Scotch eggs are a traditional British dish consisting of hard-boiled eggs wrapped in sausage meat, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried until golden and crispy. These delicious snacks are perfect for picnics, parties, or as a hearty breakfast or brunch option. Follow this classic recipe to create your own homemade Scotch eggs that are crispy on the outside and perfectly cooked on the inside.
Ingredients:
- 6 large eggs
- 1 pound (450g) sausage meat (pork sausage meat works well)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (fresh or dried)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Eggs:
- Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover them with cold water.
- Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer the eggs for 8-10 minutes for hard-boiled eggs.
- Once cooked, transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water to cool completely.
- Once cooled, carefully peel the eggs and set them aside.
2. Prepare the Sausage Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sausage meat with salt and black pepper.
- Divide the sausage mixture into 6 equal portions.
3. Wrap the Eggs:
- Take one portion of the sausage mixture and flatten it in the palm of your hand.
- Place a peeled hard-boiled egg in the center of the sausage meat.
- Gently mold the sausage meat around the egg, ensuring it is evenly covered.
4. Coat the Eggs:
- Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
- Roll each sausage-coated egg in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured egg into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Finally, roll the egg in the breadcrumbs until it is evenly coated.
5. Fry the Scotch Eggs:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully lower the coated eggs into the hot oil using a slotted spoon or wire basket.
- Fry the Scotch eggs in batches for 4-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the sausage meat is cooked through.
- Once cooked, remove the Scotch eggs from the oil and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Allow the Scotch eggs to cool slightly before serving.
- Serve them whole or sliced in half, with your favorite dipping sauce such as mustard or ketchup.
- Enjoy the crispy exterior and flavorful sausage meat surrounding the perfectly cooked hard-boiled egg inside.
Serving Suggestions:
- Picnic or Party: Serve Scotch eggs as a portable snack or appetizer at picnics, parties, or gatherings.
- Breakfast or Brunch: Enjoy Scotch eggs as a hearty breakfast or brunch option alongside toast, hash browns, or a salad.
- Meal Prep: Prepare Scotch eggs in advance and store them in the refrigerator for a quick and convenient meal or snack during the week.
Cooking Tips:
- Variations: Experiment with different types of sausage meat or add herbs and spices to the sausage mixture for extra flavor.
- Baking Option: For a healthier alternative, you can bake the Scotch eggs in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make-Ahead: Scotch eggs can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Classic Comfort Food: Scotch eggs are a timeless favorite that never goes out of style, loved by both kids and adults alike.
- Versatile Snack: Enjoy Scotch eggs as a snack, appetizer, breakfast, or brunch option, making them perfect for any time of day.
- Satisfying and Filling: The combination of savory sausage meat and creamy hard-boiled egg provides a satisfying and filling snack or meal.
- Homemade Goodness: Making Scotch eggs from scratch allows you to control the quality of ingredients and customize the flavor to your liking.
Conclusion:
With their crispy exterior and savory filling, homemade Scotch eggs are a delicious and satisfying treat that is sure to impress. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or main course, these classic British delicacies are bound to become a favorite in your household. Gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try to enjoy the irresistible flavor of homemade Scotch eggs!