Slow Cooker Scottish Stovies is a comforting plate of slowly cooked potato seasoned with beef and onions. Stovies or ‘Stoved Potatoes’ is a classic dish that makes simple ingredients taste incredibly good.
Stovies were a feature of my childhood. My mother made and served ‘plain’ stovies i. e. just potatoes and onions, which she cooked on the stove in a pot with a tight lid. Stovies were often served with a Scotch Pie and lots of brown sauce.
As with all traditional recipes, my family has used this one for a long time. I’m sure that many other families also have their own Scottish Stovies recipes and traditions.
Sausage stovies are a warm, comforting one-pot meal that’s easy to make in the slow cooker. Traditionally an Irish dish, stovies are made by simmering sausage, vegetables, and potatoes into a thick hearty stew. The key is to use leftover roasted meats and veggies to add tons of flavor. In this simple guide, I’ll walk you through how to make delicious sausage stovies step-by-step in the slow cooker.
An Overview of Sausage Stovies
Stovies are an economical, nourishing dish that makes great use of leftovers. Traditionally, stovies were made by reheating leftovers from a Sunday roast – any cooked meats, potatoes, carrots, onions, etc. were diced up and simmered into a chunky, gravy-like stew. The key ingredients are:
- Sausage – Smoky pork or turkey sausage adds meaty flavor
- Veggies – Onions, carrots, celery, cabbage etc.
- Potatoes – Cubed roasted or boiled potatoes help thicken the stew
- Stock – Chicken or beef stock provides savory depth
Hearty and comforting, stovies make a fantastic midweek one-pot meal. The slow cooker does all the work of simmering and melding the flavors.
Benefits of Slow Cooker Stovies
Here are some of the advantages of using a slow cooker for stovies:
- Convenience – Dump in ingredients and let it simmer hands-free
- Deeper flavor – Long cooking intensifies taste
- Tenderness – Slow cooking makes meat and veggies super tender
- Versatility – Use up whatever ingredients you have on hand
- Budget-friendly – Utilizes leftovers and inexpensive ingredients
Ingredients Needed
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 3 cups chopped vegetables (onions, carrots, celery)
- 3 cups cubed potatoes
- 2 cups chicken or beef stock
- 1 tbsp butter or oil
- Salt, pepper and herbs to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making sausage stovies in the slow cooker is simple
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Dice the sausage into 1/2 inch pieces Heat a skillet with oil over medium heat. Brown the sausage for 3-5 minutes
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While sausage browns peel and dice the onion. Melt 1 tbsp butter in the slow cooker. Add the onions and cook for 5 minutes until translucent.
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Add the browned sausage, chopped celery, carrots, potatoes, stock, and any other veggies to the slow cooker. Season with salt, pepper, thyme etc.
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Cook on High for 4-5 hours or Low for 7-8 hours.
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Once cooked, use a potato masher to break up some of the potato pieces which will help thicken and bind the stew.
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Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle into bowls and enjoy!
Recipe Variations
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Use beef or lamb stew meat instead of sausage.
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Add chopped cabbage or kale for extra nutrition.
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Stir in peas, corn or green beans.
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Use parsnips instead of carrots.
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Add chopped tomatoes for brightness.
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Sprinkle with parsley or green onions.
FAQs
Can I prepare stovies on the stovetop?
Yes, just cook the potatoes and sausage in stock over medium-low heat for 30-40 minutes until tender.
What kind of sausage works best?
Smoked and fresh sausages both work well. Choose turkey, chicken, pork or beef sausage.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Peeling is optional. Dicing the potatoes small will allow them to break down and thicken the stew.
Can I use canned or frozen vegetables?
Absolutely! Drain and rinse canned veggies. Use frozen peas, carrots, corn etc.
How long will leftover stovies last?
Leftover stovies will keep 3-4 days refrigerated or 2-3 months frozen. Reheat gently before serving.
Tips for Delicious Slow Cooker Stovies
- Brown the sausage first for deeper flavor
- Cut the potatoes and veggies to similar bite-sized pieces for even cooking
- Add stock or water to just cover the solids
- Mash some of the cooked potatoes to help thicken
- Season generously with salt, pepper and herbs
- Play around with different meat and veggie combinations
Enjoy Economical Hearty Stovies
Sausage stovies make for a supremely comforting, budget-friendly one-pot meal. By using leftovers and inexpensive ingredients, you can whip up a hearty stew with little effort. Let the slow cooker work its magic to tenderize the meat and vegetables into a luscious dish the whole family will love. Follow this easy recipe for the ultimate cold weather comfort food.
Can I make Scottish Stovies without a Slow Cooker?
Yes, the traditional recipe is made using a pan with a thick base and a tight lid. Once the onions are cooked, add the potatoes and the 30 ml water. Put on a very low heat for about an hour. Don’t take the lid off to check how they are cooking as you will release the steam. Just give the pot a shake every now and then.
Make Stovies into a Meal
Use leftover roast beef cut into small pieces. Then use a wooden spoon to beat the pieces into the cooked stovies.
Canned corned beef (not the cured US style) is a good staple to have in your larder. When you cook your Stovies, add crumbled corned beef and mix it into the potatoes. This will make a cheap and filling meal. My mom used to serve Corned Beef Stovies at her New Year’s Eve (Hogmanay) party for many years. It was always very popular.