for a truly comforting and hearty meal that your family will adore.
This Scottish Stew and Doughboys recipe is not only a wonderful way to enjoy a hearty meal, but it also brings a sense of nostalgia and warmth to the dinner table, reminiscent of cherished family traditions. Enjoy this dish with your loved ones, and savor the flavors of home-cooked comfort!
