Welcome, to a journey that dives into the heart of tradition and taste. Nestled in the windswept landscapes of Scotland's North East lies a culinary treasure—the humble yet robust stovies. In the city of Aberdeen and the surrounding Aberdeenshire countryside, this simple dish rivals our national haggis in culinary importance. Join me as I reveal the tummy-rumbling allure of stovies, a dish that is about more than mere ingredients.
Mmmmm.... the aroma of a Sunday roast lingering in a warm kitchen. Cold roast potatoes in the fridge, ready for a middle-of-the-night raid. Is there anything better than sneaking downstairs and quietly opening the fridge door? Slicing a crisp roastie and sprinkling its fluffy inside with salt. I’ve perhaps unwittingly let slip one of my guilty pleasures. Yet, there is something even better than this!
It is the transformation of yesterday’s leftovers into a dish so cherished it signifies regional pride. And exemplifies Scottish culinary ingenuity and thriftiness. Stovies are not just a meal; they represent a philosophy of minimal waste. Waste not, want not. While their origins are rooted in practicality, today's stovies showcase the Scottish skill of turning necessity into something tasty.
But why should a straightforward dish like stovies capture your attention and perhaps earn a place on your culinary map? This blog aims to unveil the reasons stovies are not just relevant but an indispensable part of Scotland’s North-East culinary landscape.
Your seat at the table awaits as we are ready to stir the pot on the legendary stovies.
Ingredients and Preparation:
Stovies are the ultimate comfort food. They typically consist of leftovers from a Sunday roast. Main ingredients include tender pieces of beef or lamb, onions, potatoes, and gravy. The basic cooking method involves frying an onion in fat, adding the potatoes and meat, and simmering it all on the stove with stock or gravy. The dish likely originated without any meat, relying solely on the rich flavours derived from beef or lamb dripping or fat from a roast. Some families still adhere to this traditional approach.
Likewise, it was the leftover roast potatoes that formed the cornerstone of this dish. Providing a starchy foundation that absorbed all the flavours. However, in modern times, it's more common to find mashed potatoes intentionally prepared for stovies.
And of course, every cook has their variation. Some add carrots and a sprinkle of spices.
While the fundamental method involves the same key steps, it is the choice of ingredients that introduces a vast spectrum of possibilities. From the classic leftover roast beef to sausages, or corned beef, or haggis. I’ve even seen a vegetarian version. You could say the options are as varied as the Scottish landscape.
Historical Significance:
The history of stovies dates back to a time when Scots wasted nothing, especially not the remnants of a Sunday roast.
One suggested origin is from rich families offering their surplus Sunday meal leftovers to their servants. Upon returning home, the servants ingeniously combined the remnants—bits of meat, drippings, and assorted ingredients—into this hearty dish.
In a region, characterized by farm labourers inland and a vibrant coastal community of fisherfolk and boatbuilders, the dish found its place as a nourishing meal for hardworking folk. The onset of the Industrial Revolution and the rapid growth of cities, like Aberdeen with its prolific quarry workers, further fueled the popularity of stovies. The dish emerged as the ideal way to feed hungry mouths at the start of the week.
The term "stovies" itself is believed to have originated in the 19th century from the Scots word "Stove," meaning the act of stewing meat or vegetables. However, there might be a potential continental influence, with some proposing roots in France or Holland.
Thrifty households repurposed leftovers into a delectable meal, resulting in the birth of stovies. Its popularity grew rapidly, and today, it thrives as a beloved traditional dish found everywhere from household kitchens to Scottish bakeries.
Where to Find Stovies:
Most visitors to Scotland are encouraged to try haggis at least once. But I bet most visitors from overseas, or elsewhere in the UK, have never heard of stovies. If you visit Scotland and are seeking local food then stovies are a must-try. For me, the taste and aroma of stovies evoke warmth and nostalgia like no other dish.
For those exploring the North East, many bakeries and butchers in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire are excellent spots for takeaway stovies. Beware these are hearty portions. A belly full of stovies may require a short nap. Don't be surprised if you're offered oatcakes to enjoy alongside, as they perfectly complement the richness of stovies.
If your adventures take you beyond the North East, fear not, for stovies can be discovered in different parts of Scotland. A personal recommendation is Mhor Bread in Callander, Stirlingshire, where I recently stumbled upon them being served. Look out for local cafes, particularly alongside farm shops, as likely places to have a taste. And of course, they are more likely to be served during the winter months than the middle of summer. That said, during a cold and wet summer you will see them sneak back on the menu.
My personal favourite:
However, for the pinnacle of stovies, make your way to the royal town of Ballater in Aberdeenshire. It’s just a stone's throw from Balmoral Castle. Head to Byron Bakery in the centre of town, opposite the church. Byron’s is honoured as a baker to the Royal Household. Maybe the King nips down for a portion of stovies when staying at Balmoral. If he doesn’t, then the King is missing a real treat. These are the best - a big portion, steaming hot, with two oatcakes on the side. So much better, than a sandwich meal deal from the supermarket next door.
Conclusion:
Embracing the essence of Scottish culture extends far beyond the rolling hills and serene lochs—it's about indulging in the flavours. Are you put off by haggis? All those unmentionable ingredients. Stovies are very different. You will be trying something many other visitors miss out on.
Go on, give your taste buds a journey as well. Treat yourself to a heartwarming serving of stovies. What better way to fuel your explorations? This hearty meal won't just satisfy your hunger; it will connect you to a part of Scotland and its people. Start by finding the nearest spot for stovies right now!