Quick links: Little John Beef Stew | Blackberry Pie | Currant Pie | Prison Gruel | Verdict
Robin Hood and Little John, those iconic outlaws of Sherwood Forest, are not just known for their daring deeds but also for their hearty appetites! Disney’s animated classic brings their adventures to life, and amongst the swashbuckling and archery, there’s a surprising amount of food inspiration. This post delves into the delicious dishes featured in the movie, from Little John’s “burnt” beef stew to Maid Marian’s currant pie, and even the infamous prison gruel. Get ready to cook like a merry man with these fun, movie-inspired recipes!
Little John’s “Burnt” Beef Stew
In a memorable scene, Robin Hood and Little John are depicted in their woodland hideout, cooking a large cauldron of stew over an open fire. The stew comically starts to burn and bubble over, adding a touch of humor to their rustic lifestyle.
Little John and Robin Hood cooking stew in Disney's Robin Hood
This “burnt” effect became the inspiration for this spiced beef stew recipe. While we won’t actually burn your dinner, this medieval-inspired stew captures the spirit of Little John’s cooking with rich flavors and hearty ingredients. It’s a perfect dish for a cozy night in, imagining yourself feasting alongside the legendary outlaws.
Little John’s Burnt Beef Stew Recipe
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty: Easy-Medium
Ingredients:
| Amount | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 3 lbs | Stewing Steak |
| 3 tbs | Flour |
| Oil | for frying |
| 1/2 tsp | Ground Cinnamon |
| 1/4 tsp | Ground Mace (or Chili Powder) |
| 1/8 tsp | Ground Cloves |
| 4 | Black Peppercorns (crushed) |
| 1 | Large Onion (finely chopped) |
| 6 | Large Sprigs of Parsley (finely chopped) |
| 4 cups | Beef Stock |
| 2-3 pieces | Stale Whole Wheat Bread |
| 3 tbs | Cider Vinegar |
| 1 pinch | Saffron (or 1/4 tsp Turmeric) |
Instructions:
- Toss the beef with flour to ensure it’s fully coated.
- Add a thin layer of oil to a large frying pan and heat over medium-high heat.
- Brown the beef in the hot oil, stirring occasionally.
- Incorporate the spices, chopped onion, and parsley into the pan. Add a splash of beef stock and fry for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently and scraping up any flavorful crust from the pan bottom.
- Transfer the pan contents, including all juices, to a large pot.
- Pour in the remaining beef stock, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour 40 minutes, or until the beef becomes tender.
- While the stew simmers, soak the stale bread in cider vinegar with saffron (or turmeric).
- Once the beef is tender, stir in the bread mixture. Simmer uncovered for approximately 20 minutes, allowing the bread to break down and thicken the stew.
- Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Serve hot with biscuits for a truly medieval feast.
Close up of Little John's Beef Stew in a bowl
Trigger’s Blackberry Pie
During the exciting archery tournament scene in “Robin Hood,” Trigger, the comical vulture, seeks refuge in a pie stand brimming with delicious blackberry pies. This provided a perfect, albeit humorous, opportunity for Robin Hood to evade Prince John’s guards.
Trigger hiding in blackberry pies in Disney's Robin Hood
Inspired by this scene, this blackberry pie recipe offers a taste of the medieval treats that might have been found in Nottingham. With a blend of sweet and spiced flavors, it’s a dessert fit for royalty, or at least a cunning fox like Robin Hood.
Trigger’s Blackberry Pie Recipe
- Servings: 8
- Difficulty: Medium
Ingredients:
| Amount | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 3/4 cups | Cream |
| 1/4 cup | Red Wine |
| 5 | Egg Yolks |
| 1 | Whole Egg |
| 2 cups | Blackberries |
| 1/2 cup | Chopped Dates |
| 1/3 cup | Honey |
| 1/4 tsp | Ginger |
| 1 pinch | Saffron (optional) |
| 1/8 tsp | Ground Mace (or Chili Pepper) |
| 1/8 tsp | Ground Cloves |
| 2 | Pre-baked Pie Shells |
Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan, combine cream, red wine, saffron (if using), ginger, mace (or chili pepper), and cloves. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Remove from heat immediately.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks and honey until well combined.
- Gradually temper the egg mixture by slowly adding a small amount of the hot cream mixture while whisking continuously. Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining hot liquid, whisking constantly.
- Arrange the blackberries and chopped dates in the pre-baked pie shells. Spoon the prepared cream mixture evenly over the fruit in each pie shell.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly firm to the touch.
Maid Marian’s Currant Pie (Blueberry Pie)
In the same bustling market scene, the kind-hearted Maid Marian joins in the fun, throwing pies to aid Robin Hood’s escape. While the movie mentions currant pies, finding currants can be tricky. Blueberries make a fantastic and readily available substitute, capturing the essence of Maid Marian’s generous spirit.
Maid Marian throwing pies in Disney's Robin Hood
This blueberry pie recipe, inspired by Maid Marian’s currant pie, is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert. It’s a sweet treat that embodies the charm and warmth of Maid Marian herself.
Maid Marian’s Currant Pie Recipe (Blueberry Version)
- Servings: 8
- Difficulty: Easy-medium
Ingredients:
| Amount | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | Egg Whites |
| 1/2 cup | Sugar |
| 2 tsp | Cornstarch |
| 2 1/4 cups | Blueberries (Red Currants substitute) |
| 1 | Ready-to-bake Pie Crust |
| 1 | Pie Crust Mix |
| 1/2 tsp | Lemon Zest |
| 1 | Egg Yolk |
Instructions:
- Prepare the pie crust mix according to package directions, incorporating 1 egg yolk and lemon zest into the dough.
- In a medium bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Gradually add sugar and cornstarch to the egg whites, beating for an additional 5 minutes until well combined and glossy.
- Gently fold blueberries into the meringue mixture. Pour the blueberry filling into the prepared pie crust.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the filling is set.
Not-in-Nottingham Prison Gruel
In a more somber scene, the rooster narrator finds himself imprisoned with the townsfolk, lamenting in the song “Not In Nottingham.” During this scene, a mother rabbit is seen feeding her babies a simple bowl of gruel.
Prison Gruel in Disney's Robin Hood
Gruel, a staple in prisons and for the less fortunate in medieval times, might not sound appealing, but it offers a glimpse into the harsher realities of Nottingham under Prince John’s rule. This recipe provides a simple version of prison gruel, allowing you to experience a taste of history, even if it’s not as delightful as blackberry pie.
Not-in-Nottingham Prison Gruel Recipe
- Servings: 1-2
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients:
| Amount | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 3 tbs | Oatmeal |
| 2 cups | Water |
| Salt | to taste |
Instructions:
- Mix oatmeal with a small amount of cold water to create a smooth paste.
- Bring the remaining water to a boil in a saucepan.
- Pour the oatmeal paste into the boiling water and continue to boil for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt to your preference. Serve warm.
Verdict
Will these recipes steal from the rich in flavor and give to the poor in satisfaction? Mostly! While prison gruel might be a culinary experience best left for historical curiosity, the other recipes offer genuinely enjoyable tastes of Nottingham.
Recipe Ratings:
Stew – 7/10: A hearty and flavorful dish, even if it’s not actually burnt!
Blackberry pie – 7.5/10: Sweet and spiced, a delightful medieval-inspired treat.
Currant (blueberry) pie – 9/10: A delicious and easy pie, perfect for any occasion.
Gruel – 4/10: Simple and historically accurate, but perhaps not for everyone’s modern palate.
Enjoy these recipes inspired by Little John, Robin Hood, and the gang! They offer a fun way to connect with the classic Disney movie and explore some medieval-style flavors.
