Every year on 28 February we celebrate Global Scouse Day and this year is no different!

So what is Global Scouse Day? It’s a day when Liverpudlians, or Scousers, from all over the world cook up a taste of home to celebrate our local dish, scouse. It’s a big thing in Liverpool, a dish passed down through generations, with everyone having their own recipes, their own secret ingredients and their own preference on what to have on the side. Are you a pickled red cabbage or a beetroot person? Though, whatever you decide it has to be served with some crusty bread.

Originating from the term Lobscouse, a stew commonly eaten by sailors in the 18th Century throughout Northern Europe, scouse became strongly associated with the port of Liverpool becoming the traditional dish of the region. By the end of the 18th century the term ‘lobscouse’ was shortened to ‘scouse’ in Liverpudlian usage and remains a staple meal across the world for Scousers in the winter months. 

There are a number of variants of the dish but the general ingredients consist of potatoes, carrots, onion and meat. A meatless version can also be made, known as ‘blind scouse’ and is perfect for vegetarians. 

Whether you’re in Liverpool for this year’s Global Scouse Day, another part of the UK or abroad, you can still celebrate by making your own batch of our local dish using our recipe below for a bit of inspiration. This recipe will be perfect for four people.

For more information on how to celebrate, follow Global Scouse Day on Twitter @GlobalScouseDay.

Ingredients

500g Beef or Lamb

350g carrots

2 large onions roughly chopped

500g potatoes

800ml of stock using two stock cubes

2tbsp flour

2tbsp Cooking oil

Pickled Beetroot or Red Cabbage

Crusty bread

Optional extras

Red wine

Brown Sauce

Worcestershire Sauce 

Rosemary

Thyme

Swede

Method

  1. Dice the meat into roughly 2cm pieces

  2. Heat the cooking oil in the pan

  3. Coat the meat in flour and then brown the meat in the pan

  4. Add the onion and stock and stir

  5. Peel and chop the vegetables into roughly 2cm pieces

  6. Add the vegetables to the pan and bring to the boil

  7. Simmer for 2 hours or until the meat is tender and the potatoes are soft 

  8. Serve with pickled red cabbage or beetroot and some crusty bread

This method is only a guide and there are plenty of ways you can make your own version. Let us know on our social media channels how you make your scouse! 

If you don’t fancy making your own scouse, have a look at some of these venus in Liverpool that are delivering their beautiful versions of our local dish.

LIDS

LIDS (Liverpool Independent Delivered Services) are bringing Global Scouse Day to you this year! Offering you locally sourced ingredients for scouse or locally-prepared hot scouse delivered to your door. Have a look at their website for more information.

SKAUS

You can order your own batch of scouse from much loved Liverpool restaurant Skaus! Visit their website for more information on their product range and ordering. 

LITTLE SHOE

The big pan is out at Little Shoe and the batches of Scouse are all on the go. This year they are partnering with LIDS delivery service so you can get their beautiful scouse delivered straight to your door. 

When our amazing restaurants are allowed to open again, make sure to check out a few of these venues to sample their versions of scouse:

MAGGIE MAY’S

The Bold Street favourite Maggie May’s is a great place to head for a bowl of scouse when they reopen. The traditional cafe serves their homemade scouse with red cabbage or beetroot making for a perfect lunch.

MA BOYLE’S

Ma Boyle’s Alehouse and Eatery is an historic waterfront bar right next to the Royal Liver Building and they do a lovely bowl of scouse to warm you up on a chilly afternoon.

HOMEBAKED 

Homebaked Bakery in Anfield sits in the shadow of the home of LIverpool FC and is a must visit when you get the chance. They are famous for their freshly baked pies and even do a scouse version too!

Due to venues having different guidelines, booking systems and opening hours we would always recommend checking ahead with each one before your visit. 

Please be mindful and only visit venues that are Covid-safe. If you would like to share with us your experience of visiting a venue in Liverpool in regards to their Covid-19 safety measures, positive or negative, fill in our anonymous feedback form. 

For more information and updates on what is happening across Liverpool follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. 

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