Scotch Eggs are a classic British dish consisting of a hard or soft-boiled egg wrapped in seasoned sausage meat, breaded, and deep-fried or baked until golden and crispy. They make for a delicious snack, picnic food, or appetizer. Here's a traditional recipe to make Scotch Eggs:
Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs (for boiling)
- 1 lb (450g) sausage meat (or ground pork)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground sage (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg (for coating)
- 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- Vegetable oil (for frying, or enough to deep-fry)
Instructions:
1. Boil the Eggs:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil, then gently lower the eggs into the water. For soft-boiled eggs, cook them for about 4-5 minutes, and for hard-boiled eggs, cook them for about 9-10 minutes.
- After cooking, transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water or run them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, peel the eggs and set them aside.
2. Prepare the Sausage Coating:
- In a bowl, combine the sausage meat, chopped parsley, sage, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all the ingredients. If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can add a pinch of chili flakes or your favorite seasonings.
3. Wrap the Eggs:
- Take a portion of the sausage mixture and flatten it out in your hands. Place an egg in the center and gently mold the sausage mixture around it, ensuring the egg is completely covered. Repeat with the remaining eggs.
4. Coat the Scotch Eggs:
- Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with a beaten egg, and one with breadcrumbs.
- Roll each sausage-wrapped egg first in the flour to coat, then dip it in the beaten egg, and finally, coat it in breadcrumbs. Make sure each Scotch egg is well-covered.
5. Fry the Scotch Eggs:
- In a large pot or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil to about 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully lower the Scotch eggs into the hot oil and fry them for about 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy. You may need to fry them in batches, depending on the size of your pot.
- Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the eggs from the oil and drain them on paper towels.
6. Serve:
- Let the Scotch eggs cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. You can serve them with mustard or a tangy dipping sauce.
Enjoy your homemade Scotch Eggs with their crispy outer layer, savory sausage, and perfectly cooked egg inside! They make for a delicious treat that can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or part of a hearty meal.