Monday 17 November 2014

Alnwick Stew



One of the pleasures of travelling around the UK is the discovery of new foods and regional dishes. We went up to Northumberland in the summer; a trip we have made many times before. The county is well known in foodie circles for its kippers, bangers and honey. Its not just about the produce though. Some of the best known recipes are for Singin' Hinnies and Pan Haggerty but one I kept coming across was for Alnwick Stew. Like many Northumberland dishes it contains bacon or gammon. It's a simple and frugal dish which is perfect for family meals at this time of year. We've already had it several times since I first cooked it and it has become a family favourite. I use cooking bacon as you usually get quite thick pieces – thin rashers are no good for this stew. If you don't use thick bacon use gammon instead.

Serves 4

Equipment: Casserole dish with lid – I use a Pyrex 1.5L glass round casserole dish

Ingredients

Butter for greasing
2 Large onions, sliced
1lb (500g) Cooking bacon, cubed
1 tsp (5ml) English Mustard powder
Black pepper
2 Bay leaves
Fresh sage, torn (optional)
1½lb (700g) Potatoes, peeled and sliced
2 pints (900ml) Vegetable or chicken stock

Method

1. Pre-heat the oven to 190°C/Gas mark 5.
2. Grease the casserole dish with the butter.
3. Line the bottom of the dish with 1 of the sliced onions.
4. Put half of the bacon on top.
5. Sprinkle ½ tsp (2.5ml) of the mustard powder on top followed by a grinding of black pepper plus one of the bay leaves and the sage.
6. Cover with half of the potato slices.
7. Repeat this process again so you end with the top covered by potato.
8. Pour in the stock until just before it reaches the top potato slices. You many not need all of the stock.
9. Cook for 1 hour with the lid on and then remove the lid and cook for a further 30 minutes.

21 comments:

  1. Oh, my word, hungry for good food now, that looks lovely and filling, perfect comfort winter food! And the printable recipe page is a very good idea, much appreciated, thank you.xx

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    1. I'm pleased you like the recipe and the printable page. I sometimes forget to do it!

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  2. I really shouldn't read when I'm hungry, now I need to try this.
    Looks delicious

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    1. I'm going to make it tonight for dinner! I have to have it again!

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  3. Now that looks a tasty dish, wonder if I can cook it in my slow cooker?

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    1. I think it would be possible to cook in the slow cooker but you wouldn't get the crispy potatoes on top. Perhaps you could pop it in the oven while the other vegetables are being prepared.

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  4. What a lovely stew! This looks very tasty and filling. I could do with this right now!
    Thank you for entering #CreditCrunchMunch

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    1. It is very tasty as all the bacon flavours the onions and potatoes.

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  5. You cant beat a nice warming stew at this time of year!

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    1. It's so lovely when the smell of it fills the kitchen as well. Helps warm you up I think!

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  6. What a lovely dish!
    Stew is the best choice this time of the year.

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  7. What a hearty winter dish. My children aren't keen on stew but if I told them it had gammon/bacon in I would definitely be on to a winner.

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  8. I do love stew in the winter - best tummy warmer ;)

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  9. Oh, my life, if I could just reach through the screen to this x

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  10. I love Alnwick, but have never tried the stew. Looks delish!

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  11. I love stews with a layered potato top. Sounds lovely and warming..... perfect for the cooler days!

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  12. Mmmm this looks delicious, perfect for the cold evenings! We love visiting Northumberland x #recipeoftheweek

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  13. What a delicious dish! I love oven foods like this, thank you for sharing. I will definitely cook this and I'm certain my son will love it too!

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  14. Au that sounds lovely - stew season is definitely here

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  15. I can't get enough of stews and comfort food... this looks delicious. I love the potato topping. Thanks for linking to #CookBlogShare

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