Delicious Rumbledethumps Recipe – A Comforting Scottish Dish
Greetings, food lovers! Welcome to my recipe article on one of the most delicious Scottish dishes out there- Rumbledethumps! If you’re a fan of mashed potatoes and veggies, then this dish is definitely for you. Not only is it a traditional Scottish dish, but it’s also an amazing comfort food that will warm your heart and your belly.
In case you haven’t heard of Rumbledethumps before, let me give you a little context. Rumbledethumps is a flavorful casserole-like dish that is made with mixed mashed potatoes, savoy cabbage, kale or turnips, unsalted butter, and cheddar cheese. It’s similar to another British dish called ‘Bubble and Squeak’, but Rumbledethumps has its own unique taste and texture that you won’t want to miss.
This dish is perfect for colder nights or as a side for any meal of the day. Additionally, if you have leftover mashed potatoes from last night’s dinner, this recipe can easily repurpose them into something new and delicious. With its perfect blend of healthy veggies and creamy mashed potatoes, it’s no wonder why Rumbledethumps is becoming more popular outside of Scotland.
So if you’re looking for some comfort food with a twist, look no further than this traditional Scottish favorite. Follow along with my recipe steps below to learn how to make the best Rumbledethumps you’ve ever tasted!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Now, I don’t know about you folks, but I’m a big fan of hearty, filling dishes that stick to your ribs and provide the kind of sustenance that gets you through the day. And let me tell you, this here Scottish Rumbledethumps recipe fits the bill like nothing else.
First of all, let’s talk about the ingredients. We’ve got mashed potatoes – buttery, smooth and creamy, just like Grandma used to make ’em. And we’re not stopping there – we’re also adding in some savory turnips, some earthy savoy cabbage, and some nutritious kale to give it a little kick. This is comfort food at its finest, folks.
But what really sets this recipe apart is the cheese – oh boy, that cheddar cheese will melt in your mouth and leave you daydreaming for hours afterwards. It adds a rich depth of flavor that takes this dish from a humble side dish to a show-stopping main event.
And don’t forget the versatility of this recipe! You can substitute and vary the ingredients as you please to fit your taste buds or dietary restrictions. Serve it up with a little gravy or some crispy bacon bits on top – whatever tickles your fancy.
So why will you love this recipe? Because it’s everything you want in a dish: hearty and satisfying, deliciously cheesy and versatile to suit your needs. Go ahead, give it a try and see for yourself – I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
Ingredient List
Below is a list of ingredients you will need to prepare Scottish Rumbledethumps:
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1 medium turnip or swede, peeled and chopped
- 2 cups savoy cabbage, roughly chopped
- 2 cups kale, stripped from the stems and roughly chopped
- 1 leek, trimmed, sliced and rinsed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
Make sure to select the freshest vegetables available for optimal flavor. The potatoes and turnips are essential to this dish’s texture and taste. The savoy cabbage and kale will give the casserole its distinct green color. The leeks will provide a subtle onion-like flavor. Finally, the butter and cheddar cheese will bring everything together to create a creamy and delicious result.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make this Scottish classic.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium sized potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 small turnip, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 head of savoy cabbage, finely shredded
- 1/2 bunch kale, stems removed, washed and finely chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Put the potatoes and turnips in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the pot.
- Bring to a boil over high heat and then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer until the potatoes and turnips are tender (about 20-25 minutes).
- Drain the water from the pot and mash the potatoes and turnips together until smooth.
- In a separate pan, sauté the onions in butter until they are softened (about 5 minutes).
- Add the shredded cabbage to the pan with onions and cook uncovered for about 5 minutes until it wilts.
- Add the chopped kale to the same pan with the onions and cabbage mix.
- Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add the vegetables to your mashed potato mixture.
- Mix everything together until evenly combined.
- Transfer everything into an ovenproof dish.
- Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese all over your vegetables.
- Pop it into oven for around 25 minutes or until it turns golden brown on top.
Serve hot!
This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to three days or freezer for up to three months. To reheat your rumbledethumps, simply microwave them for two minutes or pop them back into the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes.
Enjoy this classic Scottish mashed potato and veggie casserole as a tasty side dish with roast chicken, beef or lamb. It’s also perfect as a vegetarian main dish.
Substitutions and Variations
Ahoy mateys, if you’re looking to put some spin on your rumbledethumps dinner tonight then you’ve come to the right section! Whilst I do not reckon there is any need to tamper with the traditional scottish dish of rumbledethumps, being the adventurous chef that I am, I do like to experiment with substitutions and variations every once in a while.
Here are some suggestions for ingredients substitutes that might be fitting and adding some zest to your meal, based on what you have in your pantry at the moment. Make sure to adjust ingredient amounts accordingly whenever switching things up!
– Instead of Savoy Cabbage, Bubble and Squeak, or Kale: I suggest substituting with other hardy greens such as collard greens, Swiss chard or even spinach. You can also incorporate carrots, leeks or onions into the mix!
– Unsalted Butter: If unsalted butter cannot be found, fear not! Salted butter is a worthy replacement. Just reduce or skip adding the additional salt when instructing.
– Cheese: Although cheddar cheese is the usual choice for this Scottish favorite and widely available in most stores, feel free to try other flavorful cheeses such as gruyère or parmesan for extra kick.
– Slow Cooker Directions: Another delightful variation for making rumbledethumps is by using a slow cooker. Place all ingredients into the pot and cook on low for 6 – 8 hours, allowing everything to perfectly meld together! Do keep an eye on it though as different slow cookers can have varying cooking times.
Remember to always root around your fridge and cupboard when looking to add some twist to an already classic dish!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving rumbledethumps, you have plenty of options to choose from. This hearty and flavorful dish makes for a fantastic side dish to accompany your main course for dinner. It’s a traditional Scottish recipe that’s perfect for a cozy family meal on a chilly evening.
One of my favorite ways to serve rumbledethumps is with some delicious grilled sausages or roasted meat. The salty and savory flavors of the meats work perfectly with the creamy and soft texture of the mashed potatoes and veggies in the casserole. It’s an ideal pairing that will satiate your hunger.
Another great serving idea is to enjoy rumbledethumps as a main dish all by itself. If you crave something vegetarian, skip the meat and serve along with a fresh salad on the side. This way, you can cut down calories nutritionally as well when you serve it as a light meal.
This dish pairs well with various sides like roast veggies, crusty bread, mashed turnips or carrots. You can experiment with different sides to create your own delicious pairings that complement the flavors of this classic Scottish recipe.
If serving as a side for a gathering, you can bake them up in individual ramekins or serve straight from an ovenproof baking dish to impress your guests. No matter how you choose to serve it, be ready for some lip-smacking compliments as this potatoes-cabbage concoction is sure to impress everyone’s tastebuds!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that you have learned how to make rumbledethumps, you might be wondering if you can make this dish ahead of time. Well my friend, I have good news for you: it’s possible!
To make rumbledethumps ahead of time, follow the recipe as instructed and let the casserole cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. You can store it in an airtight container or cover it with foil or plastic wrap. Rumbledethumps can be refrigerated for up to three days.
When reheating your rumbledethumps, there are a few ways to go about it. If you want to reheat individual portions, simply microwave them on high for 1-2 minutes, or until they are heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the entire casserole in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C), cover the casserole with foil, and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
If you have leftovers of mashed potatoes or vegetables from making rumbledethumps, don’t throw them away! You can use them to make other dishes like potato pie, bubble and squeak, or even add them to scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast.
One thing to keep in mind is that although rumbledethumps tastes amazing when freshly made, reheating it can make some of the texture slightly softer than what it originally was. However, this does not affect its delicious taste!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now, let me share with you some of my favorite tips for achieving perfect results when making Scottish Rumbledethumps.
1 Keep It Chunky
When mashing the vegetables and potatoes, leave them a bit chunky for added texture and a rustic touch to the dish.
2 Goat Cheese Substitution
For a tangier flavor, try using crumbled goat cheese instead of cheddar cheese in this recipe.
3 Prep Ahead of Time
Cut the vegetables and prepare the mashed potatoes the day before. This will save time and make assembling the dish easier on cooking day.
4 Don’t Overcook the Vegetables
It is important to not overcook the vegetables as this can lead to a mushy texture. Try steaming or roasting them before adding them to the mashed potatoes.
5 Use an Ovenproof Dish
Make sure to use an ovenproof dish that is deep enough to hold all of the ingredients. A cast iron skillet or casserole dish work great for this recipe.
6 Experiment with Different Vegetables
While savoy cabbage is a traditional ingredient in rumbledethumps, feel free to experiment with other vegetables such as leeks, carrots or parsnips.
7 Add Some Bacon
For a smoky flavor, add some chopped bacon or pancetta to the vegetable mix before mixing in the mashed potatoes and cheese.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to make delicious Scottish Rumbledethumps with ease. Happy cooking!
Bottom Line
Now that you are armed with the recipe and all of my expert tips and recommendations, it’s time to whip up some Scottish Rumbledethumps! I am confident that this dish will quickly become a hit at your dinner table. Its hearty and comforting flavors make it perfect for any occasion, whether it be a family dinner or a holiday feast.
So go ahead, give this recipe a try and taste for yourself why Scottish Rumbledethumps is such a beloved classic. And if you’re feeling adventurous, don’t hesitate to experiment with the different substitutions and variations that we’ve discussed.
Thank you for joining me on this culinary journey through Scotland’s finest comfort food. I hope that this article has inspired you to embrace the traditional flavors of the Scottish cuisine and try your own twist on this classic recipe!
So grab those potatoes, turnips, cabbage and kale, get cooking, and let the magic of rumbledethumps happen in your kitchen. I guarantee that you won’t regret it!
Rumbledethumps (Scottish Mashed Potato and Veggie Casserole) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb potato, peeled, boiled and mashed
- 3/4 lb turnip, peeled, boiled and mashed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 lb savoy cabbage or 1/2 lb kale, finely sliced
- salt and pepper
- 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Place the mashed potato and swede into a large mixing bowl. Put to one side.
- Melt about 1/4 of the butter in a frying pan, add the finely sliced cabbage or kale and cook gently for minutes until softened but not brown.
- Add the cabbage or kale to the bowl of potato and turnip, add the remaining butter and mash together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place the mashed vegetables in an ovenproof baking dish, sprinkle the cheese on top, cover with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in the oven for about 30 minutes or until heated right through. Remove the lid and cook for a further 5 mins or until golden brown on the top.
- Serve piping hot as a side dish with a casserole or any hearty foods. Rumbledethumps is also good as a dish on its own.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.