What Is In A Scotch Egg?

A Scotch egg is a popular snack that is served as an appetizer or side dish. It is a hard-boiled egg, wrapped in sausage meat, coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried. Its origins date back to the 1700s and it is believed to have been invented in Scotland. It is now a popular dish in pubs and restaurants all around the world. It is a high-protein snack and can be served either hot or cold.

Ingredients

To make a Scotch egg, you will need the following ingredients:

6 eggs
450g pork sausage meat
100g plain flour
2 tablespoons of mustard powder
2 tablespoons of paprika
2 teaspoons of ground black pepper
300g breadcrumbs
Vegetable oil, for deep-frying

Instructions

To make the Scotch eggs, follow these steps:

Bring a pan of water to the boil and add the eggs. Simmer for 8 minutes, then drain and let cool. Once cool enough to handle, carefully peel the eggs.
In a bowl, mix together the sausage meat, mustard powder, paprika and pepper.
Divide the sausage meat mixture into 6 even portions and flatten into discs. Place an egg in the middle of each disc and wrap the sausage meat around the egg, making sure there are no gaps. Roll the sausage-wrapped eggs in the flour.
Beat the remaining two eggs in a separate bowl. Dip each sausage-wrapped egg in the beaten egg and then roll in the breadcrumbs.
Heat the oil in a deep-fat fryer or large heavy-based saucepan until it reaches 180°C. Carefully lower the Scotch eggs into the hot oil and fry for 10 minutes, or until golden-brown and cooked through.
Remove from the oil and drain on kitchen paper. Serve hot or cold.

Nutrition

A Scotch egg is a high-protein snack which is relatively high in calories, so it should not be eaten in large quantities. A single Scotch egg contains around 400 calories and is a good source of protein, vitamins and minerals. It is also a source of saturated fat and cholesterol, so it should be eaten in moderation.

For those who are looking for a healthier version of the Scotch egg, there are alternatives. For example, you can use leaner sausage meat, swap the deep-frying for baking, or use wholemeal breadcrumbs. There are also vegan versions, which use meat-free sausage meat and a vegan-friendly breadcrumb coating.

All in all, the Scotch egg is a tasty and filling snack that is perfect for picnics, lunch boxes or an evening snack. With a few simple swaps, it can also become a healthier alternative for those looking for a high-protein snack.