The word “slumgullion” comes from the Irish Gaelic words for “stew” or “potage” (also spelled as potage).
Slumgullion is typically served over rice, but many people enjoy it on its own.
What Ingredients Are Used In A Slumgullion Recipe?
A typical slumgullion recipe includes meat (usually beef), potatoes, onions, carrots, celery, and other vegetables.
The amount of each ingredient depends on what you have available.
Some common additions include mushrooms, garlic, parsley, rosemary, thyme, bay leaves, and pepper.
You can also add any number of spices such as paprika, curry powder, cumin, coriander, nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger.
You can buy premade slumgullions at grocery stores, but they tend to be expensive and not very tasty.
If you want to save money, you should try making your own instead.
There are several different ways of doing this, including sautéing the ingredients, boiling them in water, using bouillon cubes, or even adding flavorings to plain stock.
This article will explain how to prepare a delicious homemade slumgullion using these methods.
- Sautéed Slumgullion Recipe: Sautéing the ingredients gives them more surface area so they cook faster than if you boiled them.
- You can either do this by cooking all of the ingredients separately then combining them together later, or you can combine everything before starting the sautée process.
- Bouillabaisse Soup Slumgullion: For an authentic French flair, you can substitute fish broth for the water when making the soup base.
- Add some white wine, bring it to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer until reduced slightly.
- Beef Stock Slumgullion: Instead of using just one type of vegetable, mix various kinds of veggies together to create a nice variety.
- Then, add some herbs and spices to enhance the flavors.
- Make sure to strain out any bits of onion skin or carrot peels before putting the mixture into the slow cooker.
- Vegetable Stock Slumgullion: Since most of us don’t grow our own fresh produce, we need to rely on packaged foods that contain preservatives and artificial colors.
- Luckily, there are plenty of organic brands that offer both convenience and quality.
- Parsnip Steak Slumgullion: Instead of using regular steak, you can opt for a cut called flanken.
- Flanken has thin strips of fat running through it, which makes it easier to get crispy edges without overcooking the rest of the meat.
What Is The Traditional Way Of Preparing Slumgullion?
Slumgullions are traditionally served at Christmas time in Ireland and they are often eaten with soda bread.
In some regions of Ireland, especially rural areas, slumgullions are sold by street vendors who prepare them in large pots using leftover bits of meat and veggies.
The vendor then sells portions directly to customers.
In urban areas, however, the food may be prepared professionally in restaurants.
Ingredients
- 1/4 pound cooked roast beef
- 6 potatoes (peeled)
- 1 onion
- 1 carrot
- 2 medium leeks
- 1 parsnip
- 1 turnip
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 tablespoon flour
- Salt & pepper
Traditional Recipe Instructions
To make your slumgullion, you will need to peel the potatoes, carrots, onions, leek, turnips, and parsnips.
Then chop each vegetable into bite size pieces and place them in separate bowls.
Next, heat the olive oil in a saucepan and add the butter.
Once melted together, remove the pan from the stove and stir in the flour until smooth.
Add this mixture back onto the stove and cook it until it turns light brown.
Now pour in 1 cup of boiling water and whisk continuously while stirring.
This will help thicken the gravy.
Next, cut the boiled beef into small cubes and add them to the bowl containing the chopped vegetables.
Also add salt and pepper to taste.
Cook everything together so that all the vegetables have been coated in the flour mixture.
When finished cooking, serve over rice.
How Long Does It Take To Cook A Slumgullion Recipe?
It takes about an hour to prepare and two hours to cook.
You can speed up your process by using your slow cooker instead of cooking in the oven.
If you don’t have one, just boil water in a large pot and place everything into the hot broth at once.
If you want to add more flavor to your slumgullions, try adding garlic, onion powder, cayenne pepper, or other seasonings along with salt and black pepper.
Ingredients for the slumgullion recipe
- 4 pounds chuck roast
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 8 cups low sodium chicken stock
Steps for making the slumgullion recipe
- Season the meat evenly with 1 tablespoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a Dutch oven over medium high heat until shimmering.
- Add the seasoned meat and brown on all sides.
- Add the stock, bring to a simmer, cover and reduce the heat to low.
- Cook for 3 hours.
- Remove the lid and continue to cook uncovered for another 30 minutes.
- The sauce will thicken slightly.
- Serve immediately.
If there’s one thing we know about Americans, it’s our love for stews.
We have been cooking them since the beginning of time and they remain an important part of our diet no matter how much or little money we have.
- What ingredients are used in a slumgullion recipe?
- What is the traditional way of preparing slumgullion?
- How long does it take to cook a slumgullion recipe?
- What are some unique variations of the slumgullion recipe?
- What type of meat is used in a slumgullion recipe?
- How can you make a vegetarian version of a slumgullion recipe?
What Type Of Meat Is Used In A Slumgullion Recipe?
There are several different types of meats that are traditionally used in a slumgullion recipe.
The most common ones include beef and pork.
Other animals that are often used in a slumgullion recipe include veal, lamb, chicken, rabbit, turkey, duck, goose, and venison.
In addition to these, fish like cod, haddock, salmon, and shrimp also work well when added at the end of the preparation process.
While all of these animal parts are acceptable, they aren’t necessary if you don’t want to spend the extra cash on them.
You could just as easily use leftover cuts from last night’s dinner instead.
Another option would be to buy frozen ground chuck or meatloaf mix.
This is especially useful if your family doesn’t eat red meat very frequently.
If you do decide to go this route, however, remember that it will need longer than regular ground beef to thaw out and then cook through properly.
How Can You Make A Vegetarian Version Of A Slumgullion Recipe?
The best place to start when making a vegetarian slumgullion is with your base ingredients.
The following list includes everything that goes into a traditional slumgullion recipe.
- Beef (preferably chuck roast)
- Onions
- Lentils
- Peas
- Dried fruit
- Mushrooms
- Celery
- Potatoes
- Carrots
- Frozen veggies
- Spices such as thyme, allspice, sage, bay leaf, garlic powder, etc.
To turn this recipe into a vegetarian slumgullion, you will need to substitute the meat with something else like beans or lentils.
You could also try using tofu instead of meat.
You may even want to add more spices to give the meal more flavor.
Vegetarian Slumgullion Recipe Tips
It is always recommended to check out recipes before starting on any new project.
This ensures that you do not end up wasting food because you didn’t realize that certain ingredients cannot be combined together.
For example, if you were going to use peas in a slumgullion recipe, you would need to buy frozen ones.
If you had bought fresh ones, then you should just throw those away because they won’t work in the recipe.
You might also find that certain ingredients are better suited for certain types of dishes.
In the case of a vegetarian slumgullion recipe, lentils would likely be the best choice because they don’t require soaking or boiling beforehand.
They simply cook quickly without losing their shape or texture.
What Is The Best Way To Serve Slumgullion?
Slumgullion recipes vary from region to region as well as by preference.
Some people like their slumgullions more soupy while others prefer theirs thicker.
You might be surprised at what your family likes most! Whatever style you choose, you should enjoy it because this delicious meal will keep you warm on cold winter nights.
There are three basic types of slumgullion recipes:
1) Beef Stew – This is a simple broth-based stew that requires minimal prep work.
The only real preparation needed is to brown and then add all the other ingredients into the pot.
If you want to make your beef slumgullion even heartier, try adding chunks of potatoes or carrots along with the beef.
For added flavor, you could also add onions or garlic to the mix.
2) Bean Soup – A bean soup is similar to a beef stew but uses legumes instead of beef to create a different texture and taste.
As with any stew, beans are the star of the show here so you need to start out by soaking the dried beans overnight before using them in the next step.
3) Vegetarian Slumgullion – There are several ways to prepare a vegetarian slumgullion.
One popular choice involves making it out of soy milk, which makes it rich and creamy.
Another option would be to substitute vegetable stock for the beef broth.
Whatever method you decide to go with, remember that the key ingredient to success is quality ingredients.
Make sure the spices you buy are fresh and if possible, organic.
Also, always check the expiration date.
Don’t wait until the last minute to do these things either because the longer the food sits around, the worse it gets.
Keep reading below to learn more about the history behind slumgullion and discover how to make a variety of versions including vegetarian options.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Eating A Slumg
A lot has changed over the years as far as what constitutes a healthy meal goes.
When I was growing up, my mom would make us eat whole wheat bread and white rice every night because she thought it was good for us to stay full.
Nowadays, however, people have become more conscious of their diets and are looking for ways to incorporate healthier ingredients into their meals without sacrificing taste.
Slumgullions were originally intended to be a cheap substitute for pot roast but these days they are also considered a comfort food.
They are very filling and provide a nice balance between protein and carbohydrates.
They are also relatively quick to prepare so if you don’t feel like spending all day in the kitchen, this is a perfect option!
The following list will give you a better idea of what makes a slumgullion such a nutritious meal.
1) Protein
Protein is essential to your body’s growth and maintenance.
Since it is broken down slowly by the digestive system, proteins provide sustained energy throughout the day while allowing you to avoid feeling hungry.
The best sources of protein include lean meats, fish, eggs, tofu, beans, and nuts.
2) Fats
Fats contain essential fatty acids (EFAs), which help keep your skin smooth and hair shiny and protect against heart disease and cancer.
EFAs are found in both animal and plant fats and oils.
Vegetable oil is high in polyunsaturated fats, while olive oil contains monounsaturated fat.
Both types are beneficial additions to any diet because they do not clog arteries or cause blood sugar spikes.
3) Vitamins and minerals
Vitamins and minerals are necessary components to cell function.
Without them, the body cannot produce hormones, antibodies, enzymes, and other substances needed for proper functioning.
Most vitamins and minerals come from foods such as fruits, veggies, grains, dairy products, poultry, seafood, legumes, and fortified cereals.
4) Fiber
Fiber helps regulate bowel movements, keeps you regular, and reduces hunger pangs.
Foods rich in fiber include oats, apples, bananas, peas, barley, lentils, and oatmeal.
If you want to add variety to your daily fiber intake, try adding different kinds of fruits, vegetables, and seeds to your dishes instead of using just potatoes or pasta.
5) Antioxidants
Antioxidants fight free radicals that can damage cells and lead to diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and cataracts.
These antioxidants can be found in many different forms including green tea, red wine, blueberries, blackberries, tomatoes, broccoli, spinach, peppers, onions, garlic, mushrooms, and strawberries.
6) Phytochemicals
Phytochemicals are chemicals found naturally in plants that may prevent certain cancers and boost immunity.
Common phytonutrients include carotenoids, flavonoids, and lignans.
Many of these compounds are present in colorful fruits and vegetables such as berries, dark leafy greens, citrus fruit, squash, pumpkin, sweet potato, and carrots.
What Ingredients Are Used In A Slumgullion Recipe?
Slumgullion recipes usually include meats such as steak, pork chops, chicken, hamburger patties, ground beef, brisket, lamb shanks, sausage, ribs, turkey breast, fish fillets, ham hocks, and even frog legs (although this isn’t typically served).
Vegetables including onions, tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, celery, cabbage, turnips, sweet peppers, green beans, peas, corn on the cob, squash, mushrooms, spinach, collards, kale, and more are often added as well.
What Is The Traditional Way Of Preparing Slumgullion?
Slumgullions were originally prepared using leftover scraps from Sunday dinner (the “Sunday Roast”).
They could be made by adding any kind of vegetable and/or meat stock to whatever was on hand at home.
The only requirement was to add plenty of onions, carrots, potatoes, and salt.
Today, most recipes call for ground beef, but this doesn’t mean you need to buy large amounts of hamburger to prepare your own slumgullion.
You can also purchase cutlets, steak tips, pork chops, or even sausage links that will work just as well.
If you want to go all out and impress guests, you can always try making your own beef broth which would give your meal that authentic feel!
Traditional preparation method
The standard way of preparing a slumgullion is to sautee the meat first before adding the other ingredients.
This allows the flavors to develop while keeping the moisture inside the meat so that when cooked through, it won’t dry out too quickly.
After cooking, you simply strain everything together and heat until hot again.
To keep things simple, you may choose to do away with the straining process altogether.
Serving options
Since a lot of people like their slumgullions served piping hot and straight from the pot, you might consider serving them over rice or pasta.
However, if you prefer something more rustic, then a crusty loaf of bread would pair perfectly with this delicious stew.
There are many different ways to top off your homemade slumgullion, depending on what suits your taste buds.
How Long Does It Take To Cook A Slumgullion Recipe?
A slumgullion recipe takes just as long to prepare as any other stew.
You will need approximately four hours total to prepare your meal from start to finish.
The most difficult part of this process is waiting until all of the ingredients are ready and then combining everything before adding the water.
The rest of the preparation is relatively straightforward and should only require around 30 minutes each step of the process.
Step 1 – Chop and sauté onions
You want to chop all of the onions into small pieces so that they get cooked evenly throughout the entire recipe.
This may be done by hand using a knife, but if you don’t have enough counter space, you could also choose to use a food processor instead.
Once they are chopped, add them to a large pot along with half of the crushed garlic cloves.
Allow these two items to brown together over medium heat while stirring frequently.
Step 2 – Add beef bones
After allowing the onions to cook down, throw in the beef bones.
They will break down during the cooking process and release their flavor compounds which helps to create the base of your sauce.
Step 3 – Add salt and pepper
Next, add some salt and black pepper to the mixture.
These spices help to enhance the overall taste of the final product as well as give you something to taste when you eat it.
Step 4 – Add potatoes
Add the remaining whole garlic clove and diced potatoes to the mixture.
Once again, allow these two items to simmer on low heat for at least 20 minutes so that the potatoes become tender.
If you plan ahead, you can do this in advance and store them overnight in the refrigerator.
Step 5 – Combine liquids and bring to boil
As soon as the potatoes reach full softness, pour in the stock and wine bottles.
Bring both of these liquid ingredients to a boil, reduce flame, cover, and let simmer for another 25 minutes.
At this point, check your seasoning and adjust according to your preference.
Step 6 – Cook rice
While the broth simmers, open up the bag of instant white rice and allow it to soak for 10 minutes.
After soaking, drain off any excess moisture and place back in the container.
Step 7 – Add mushrooms
At this stage, remove the bone marrow from inside of the beef bones and toss them into the soup.
Then, slice the beef and add those pieces too.
In addition, sprinkle in some dried parsley flakes after tossing in the mushrooms and bone marrow.
Step 8 – Finish the stew
When the broth has reduced sufficiently, carefully remove the lid and scrape out the bottom of the pan so that you can incorporate the vegetables that were previously discarded.
Next, return the contents of the pan to high heat and stir thoroughly.
Once the stew begins boiling once more, turn the stove down to medium-low and continue simmering for another 15 minutes.
When the stew reaches its desired consistency, serve immediately.
What Are Some Unique Variations Of The Slumgullion Recipe?
There are several different versions of this classic American stew but here are just a few of the most common ones.
1.
Chicken Slumgullion Recipe – This variation uses chicken instead of beef (or lamb) and adds mushrooms, onions, carrots, celery, green peppers, and garlic.
The chicken may be cooked on top of the stove or baked in the oven until done.
Some people also add corn and peas.
2.
Beef Slumgullion Recipe – Most recipes call for ground beef, however, if you prefer using chuck steak or rib eye, feel free to do so.
You can either brown the meat before adding the other ingredients or sautéing the meat after adding all the other ingredients.
If you want to use frozen mixed vegetables, add them at the same time as the meat.
3.
Vegetarian Slumgullion Recipe – Many people choose not to eat meat because of their personal beliefs.
However, you should always check your local laws and regulations before making any changes to your meal plans.
If you don’t mind substituting vegetable broth for water and swapping out the meat for tofu, then go ahead and give this recipe a try!
What Type Of Meat Is Used In A Slumgullion Recipe?
Most recipes call for beef as the main ingredient but this isn’t always true.
Some people like using chicken instead while others prefer pork.
Pork is usually cooked until tender and then shredded before being added back into the sauce.
The best types of meat to use in a slumgullion recipe include ground beef (or hamburger), roast beef, pork chops, lamb shoulder, and even bacon bits.
All meats should be cut into bite sized pieces so they don’t overcook too quickly.
Beef is typically found in most slumgullion recipes because it adds flavor and body.
The more lean cuts such as top sirloin steak, chuck roast, flank steak, rib eye steak, and short ribs all work well in slumgullions.
If you want to add extra protein, try adding boneless skinless chicken thighs or bone-in chicken breasts.
You may also need to add additional seasoning if your chicken doesn’t get enough color from the sauce.
Ground turkey is another option which has less fat than beef.
Ground veal is also very popular for its lightness and mild taste.
A good choice would be ground veal in combination with mushrooms, onions, and green bell peppers.
You will find many different ways to prepare meat depending on what kind of meal you are making.
Some people enjoy having their meals prepared by someone else so they just order whatever they want off the menu.
Others might choose to do things themselves so they can control every aspect of the meal including what goes into it.
Either way, slumgullion is a versatile dish that can accommodate almost any appetite.
In some communities, food traditions change over time.
In the past, it was common practice to serve slumgullion during Christmastime when families were together.
This tradition continues today and has evolved into a holiday staple that brings everyone together.
How Can You Make A Vegetarian Version Of A Slumgullion Recipe?
A vegan slumgullion recipe would be pretty hard to come by as most recipes contain meat.
However, if you want to include more veggies in your meals without sacrificing taste, here is what you need to do.
Sauté onions until translucent
Next, sauté 1 cup chopped carrots, 2 cups chopped celery, and 4 cloves minced garlic in olive oil.
Cook the mixture over medium heat until it becomes soft and fragrant.
Add remaining ingredients
After this step, add all of the other ingredients such as tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine, soy sauce, bouillon cubes, salt, pepper, sugar, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, paprika).
Bring everything together using either a blender or food processor.
Once combined, simmer on low heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes before serving.
What Is The Best Way To Serve Slumgullion?
Slumgullion recipes vary depending on where you live and what your family prefers.
However, most people agree that this dish should be served warm and preferably at room temperature.
You can also add more liquid if needed (water, stock, milk) to get the desired consistency.
A thick gravy will keep the meat moist while still maintaining its integrity.
A thicker gravy is preferred over thinner ones because it contains more flavor and nutrients.
When serving slumgullion, try not to mix both meats together as it creates a tough texture and makes the dish less desirable to eat.
Instead, spoon the meat onto individual plates.
This allows each person to enjoy their own portion without having to worry about sharing.
You can serve slumgullion with rice or potatoes as side dishes or even bread rolls.
The choice is entirely up to you!
What Are The Health Benefits Of Eating A Slumg
Many people believe that stewing is not healthy because it contains fat, but this isn’t true at all.
Stews contain high amounts of fiber, which lowers cholesterol levels and keeps us full longer than other foods.
Slumgullion recipes aren’t just good for your stomach either.
They also provide many vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, zinc, and vitamin A.
The right amount of protein
A slumgullion recipe has plenty of protein so it won’t leave you feeling hungry after eating it.
Protein is essential for building muscle mass, protecting against disease, and keeping your heart strong.
It helps keep blood sugar stable too.
Good source of antioxidants
Antioxidants help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Free radicals cause cancer, diabetes, and premature aging, so having enough antioxidants is vital.
Antioxidant rich foods include fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, beans, whole grains, and dark chocolate.
Low glycemic index food
Glycemic Index (GI) measures the speed that carbohydrates are digested.
When choosing low GI options, look for those containing more resistant starches such as oats, barley, legumes, quinoa, buckwheat, sweet potatoes, winter squash, and green peas.
High in fiber
Fiber is necessary for proper digestion and elimination.
Fiber will slow down transit times through your intestines, helping prevent constipation.
People who eat lots of fiber tend to be healthier overall.
Foods high in fiber include oatmeal, brown rice, lentils, spinach, broccoli, apples, pears, prunes, raisins, and almonds.
Equipment
- large pot
Ingredients
- 16 ounce elbow macaroni
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 9 ounce mushrooms drained
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- salt and pepper to taste
- 14.5 ounce tomatoes stewed
Instructions
- Warm up a large pot of lightly salted water. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until pasta is al dente; drain and place in a large saucepan.
- Meanwhile, brown the beef in a large skillet over medium heat; just before the beef is browned, stir in the onion.
- Stir in tomato sauce, mushrooms, garlic, salt, pepper, and stewed tomatoes to beef mixture. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes on low heat, or until thoroughly heated.
Video
Nutrition
My blog is all about creating delicious meals with ingredients that are easy to find in your local grocery store. I’m passionate about making yummy meals that I can share with my friends and family.