Cooking neck bones and potatoes on the stove is a simple and delicious way to make a hearty and flavorful meal. You can customize it to suit your tastes, and it doesn’t require a lot of time, energy, or skill. With the right preparation and a few simple steps, you can have a flavorful feast ready in just a few minutes!
Preparing the Ingredients
Before you begin cooking, start by preparing the ingredients. You’ll need 1 to 2 pounds of neck bones, several potatoes, onion, bell pepper, garlic, and any seasonings or additional ingredients you’d like to add for flavor. If you’re using frozen neck bones, allow them to thaw before you begin cooking. Peel and chop the potatoes into cubes or wedges, then dice the onion and pepper. Mince the garlic, then measure out all your seasoning ingredients to have them ready.
Once all the ingredients are prepped, you can begin cooking. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the neck bones and cook until they are lightly browned. Add the potatoes, onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pot and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper, then add any additional seasonings you’d like. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the neck bones are tender.
Choosing the Right Pot
The type of pot you choose is important when cooking neck bones and potatoes on the stove. You’ll need a large enough pot to hold all the ingredients. A heavy-bottomed pot or cast-iron pot works best since the heat can be evenly distributed. Make sure the pot’s lid is big enough to allow for some evaporation.
When selecting a pot, look for one with a thick bottom and sides. This will help to ensure that the heat is evenly distributed throughout the pot. Additionally, the pot should have a tight-fitting lid to help keep the moisture in and prevent the ingredients from drying out. Finally, make sure the pot is large enough to accommodate all of the ingredients you plan to use.
Browning the Neck Bones
Before you add the potatoes, it’s important to brown the neck bones. This helps to lock in flavor and also helps to create a sauce later on in the cooking process. Heat the pot over medium-high heat, then add enough oil to lightly coat the bottom. Add the neck bones in a single layer and cook for about 3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. When finished, remove the neck bones from the pot and set aside.
Adding the Potatoes and Other Ingredients
Once the neck bones are browned and set aside, add the potatoes and other ingredients. Add enough oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pot, then add the onion and bell pepper. Sauté until tender and lightly browned, about 4-5 minutes. Add the garlic and seasonings, then stir to combine. Add the potatoes, neck bones, and any additional ingredients you’d like to use. If desired, add a small amount of liquid (water, broth, white wine, etc.), just enough to lightly cover the vegetables.
Simmering and Cooking to Perfection
Bring the pot to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Cover and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and cooked through. Make sure to occasionally stir and check for doneness. When done, turn off the heat and allow to cool briefly before serving.
Serving Tips for Neck Bones and Potatoes
The neck bones and potatoes are now ready to be served! To amp up the flavor, consider adding grated cheese or freshly chopped herbs. For a bit of crunch and texture, garnish with chopped nuts or bacon bits. Serve the dish right away while still warm. Enjoy!
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you find that your neck bones and potatoes are too dry or not cooked through, try adding a ¼ cup of liquid (water, broth, white wine, etc.) and stirring to combine before replacing the lid and continuing to cook. If you find they are too wet, increase the heat to medium-high and cook uncovered until desired consistency is reached. Be sure to stir occasionally to avoid burning.
Variations on This Recipe
There are many ways to customize this dish to make it your own. You can try adding different vegetables like mushrooms or squash, or swap out the potatoes for other root vegetables such as carrots or sweet potatoes. For an extra punch of flavor, try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme, or adding a spoonful of tomato paste or Worcestershire sauce. Experiment and see what works best for you and your family!
Storing Leftovers Safely
If you have leftovers from this dish, be sure to store them safely in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a pot over low heat before serving. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.
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