The Hairy Bikers Stuffed Marrow recipe is a fantastic way to turn an underrated vegetable into a hearty and delicious meal. Marrow, with its soft texture and mild flavor, is the perfect vessel for a savory filling of minced meat, onions, and herbs. This traditional British dish combines wholesome ingredients to create a comforting and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and ideal for family dinners. Whether you’re looking to use up a homegrown marrow or just trying something new, this recipe is a great choice for a wholesome, filling dinner.
What is Hairy Bikers Stuffed Marrow?
The Hairy Bikers’ Stuffed Marrow is a dish where a large marrow is hollowed out and filled with a flavorful stuffing, typically made from minced meat, onions, tomatoes, and herbs. The marrow is then baked until tender, allowing the stuffing to absorb all the flavors, resulting in a rich and satisfying dish. This recipe is a simple yet comforting way to enjoy marrow, with the filling adding a savory depth that balances perfectly with the mild vegetable.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Great way to use marrow: Ideal for those looking to make the most of seasonal or homegrown marrow.
- Hearty and filling: A wholesome meal that satisfies your hunger.
- Customizable filling: Easy to adapt with different types of meats, vegetables, or grains.
- Perfect for family meals: A great dish for sharing around the table.
- Leftover-friendly: It tastes even better the next day.
- Nutritious and comforting: Combines protein, vegetables, and fiber for a balanced meal.
Ingredients Needed to Make Hairy Bikers Stuffed Marrow
- 1 large marrow – halved lengthwise and seeds removed.
- 400g (14 oz) minced beef or pork – for a savory filling.
- 1 onion – finely chopped for added sweetness.
- 2 garlic cloves – minced for depth of flavor.
- 1 carrot – grated, to add texture and sweetness.
- 1 can (400g/14 oz) chopped tomatoes – provides moisture and richness to the filling.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste – enhances the tomato flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – for a fragrant, earthy note.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing the vegetables.
- Salt and pepper – to season.
- Grated cheese – optional, for a golden, melted topping.
Equipment
- Large baking tray
- Frying pan
- Sharp knife
- Chopping board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Aluminum foil
Instructions to Make Hairy Bikers Stuffed Marrow
- Preheat the oven: Heat the oven to 180°C (350°F) to prepare for baking the stuffed marrow.
- Prepare the marrow: Cut the marrow in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds, creating a hollow for the filling. Lightly season the inside with salt and set aside.
- Cook the filling: Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the minced meat and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Once browned, remove the meat from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same pan, add the chopped onion, garlic, and grated carrot. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add the tomatoes and seasoning: Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, and oregano. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes to thicken, then return the browned meat to the pan. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stuff the marrow: Place the marrow halves on a baking tray, and cut side up. Spoon the meat mixture into each half, pressing it down to pack the filling tightly.
- Bake the stuffed marrow: Cover the marrow with aluminum foil and bake for 30-35 minutes until the marrow is tender.
- Add cheese (optional): If using cheese, remove the foil, sprinkle grated cheese over the top of the filling, and return to the oven for 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Serve hot: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
What Goes Well With Hairy Bikers Stuffed Marrow
- Mashed potatoes: A creamy side that complements the hearty filling.
- Steamed vegetables: Adds freshness and balance to the rich dish.
- Crusty bread: Perfect for mopping up any sauce from the filling.
- Green salad: A light, refreshing contrast to the savory marrow.
- Roasted sweet potatoes: A slightly sweet, healthy side.
- Rice or couscous: A simple, grain-based side to complete the meal.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Hairy Bikers Stuffed Marrow
- Pre-cook the marrow: If you prefer a softer marrow, bake it for 10 minutes before adding the filling.
- Don’t overstuff: Leave a little room in the marrow to prevent the filling from spilling over.
- Add grains for texture: Mix in cooked rice or quinoa with the filling for added bulk and texture.
- Use fresh herbs: Adding fresh parsley or thyme can brighten the flavors of the dish.
- Grate cheese on top: For a crispy, cheesy topping, sprinkle grated cheese on the filling before baking.
Easy Variations of Hairy Bikers Stuffed Marrow
- Vegetarian version: Replace the minced meat with lentils, chickpeas, or a mix of vegetables for a meat-free option.
- Try different meats: Use ground turkey, chicken, or lamb instead of beef or pork.
- Add spice: For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes or diced chili to the filling.
- Use couscous or quinoa: For a different texture, mix in cooked couscous or quinoa with the stuffing.
- Make it cheesy: Top the stuffing with grated mozzarella, cheddar, or Parmesan for a cheesy, golden crust.
Best Practices to Store Hairy Bikers, Stuffed Marrow
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for later: Stuffed marrow freezes well. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Keep portions separate: Slice the marrow into portions before freezing for easier reheating.
Best Practices to Reheat Hairy Bikers Stuffed Marrow
- Oven method: Reheat in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
- Microwave option: For individual portions, reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
- Add moisture: If the filling seems dry, add a spoonful of water or stock before reheating.
How Can I Make Hairy Bikers Stuffed Marrow Healthier?
- Use lean meat: Opt for lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef or pork.
- Add more vegetables: Increase the amount of vegetables in the filling for added fiber and nutrients.
- Reduce the oil: Use less oil for sautéing, or replace it with a healthier alternative like olive oil spray.
- Skip the cheese: For a lighter version, skip the cheese topping.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 6g
FAQs
Can I make stuffed marrow ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare stuffed marrow ahead of time. Assemble the marrow with the filling, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply extend the baking time by 10-15 minutes to ensure the marrow is fully heated through.
What can I use as a vegetarian filling for stuffed marrow?
For a vegetarian filling, you can replace the minced meat with lentils, chickpeas, or a mixture of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. You can also add cooked grains like quinoa or couscous for extra texture.
How do I keep stuffed marrow from being watery?
To prevent watery stuffed marrow, you can sprinkle the inside of the marrow with salt and let it sit for 15-20 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat it dry with a paper towel before adding the filling and baking.
Can I freeze stuffed marrow?
Yes, stuffed marrow freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Final Words
Hairy Bikers’ Stuffed Marrow is a wonderful way to enjoy this humble vegetable, transforming it into a hearty, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
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- Jamie Oliver Stuffed Marrow
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- Hairy Bikers Venison Casserole
Hairy Bikers Stuffed Marrow Recipe
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 35
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
The Hairy Bikers’ Stuffed Marrow is a dish where a large marrow is hollowed out and filled with a flavorful stuffing, typically made from minced meat, onions, tomatoes, and herbs. The marrow is then baked until tender, allowing the stuffing to absorb all the flavors, resulting in a rich and satisfying dish. This recipe is a simple yet comforting way to enjoy marrow, with the filling adding a savory depth that balances perfectly with the mild vegetable.
Ingredients
- 1 large marrow – halved lengthwise and seeds removed.
- 400g (14 oz) minced beef or pork – for a savory filling.
- 1 onion – finely chopped for added sweetness.
- 2 garlic cloves – minced for depth of flavor.
- 1 carrot – grated, to add texture and sweetness.
- 1 can (400g/14 oz) chopped tomatoes – provides moisture and richness to the filling.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste – enhances the tomato flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – for a fragrant, earthy note.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing the vegetables.
- Salt and pepper – to season.
- Grated cheese – optional, for a golden, melted topping.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Heat the oven to 180°C (350°F) to prepare for baking the stuffed marrow.
- Prepare the marrow: Cut the marrow in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds, creating a hollow for the filling. Lightly season the inside with salt and set aside.
- Cook the filling: Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the minced meat and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Once browned, remove the meat from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same pan, add the chopped onion, garlic, and grated carrot. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add the tomatoes and seasoning: Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, and oregano. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes to thicken, then return the browned meat to the pan. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stuff the marrow: Place the marrow halves on a baking tray, and cut side up. Spoon the meat mixture into each half, pressing it down to pack the filling tightly.
- Bake the stuffed marrow: Cover the marrow with aluminum foil and bake for 30-35 minutes until the marrow is tender.
- Add cheese (optional): If using cheese, remove the foil, sprinkle grated cheese over the top of the filling, and return to the oven for 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Serve hot: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
