Roughneck Stew Recipe ✨
My dad worked as a directional driller for a lot of my childhood and he would often cook for the guys on his rigs. When times were good he’d be smoking ribs or grilling tri-tip, other times he’d be making them things like this. Hence the name, “Roughneck stew”
This specific recipe cost me less than $10 to make, the most expensive ingredient being the sausage.
I keep potatoes and onions on hand for filler in certain recipes, as well as many seasonings.
(Seriously do I need to make a post where I declutter my spice cabinet? I will😂)
Any Cajun seasoning will work for this recipe, here I used the TikTok famous Cajun two step, my dad always used Tony Chachere’s (my favorite seasoning of all time).
This would definitely feed 4 hungry men, however you could double it and feed the whole rig. Offshores a different story😂
#cheapmeals #easyrecipe #summerbod #healthyfood #dinner #Lemon8Diary #healthylifestyle2024 #cooking #meals #Recipe
You know, one of the unsung heroes of any truly hearty, budget-friendly meal, especially one like my dad's Roughneck Stew, has to be the potatoes. When people search for 'roughneck potatoes', they're not just looking for any potato dish; they're looking for that satisfying, filling element that makes a meal go further and tastes incredible. In this stew, the potatoes aren't just a filler; they absorb all those amazing flavors from the sausage and Cajun seasoning, becoming deliciously tender and comforting. When I’m making this stew, I usually opt for Yukon Gold or red potatoes. They tend to hold their shape better than russets when cooked in a stew, giving you those nice, distinct chunks of diced potatoes in every spoonful. However, if you prefer a slightly creamier texture, russets work beautifully too – they'll break down a bit more and thicken the stew naturally. My dad always said, 'Use what you got!', which is the true spirit of a roughneck meal. For this recipe, I often just grab whatever small potatoes look good and dice them up, skins on for extra nutrients and a rustic feel. Prepping the potatoes is super straightforward. Just a good wash, and then dice them into roughly 1-inch pieces. This ensures they cook evenly alongside the sliced sausage and mixed vegetables. In the OCR, it mentions 'Diced small potatoes and half an onion' – that’s exactly it! The size matters for even cooking. You want them tender, but not falling apart into mush. One of the beauties of this 'Roughneck Potato' stew is the oven method. Spreading everything on a baking sheet and baking it at 400°F for 20-30 minutes, as shown in the OCR, is key. This high heat doesn't just cook the ingredients; it gives the potatoes a lovely slight crispness on the outside before they get tender on the inside, adding another layer of texture you wouldn't get from just boiling. Seasoning them well with salt, pepper, and that essential Cajun seasoning before baking is crucial for flavor absorption. If you want to play around with the 'roughneck potatoes' aspect, consider some variations. For an extra layer of flavor and color, sometimes I toss in some diced sweet potatoes alongside the regular ones. They add a touch of sweetness that balances the savory and spicy notes. Or, for an even heartier dish, you could cook a portion of the potatoes separately, mash them with a little butter and milk, and serve them as a base for the stew. It’s like a deconstructed shepherd’s pie! This stew, with its prominent roughneck potatoes, truly embodies a complete, hearty meal. It’s perfect on its own, but a slice of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious juices is always a welcome addition. And let's not forget how incredibly budget-friendly it is. As the original post and OCR highlight, this entire dish, centered around those filling potatoes, can come in at under $10, making it a go-to for feeding a hungry family or a whole crew without breaking the bank. It's a testament to how simple ingredients, especially humble potatoes, can create something truly satisfying and memorable.
