5 Delicious Hairy Bikers Recipes to Try at Home
Cowboy Chilli con Carne
If you’re yearning for a hearty, warming meal that packs a punch of flavor, the Cowboy Chilli con Carne by the Hairy Bikers is just the ticket. This recipe isn’t just about creating a dish; it’s about experiencing a cowboy lifestyle through food. Here’s how you can bring the Wild West to your dining table:
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 500g of minced beef
- 1 tin of chopped tomatoes (400g)
- 2 tins of kidney beans (240g each), drained
- 1 tablespoon of tomato puree
- 1.5 teaspoons of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons of dark brown sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Brown the beef, ensuring to break it up as it cooks. Add the spices, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin, stirring to coat the meat.
- Pour in the tomatoes and puree, then add the kidney beans and brown sugar. Season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer the mixture on low heat, partially covered, for about 45 minutes to an hour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Adjust the seasoning as needed. For a deeper flavor, let it sit overnight and reheat before serving.
🌟 Note: For a spicier version, increase the chili powder or add fresh chilies to your taste.
Chicken, Leek, and Tarragon Pie
Nothing says comfort like a good old British pie, and the Hairy Bikers' Chicken, Leek, and Tarragon Pie is no exception. Here's how to make this culinary delight:
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 large leeks, sliced
- 1 tablespoon of fresh tarragon, chopped
- 50g of butter
- 400ml of chicken stock
- 100ml of double cream
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- 375g of ready-rolled puff pastry
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Cook the chicken thighs in a pan until they are golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt the butter, then cook the leeks until soft. Return the chicken to the pan.
- Add the chicken stock, cream, tarragon, and mustard. Bring to a simmer, then season to taste. Allow to thicken slightly.
- Transfer the mixture to a pie dish.
- Top with the puff pastry, crimping the edges to seal. Brush with the beaten egg for a golden crust.
- Bake at 200°C for 25-30 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden.
🌟 Note: You can prepare the filling in advance to save time on the day of cooking.
Spicy Sausage Ragu with Pappardelle
This Spicy Sausage Ragu, when paired with pappardelle, offers a sumptuous, easy-to-make dinner that’s both comforting and gourmet. Here's the method:
Ingredients
- 400g of spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 400g of canned tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 100ml of red wine
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 500g of pappardelle
- Grated Parmesan, for serving
Instructions
- Brown the sausage meat in a large saucepan, breaking it up as it cooks. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery, cooking until softened.
- Add the red wine, allowing it to reduce slightly before adding the tomatoes, tomato paste, and oregano.
- Simmer gently for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, cook the pappardelle until al dente.
- Serve the pasta topped with the ragu, finishing with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan.
Hairy Bikers' Beef and Guinness Stew
This Beef and Guinness Stew by the Hairy Bikers is a perfect blend of rich, tender meat, and stout's deep flavor. Here's how you can recreate this classic:
Ingredients
- 900g of stewing steak, cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 3 tablespoons of plain flour
- 440ml of Guinness
- 300ml of beef stock
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon of tomato puree
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 parsnips, chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat oil and brown the steak pieces in batches. Set aside.
- Cook the onions and garlic until soft. Add flour, stirring to coat.
- Gradually stir in the Guinness and beef stock. Return the meat to the pot, add bay leaves, tomato puree, carrots, and parsnips.
- Bring to a simmer, then cook on low for 2-3 hours or until the meat is tender.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Sticky Soy and Ginger Pork Ribs
For a fusion of flavors, try the Hairy Bikers' Sticky Soy and Ginger Pork Ribs, which bring an Asian twist to British pork ribs. Here's how to create this mouth-watering dish:
Ingredients
- 1.5kg of pork ribs
- 150ml of soy sauce
- 100g of soft brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
Instructions
- Whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, lime juice, and sesame oil to create the marinade.
- Marinate the ribs in this mixture for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 150°C. Place ribs in a roasting tin, reserving the marinade.
- Roast ribs for 1.5 hours, basting occasionally with the marinade.
- Increase oven temperature to 200°C and cook for an additional 20 minutes until caramelized.
As you try these Hairy Bikers' recipes, you'll not only enjoy the delicious flavors but also delve into the heritage and variety of British and international cuisines. Whether it’s the comforting warmth of a beef and Guinness stew, the surprising yet delightful combination of chicken with tarragon, or the bold, spicy flavors of sausage ragu, each dish is a celebration of culinary diversity. By attempting these recipes at home, you're opening a doorway to a world of gastronomic delights, where food is both an adventure and a comforting escape.
Can these recipes be adjusted for dietary restrictions?
+Yes, you can adjust many of these recipes to fit dietary needs. For vegetarian or vegan options, consider using plant-based meats or substituting ingredients like beans or mushrooms for protein sources. Dairy can often be replaced with alternatives like almond milk, and for gluten-free, use gluten-free pastas or check for flour substitutions.
How can I make the Spicy Sausage Ragu less spicy?
+To reduce the heat in the Spicy Sausage Ragu, you can either use a milder sausage or reduce the amount of chili powder. Adding more tomato paste or cream can also tone down the spice level while still maintaining the richness of the sauce.
What sides go well with these dishes?
+For Cowboy Chilli, consider cornbread or a simple green salad. The Chicken and Tarragon Pie pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables. For the Spicy Sausage Ragu, a simple side of garlic bread or a Caesar salad works well. Beef and Guinness Stew goes with crusty bread to soak up the sauce, while the Sticky Soy and Ginger Pork Ribs could be complemented by jasmine rice or a cucumber salad.