Caribbean Beef Stew

Image Leave a comment 19/07/2020 the wee caledonian cook

When I think of Caribbean Food, I think beans, rice, peppers, sweet potato & tomatoes to name a few. This dish is a mix of all my favourites and I was using up leftovers too. I hope you enjoy. This dish would be lovely with Lamb too.

Serves 2

300g Scottish Beef Mince

150g Diced Butternut squash (or sweet potatoes)

1 onion, chopped

1 Red Pepper, chopped

1 garlic clove, finely chopped

1 cm fresh ginger, finely chopped

1 tbsp sweet hot paprika

120ml Beef Stock

200g chopped tin tomatoes

200g Black Eyed beans

Handful of peas

Salt & Pepper to taste

Heat some oil in a large pan and brown the mince.
Add in the butternut squash, onion, red pepper, garlic, ginger, paprika and mix through, cook for 1 minute then add in the stock, tomatoes, peas and beans, bring to the boil then simmer covered for about 30 minutes. Season.
If using Lamb I would slow cook this so the Lamb in tender.
Serve on its own or with some rice.

Beef Ragout

Image Leave a comment 08/04/2019 the wee caledonian cook

Oh yummy! I’m still trying to look for alternative healthier options to my meals and this recipe I came across on Eating well website. A few tweeks to suit our own tastes and voila it was super tasty and quite filling too.

Serves 2

400 g Scottish Steak (cubed)

1 red onion – cut into wedges

1 clove garlic – minced

400ml Beef Stock

1/2 cup of Red wine

70g sugar snap peas

1 red pepper – sliced about 0.5cm thick

8 cherry tomatoes – halved

Cornflour to thick sauce – I used about 2 tbsps

1 tbsp tomato paste

Salt & pepper to taste

80-100g pasta (I used wholewheat as a healthier option)

Heat a little oil in a large pan, add in the steak and brown, season with salt & pepper. Remove with a slotted spoon once browned all over.
Fry the onions and red peppers with the garlic and tomato paste.
Add back to the pan the steak, red wine & beef stock bring to the boil then reduce to a very low simmer and slow cook with lid on for about 4-5 hours.
Just before serving cook your pasta as per packet instructions, drain then add the the pan along with the sugar snap peas and cherry tomatoes. Cook for a further 5 minutes.
If sauce is still watery, make up your cornflour and stir in until you achieve the desired thickness of sauce.
Season some more and serve.

Steak & Chorizo Slow Cook stew

Image 1 Comment 25/03/2019 the wee caledonian cook

We do love a good stew on a Sunday, this is a little change to the normal traditional stew and super tasty with loads of flavour. All you need is some good fresh bread to douk (dip in) and scoop up the gravy. Yummy!

Makes 2-3 servings

400g good scottish steak (diced)

75g-100g chorizo (diced)

1 x 400g can tin chopped tomatoes

1 x 225g tin chickpeas

1 x 225g tin red kidney beans

300ml beef stock

2 tsp cumin

1 tsp brown sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

1 clove garlic minced

100ml red wine

1 tbsp worcester sauce

1 tbsp tomato puree

1 red onion – chopped

Coriander – chopped to garnish

Salt & pepper to season

Heat a little oil in a pan and gently fry the steak until browned, then add in the chorizo and onion until softened.
Sprinkle on the cumin, paprika, garlic, sugar, cinnamon and tomato paste and mix through to coat beef. Season well.
Add in the chickpeas, kidney beans, tin tomatoes, stock and worcester sauce, mix and bring to the boil. Add in the red wine.
Reduce to a low simmer place lid on pan and cook slowly for about 2-3 hours or until meat is tender.
Serve with a sprinkle or coriander. Yum.

Sausage and Potato Stew

Image Leave a comment 02/04/2018 the wee caledonian cook

I picked up an amazing bargain recently in Aldi’s….29p for 2.5kg bag of Maris Piper potatoes…..Yes I know…..right…..29p!! So after picking up some lovely scottish beef sausages at my local butchers I decided a Stew was the perfect match for these potatoes.

A warm comfort filling dish.

Makes 4 servings.

8 Scottish Beef sausages (or any of your choice)

4 potatoes – washed and cubed (skin on)

1 tin chopped tomatoes

1 tbsp tomato puree

300ml chicken stock

2 garlic clove – crushed

1 tbsp olive oil

2-3 sweet red peppers – sliced

1 red onion – quartered

1 tsp crushed chillies

1 tsp hot smoked paprika

salt & pepper

1 tbsp worcester sauce

1 tbsp mixed herbs

Gently heat up to a medium heat a fry pan with oil.
Gently fry the peppers and onion with the garlic, chillies and paprika until softened, remove from pan with slotted spoon.
Put your sausages into the pan and gently brown on all sides.
Once sausages are browned add back to the pan the pepper mix, tomato paste, tin tomatoes, chicken stock, potatoes, salt & pepper, worcester sauce and mix. Bring to the boil then simmer for approx 25 minutes or until potatoes are soft.
A few minutes before ready add in the mixed herbs, and cut the sausages into 3 sections, then serve. Yummy!

Spicy Sausage & Bean Stew

Image Leave a comment 26/03/2018 the wee caledonian cook

Sundays are all about Stews……good home cooked food. Sundays are my chillout day and also my home comforts day, so there’s nothing better than a tasty Stew. This one was full of flavour, very spicy and full of protein too. I served it with some homemade crusty baguettes.

Serves 2

6 Sausages (to your own taste. I used Black pepper Beef sausages) you could use low fat sausages to make it even healthier.

1 Cal cooking Spray

1 red romano pepper (the long pointy ones), deseeded and cut into 1cm strips

1 clove garlic crushed

1 tbsp hot chilli powder – less if you don’t like it too spicy

1 tbsp hot smoked paprika

1 tbsp worcestershire sauce

300g passata

100ml chicken stock

200g cannellini beans, drained

200g red kidney beans, drained

6 spring onions, finely chopped

chopped parsley to garnish.

Spray a non stick fry pan and heat on a medium heat.
Gently fry the spring onions, pepper and garlic then add 3 tbsp water and cover. Cook on a simmer for about 5 minutes until soft.
Meanwhile, gently brown sausages in a fry pan with spray oil.
Once browned, remove and cut into 3 diagonally.
Add chilli powder, paprika and worcester sauce into the pepper mix and stir, then add the passata, chicken stock, sausages and beans, bring up to a boil, then simmer for about 10-15 minutes uncovered.
Serve in a soup bowl and garnish with parsley. Serve with some fresh crusty bread. Yummy!

Sausage, Bean & Chorizo Stew

Image 2 Comments 15/10/2017 the wee caledonian cook

I love this time of the year, autumn colours outside, crisp fresh air, long walks, cosy comfort clothes, roaring fires, candles on, a good book and a really good one pot hearty warming meal. You really can’t go wrong with this little stew, filling, warm, comforting and easy to do. Oh and one pot…..yes we do like very little washing up in our house.

Makes for 2-4 (depends on how hungry you are…lol)

6 x good quality sausages

15cm approx length chorizo – (good quality like a picante)

1 tin of 400g baked beans (branston are our fav)

1 red onion

1 red pepper

2 garlic cloves

2 tsp hot smoked paprika

2 tsp tomato paste or puree

Salt & pepper

Coriander to garnish

Heat up a little oil in a fry pan
Firstly cook the sausages until browned and cooked, remove from pan
Gently cook the garlic, slice the chorizo, pepper and onion then add to the pan and cook until the red pepper is slightly soft (about 5-10 mins)
Cut the sausages in half and add back to the pan with the baked beans, paprika and tomato paste/puree, mix and gently simmer for about 5 minutes. Season with Salt & pepper.
Garnish with coriander and serve with either some crusty bread, crispy potatoes or rice, its entirely up to you. Oh and not forgetting a wee glass of red.

Mutton Spied Curry

Image 1 Comment 22/05/2016 the wee caledonian cook

I have to say this is the first time I’ve tried Mutton, I picked it up at the Glasgow Food Assembly from Harris Meat Farm, https://harrisfarmmeats.scot/ , https://thefoodassembly.com/en/assemblies/7907 , went with a spiced Indian flavour and some yellow lentils and oh my……absolutely loved it, rich, spicy, fragrant and so delicate, I slow cooked the meat and it just flaked on my plate…..absolute taste sensation!

Serves 2

500g Diced Mutton

1 onion – chopped

50g Yellow Split peas

350ml water

1 tsp Turmeric

1 tbsp Oil

1 tsp ginger

1 tsp garlic

1 Green Chilli – finely chopped

1 can chopped tomatoes 400g

1 tsp Red Chilli Powder

1 tsp Coriander

1 tsp Gram Masala

1 tsp Cumin

1 tsp Curry Powder

Handful of Kalette Leaves or Spinach

Firstly you want to marinade the mutton for around 1 hour, so in a bowl add 1/2 tsp Turmeric, 1 tsp Red Chilli Powder, 1/2 tsp Coriander, 1 tsp Gram Masala, 1 tsp Cumin, 1 tsp Curry Powder, add the mutton and rub through.
Meanwhile, Bring the 250ml water to the boil and add 1/2 tsp Turmeric then add in the yellow split peas, boil for about 10 mins then simmer for a further 15 mins or until the water is all soaked up. Spoon out onto a side plate for now.
In the same pan heat through the oil, gently fry the garlic, ginger, onion and green chillies for a few mins until onion has cooked through (slighty brown).
Then add in the mutton to the pan and brown all over.
Empty in the Tin Tomatoes, about 100ml water, put the yellow peas back into pan and sprinkle 1/2 tsp coriander in, bring to the boil, reduce to a very slow simmer and slow cook on hob covered for about 2.5hrs or until meat is tender.
A couple of minutes before serving, steam some Kalette leaves or Spinach and serve. Yummy!

I found that a Tempranillo based wine went really well, due to it’s Spicy, Herbal and Cherry flavour combinations. This however is up to your individual taste palates.

Sausage and Root Veg One Pot Delight

Image Leave a comment 18/01/2016 the wee caledonian cook

It was snowing outside and got down to -2 deg here at home in central Scotland and I was desperate for some warm home cooked Sunday Food (by Sunday food, I mean Hearty). I had sausages, winter veg and some harissa paste I needed to use, so this was my Sunday Meal and it didn’t half warm me up too. Happy Sunday!

The thing I loved about this was, it is a 1 pot wonder, chuck everything in 1 pot and cook, not only is it easier but it saves my boyfriend on the washing up…lol! We have a nice little agreement, I cook, he cleans……think I got the better deal! lol!

Serves 2

5 Scottish Beef Sausages (I used Beef, but you could use pork also if preferred)

1/2 White onion – sliced into wedges

1/2 Red onion – sliced into wedges

1 Parsnip – peeled and halved lengthways, then halved again (about 10cm length)

2 Carrots – peeled and halved lengthways, then halved again (about 10cm length)

1 Medium Sweet Potato – peeled and cut into cubes about 2cm sq.

1 Clove Garlic

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp tomato puree

1 tbsp harissa paste

3/4 pint hot vegetable stock

250g Tin of Chickpeas

250g Tin Tomatoes

Black pepper to season

Fresh Coriander to serve

Firstly prepare your vegetables.
Heat oil in a pan and brown the sausages then place to the side.
In the remaining oil fry the onions until browned and soft.
Add in the garlic, tomato puree and harissa paste and cook for about 1 min.
Add in the sweet potatoes, parsnip, carrots and sausages, pour over the stock and season. Bring to the boil then cover and simmer for about 30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Add in tin tomatoes and chickpeas and warm through for about 5 minutes
Remove from heat and plate up, sprinkling some chopped coriander on top.

YUMMY!

Nutrition Facts

Sausage and Root Veg one pot delight

Servings Per Recipe: 2

Amount Per Serving

Calories: 531

Total Fat: 25.9 g
Saturated Fat: 5.6 g
Trans Fat: 0.6 g
Cholesterol: 19.9 mg
Sodium: 1217.4 mg
Total Carbs: 123.3 g
Dietary Fiber: 31.3 g
Sugars: 31.8 g
Protein: 32.6 g

Chicken, Bacon and Leek Stew with creamy mash

Image Leave a comment 04/05/2015 the wee caledonian cook

Serves 2

1 x Chicken Breast – cut into small chunks

4 rashers of smoked Bacon – chopped

1 leek – sliced

50ml chicken stock

150ml milk

salt and pepper to taste

1 tbsp coriander

oil for frying

100 g green beans trimmed and chopped

1 onion – chopped finely

75ml creme fraiche

2 Bay leaves

2-3 potatoes – peeled and cubed

Chicken Stew:-

1. Lightly brown the chicken in a pan, add in the bacon and brown further, add in the onion and brown, add in the leeks and cook for a further few mins.

2. Add salt, pepper to taste.

3. Pour in chicken stock and 100 ml milk and bring to the boil, add in green beans and drop in Bay leaves, then reduce to simmer for approx 30 mins.

4. Add in coriander and 50 ml creme fraiche and cook through for a further 5 mins. If your sauce needs thickened add a little flour (or cornflour) and mix.

Creamy Potatoes:-

1. Bring to the boil the potatoes until soft. Drain and mash.

2. Add in 2 tbsp butter, 50ml milk and 2 tbsp creme fraiche and mash up well until smooth and creamy.

Serve both on plate….yum!

Scottish Steak Bourgingoun with creamy mash

Image Leave a comment 19/04/2015 the wee caledonian cook

Serves 2

400g Scottish stewing steak cubed

2 tbsp flour

8 shallots peeled, halved

2 carrots sliced

1 red pepper

Handful mushrooms

1tbsp olive oil

1 garlic clove chopped finely

1 tbsp tomato paste

1 tsp thyme

1 bouquet garnish

Salt and pepper to taste

400ml beef stock

1/2 bottle red wine (red burgandy, pinot noir or a cotes du rhone)

1. Coat steak cubes with flour and brown in a pan with olive oil. Approx 5 minutes.

2. Remove with slotted spoon. Fry shallots until coloured, add carrots, peppers and mushrooms fry for about 2-3mins then add meat back to pan.

3. Add tomato paste, garlic and season, cook for further 1 min.

4. Add wine and beef stock with bouquet garnish and thyme, bring to boil then simmer for approx 3 hours until meat is tender.

5. Meanwhile 30 mins before ready, boil some potatoes in a pan for 20 mins until softened. Remove from heat add a knob of butter and 50ml milk or cream.

6. If sauce needs thickened, mix in some cornflour to thicken.

7. Serve all on a plate with some crusty bread to soak up gravy. Oh! and a wee glass of the left over wine…yum…yum!!

Scottish Stew with Kale

Image Leave a comment 13/04/2015 the wee caledonian cook

Using some leftovers, I made a stew and decided to have some Kale with it for a healthier option, I know a bit weird combination, but it really worked!

Serves 1 – Approx 490 calories

200g Scottish Stewing steak – cubed

Flour to coat

1 carrot – sliced

1 stalk celery – chopped

2/3 shallots halved

Handful of broccoli

2 Handfuls Kale

350ml Beef stock

Salt and pepper to taste

2 Bay leaves

1. Heat a little oil in a pan and coat the steak cubes with the flour, season with salt and pepper then lightly fry steak cubes until browned.

2. Add in the shallots and cook for a further 3 mins, add in the carrots, celery, broccoli, bay leaf and stock, bring to the boil and then simmer on a very low heat for approx 3-4 hours so the meat is tender. I used Setting No. 2 on my Induction Hob. You can also decant into a casserole dish and cook in a fan oven at 90 deg for approx 8 hours.

3. Approx 10 mins before serving, bring a pan of water to boil and put in Kale, reduce and simmer for approx 8-10mins.

4. Drain Kale, put on plate. Remove stew with a slotted spoon and place onto Kale, you don’t want to much of the gravy as the Kale would be soggy. Season with some cracked black pepper. Yum!

Chorizo, Sausage and Lentil Stew

Image 2 Comments 22/03/2015 the wee caledonian cook

Had some leftover Chorizo in fridge, so I decided to mix up my Lentil stew recipe. Please trust me…it tastes better than it looks..lol! Still learning my photography.

Serves 2

200g Brown Lentils

1 red onion chopped finely

1 carrot sliced

1 garlic clove

1 tsp chilli

1 tsp parsley

220g tin chopped tomatoes

250ml beef stock

1 bay leaf

pinch salt and pepper

50g-75g Chorizo

4-6 Aberdeen Angus Beef Sausages (halved)

1. Brown onions and garlic in a saucepan with spray oil or tsp olive oil until soft

2. Add in lentils, carrot, chilli, parsley, chopped tomatoes, stock, salt & pepper and bay leaf, bring to the boil and simmer for 15 minutes.

3. Meanwhile brown sausages and chorizo in a pan with 1 tablespoon olive oil for 5 mins, remove with slotted spoon and add to stew, simmer for a further 25-30 minutes.

4. Serve with some crusty bread. Yum!

Lamb and Bean Stew

Image Leave a comment 19/01/2015 the wee caledonian cook

I do love my Stews, especially in the winter. We don’t have Lamb much as my partner is not a fan but I love it, so I won today…lol!

Serves 2/4

1 tsp olive oil

350g lean lamb cubed

6-8 shallots

1 garlic clove or tsp dried garlic

1 tbsp plain flour

400ml lamb stock, made with concentrate

200g chopped tomatoes

1 bouquet garni

1 x 400g flageolet beans, drained

300g or handful green beans

200g or handful of cherry tomatoes

salt and pepper

1, Heat oil in pan, add the lamb and fry for 3-4 mins until browned all over, set aside.

2. Add the onions and garlic and fry until drowned slightly, approx 3-4 mins.

3. Return the lamb to the pan adding any juices, stir through the flour to thicken. Then add in the stock, tomatoes, bouquet garni and beans. Bring to the boil then cover and simmer approx 2 hours or until lamb is tender.

4. Add the cherry tomatoes to the stew and season well. Continue to simmer for about 15-20 mins.

5. Meanwhile place the green beans in a pan of boiling water for 3 mins then blanch cold water. Alternatively you can steam cook.

6. Divide the stew between plates and serve with green beans. Yum! You can also serve some crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Yum Yum!

THE WEE CALEDONIAN COOK

DISCOVERING MY INNER CHEF

stew

Caribbean Beef Stew

Beef Ragout

Steak & Chorizo Slow Cook stew

Sausage and Potato Stew

Spicy Sausage & Bean Stew

Sausage, Bean & Chorizo Stew

Mutton Spied Curry

Sausage and Root Veg One Pot Delight

Chicken, Bacon and Leek Stew with creamy mash

Scottish Steak Bourgingoun with creamy mash

Scottish Stew with Kale

Chorizo, Sausage and Lentil Stew

Lamb and Bean Stew