Sweet Potato Stovies

Every culture has its own comfort food, a dish that combines familiar ingredients into an 'afa fine meal' that fills the stomach and warms the soul.

For us Scottish folk, one such dish is called Stovies. 

Now this is traditionally made from white potatoes and meat (either leftovers from a weekend roast, mince or square sausage) and offers a delicious mixture of flavours and textures, all while providing the heartiness that makes comfort food so appealing.

However, today I am taking this beloved recipe and giving it a unique spin by swapping regular potatoes for sweet potatoes and adding a few other ingredients along the way to make it a total dooize of a recipe....and dare I say it, I prefer this to the 'original version (sorry Grandma).

"That's nae stovies min"

Now some traditionalists will be reading this and getting their knickers in a twist insisting that the only proper Stovies are those made from leftover roast meat.

Others will say it's fine to use mine. While others maintain that corned beef or squared sausage is the only way to make stovies. 

And using sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes?! Dinna even go there pal.

However, in my opinion, if it's got some sort of mashed tattie and some sort of meat mixed through it, it's stovies. 

End of.

Sweet Potato Stovies Key Ingredients

Sweet potato. Sweet potatoes are used for their high nutrient content and natural sweetness, which adds a different flavour dimension to the dish. 

Red onion. Red onions provide a sweet and mildly sharp flavour that adds depth and complexity to the dish. Finely diced, they blend well with the other ingredients, enhancing the overall taste of the recipe.

Garlic. Pressed garlic infuses the dish with its potent and aromatic flavour. It's never used in the traditional version of stovies but it really adds something to this version.

Beef mince. The low-fat steak mince is a lean source of protein, contributing to the hearty, filling nature of the dish.

Worcestershire sauce. Worcestershire sauce lends a tangy, umami flavour that helps to balance out the sweetness of the sweet potatoes. 

Mixed herbs. Mixed herbs are used to add depth of flavour to the dish. 

Red wine. As you can imagine, never used in a traditional stovies recipe but as with any recipe when you add booze, it usually just gets better.

Sweet Potato Stovies

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I've created a Stovies recipe, with a twist, using sweet potatoes in place of the traditional white potato. The recipe for stovies also has a couple of other ingredients included that you might not find in a normal recipe which gives this dish a really delicious flavour.

This easy recipe for sweet potato stovies takes hardly any time to prepare, it can be scaled to feed more hungry folks and it can be easily frozen.

• Total Time: 35 mins
• Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Units MUS Scale 1x2x3x

700 g sweet potato, peeled and chopped

1 tsp olive oil

1 red onion, finely diced

5 g garlic, pressed

500 g 5% fat steak mince

20 ml Worcestershire sauce

30 g tomato puree

1 tsp mixed herbs

175 ml red wine or stock

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Instructions

Bring a pan of water to a boil and add cook your sweet potato for 15-20 minutes until they have softened.

Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in another large pan over a low to medium heat and add the onion and gently fry for a few minutes. Add the garlic and fry for a further minute before adding the mince to the pan and cooking until it has browned.

Add the Worcestershire sauce, tomato puree and mixed herbs and a small glass of red wine to the mince, cover and simmer for 10 minutes.

Once the sweet potatoes are ready, drain and mash. Add the mince mixture to the mashed sweet potatoes and thoroughly combine the mixture.

Serve and enjoy.

• Author: Scott Baptie
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins
• Category: Meat
• Method: Hob
• Cuisine: Scottish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1
• Calories: 360
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Protein: 28g

Sweet Potato Stovies Storage Tips

To Store

The final dish keeps well in the fridge in an air-tight container.

To Reheat

Place the dish in the microwave, covered and zap until fully heated throughout.

To Freeze

Everything freezes well.

Frequently Asked Questions about Stovies

What are Stovies?

Stovies are a traditional Scottish dish that typically consists of potatoes, onions, and some form of meat. 

Can Stovies be vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, modern interpretations of the dish can be adapted to suit vegetarian or vegan diets. Meat substitutes like lentils or mushrooms can be used instead of traditional meat.

What is the best way to serve Stovies?

Stovies are typically served hot and can be accompanied by oatcakes or bread. 

Are there regional variations of Stovies?

Absolutely. Given its flexible recipe, variations exist from household to household in Scotland. Some insist on using leftover roast, others prefer fresh meat or corned beef, and the range of additional ingredients can vary widely.

Try These Other Sweet Potato Recipes

Thai Sweet Potato Fish Cakes: These fish cakes offer an exciting flavour profile, where the sweetness of the potatoes pairs beautifully with the aromatic Thai spices. The added protein from the fish makes it a wholesome, well-rounded meal. Check out the recipe here.

Sweet Potato and Chorizo Soup: Perfect for a cozy dinner, this soup combines the comforting warmth of sweet potatoes with the smoky spiciness of chorizo. It's a unique twist on traditional soup recipes that promises a burst of flavours with every spoonful. You can find the recipe here.

Sweet Potato Protein Brownies: Who said sweet potatoes can't be a part of your dessert? These Sweet Potato Protein Brownies make for a guilt-free indulgence, offering a perfect balance of health and taste. They're a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth and an eye for nutrition. Check out the recipe here.

Leave A Comment Below

Loved the recipe? Got your own little tweaks and twists? I am all ears! Feel free to drop a comment below and share your cooking experiences with me.

Our 'Sweet Potato Stovies Recipe' brings a comforting and hearty dish to your table, showcasing the versatility of potatoes in a delightful way. Similarly, our guide on 'How to Cook Jacket Potatoes' explores another delicious method to enjoy potatoes, offering a simple yet satisfying meal option. Whether you're in the mood for the rich, flavorful stovies or a classic jacket potato, these recipes highlight the many culinary possibilities of potatoes. Dive into our How to Cook Jacket Potatoes for tips on perfecting this traditional dish, and consider pairing it with the sweet potato stovies for a varied and comforting potato-based meal.