Scrumptious Scottish oat biscuits: A mouth-watering recipe
Are you craving something crunchy, nutty, and wholesome? Look no further than my recipe for Scottish oat biscuits. These delicious treats are perfect for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a breakfast accompaniment or a cozy afternoon snack. Not only are they a tasty and satisfying treat, but they’re also made with ingredients that provide nutritional value.
Made with hearty oats and a blend of flours, these biscuits pack a punch of fiber, protein, and whole grains. The combination of traditional Scottish oats and whole wheat flour creates a texture that is both rustic and elegant.
But don’t be fooled by their simplicity- these biscuits have complex flavor profile that will delight your taste buds. They have notes of nuttiness from the oats and buttery richness from the unsalted butter used in the recipe. And as an added bonus, these cookies can be enjoyed by those following a gluten-free diet as well.
So why not give this traditional Scottish oatcake recipe a try? Your home will smell amazing as these deliciously crumbly oatcakes bake in the oven. Serve them at your next gathering alongside some white cheddar cheese or walnut biscuits for a truly indulgent experience. Trust me, once you try these oatcakes, you’ll never go back to ordinary crackers again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Scottish Oat Biscuits, also known as oatcakes, have been a traditional Scottish delicacy for centuries. These biscuits are not only delicious but they are also incredibly nutritious, and I guarantee that you will love this recipe.
First off, these oat biscuits are packed with healthy ingredients. Two types of oats (quick oats and old-fashioned rolled oats) give the biscuits a delightful texture and a unique flavor that is hard to replicate with any other grain. Additionally, whole wheat flour provides a nutty taste and fiber, while buttermilk and plain yoghurt provide the perfect tangy flavor.
Moreover, these biscuits are versatile and can be enjoyed in different ways– as crackers or cookies with cheese or served alongside a bowl of soup or with some jam as an afternoon snack. They offer an excellent option for those who are looking for something quick, fiber-filled, and nutritious to eat on-the-go.
Lastly, if you have a gluten intolerance, do not worry! You can still enjoy these biscuits; just replace the wheat pastry flour with oat flour or another gluten-free option. You can customize this recipe according to your preferences and still enjoy all the benefits that it has to offer.
In conclusion, give this recipe a try – I promise you won’t regret it! It’s a healthier alternative to traditional cookies and crackers while delivering a unique flavor. Scottish Oat Biscuits are perfect for any occasion because they’re versatile in their uses as well.
Ingredient List
Before we dive into making these delicious Scottish oat biscuits, let’s take a look at what we’ll need in terms of ingredients. Here’s a list of everything you’ll require:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup white flour
- ½ cup whole wheat flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) cold, unsalted butter
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 tbsp plain or Greek-style yogurt
These fresh and wholesome ingredients combine into a delightful cookie that is both wholesome and hearty with a texture that begs for accompanying tea. Scottish oat biscuits are an everlasting classic that can be made with pantry staples.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have explored the reasons why you’ll love the Scottish Oat Biscuits recipe, it’s time to get our hands busy and dive into the cooking process. This recipe is simple and easy to follow, even for beginners.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of rolled oats
- 1 cup of white flour
- 1 cup of whole wheat flour
- 1 tsp of sea salt
- 1/2 tsp of baking soda
- 3/4 cup of unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup of buttermilk
- 1/2 cup of plain yogurt
Step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Preheat your oven
Before you start mixing the ingredients, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, white flour, whole wheat flour, sea salt, and baking soda.
Step 3: Cut in butter
Add the unsalted butter into the mixing bowl and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut in the butter until it forms a crumbly mixture.
Step 4: Add wet ingredients
Mix in buttermilk and plain yogurt until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Knead the dough
Transfer the mixture onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for a few minutes until it forms a smooth ball. If it is too dry or crumbly, add a little more buttermilk or yogurt.
Step 6: Flatten and shape the dough
Use your hands to flatten the dough into a round disk about half inch (1 cm) thick. Use a biscuit cutter or a glass to shape individual rounds. Alternatively, cut it into small rectangles like crackers.
Step 7: Bake the biscuits
Place the shaped biscuits onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) between them to allow for spreading. Bake them in the preheated oven until the edges start to turn golden brown, about 20 minutes.
Step 8: Cool and serve
Once baked, remove the Scottish Oat Biscuits from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking tips:
- For an extra cheesy flavor, add grated white cheddar cheese into the mixture before baking.
- For a savory twist, add walnuts or other nuts into the mixture.
- You can also cook these biscuits on a griddle or skillet for a more traditional Scottish oatcakes recipe.
- If you prefer more texture, substitute rolled oats with steel-cut or old fashioned oats.
Making Scottish Oat Biscuits is a fun activity that can be enjoyed with friends and family. Be sure to follow this recipe closely, adjusting ingredients and cooking times as necessary to fit
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to making Scottish oat biscuits, there are plenty of ways to mix up the recipe and make it your own. Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try out:
– Cheese: If you want to add a savory twist, try swapping out the white cheddar cheese for another type of cheese like Parmesan or Gouda.
– Yogurt: Don’t have buttermilk on hand? Use plain yogurt instead for a tangy flavor.
– Flour: For a gluten-free option, swap out the white flour for oat flour. You can also use whole wheat flour or whole wheat pastry flour for a healthier twist.
– Oats: This recipe calls for both quick oats and old fashioned oats, but feel free to adjust the ratio based on your preferences. You can also use steel cut oats or Scottish oats for a more traditional flavor.
– Baking Soda: In Nova Scotia Oatcakes Recipe, baking soda is also used, which can be substituted with bicarbonate soda if it’s not available to you.
– Walnut Biscuits: If you want to add a bit of crunch, try adding some finely chopped walnuts into the dough before baking.
No matter what substitutions or variations you choose to make, these Scottish oat biscuits are sure to be a hit. Experiment with different flavors and textures until you find the perfect combination for your taste buds.
Serving and Pairing
Scottish oat biscuits are a versatile treat that can be enjoyed on their own or paired with other foods for a more satisfying experience. These crunchy and flavorful biscuits go well with a variety of accompaniments, from savory toppings to sweet puddings.
For a savory snack, try topping the oat biscuits with a slice of white cheddar cheese or serving them alongside a bowl of soup made with buttermilk or plain yogurt. They also pair well with smoked salmon, pickled herring, or any other seafood dish.
If you have a sweet tooth, you can serve the oat biscuits with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh fruit. Alternatively, you can use them in place of graham crackers in your favorite dessert recipes for an added crunch.
For a traditional Scottish breakfast, pair oat biscuits with porridge made from rolled oats or Scottish oats. You can also serve them with a cup of tea, coffee or hot cocoa for an afternoon snack that is both energizing and satisfying.
In in Nova Scotia region, these oatcakes are often served as part of traditional Scottish celebrations such as Burns Supper or St. Andrew’s Day. They are typically enjoyed with butter and syrup during these events.
Overall, the possibilities for serving and pairing Scottish oat biscuits are endless. Get creative and enjoy this delicious snack in any way you please!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about these Scottish oat biscuits is their versatility when it comes to making them ahead of time and storing them. Firstly, they can be made well in advance and stored for up to two weeks in an airtight container at room temperature, making them the perfect snack option for busy weekdays or on-the-go moments.
However, if you want to keep the biscuits for longer, then you can store them in the freezer for up to three months. The biscuits should be placed in a resealable plastic bag, and any excess air should be removed before sealing. Once you’re ready to eat them, simply allow them to defrost at room temperature for one hour before serving.
Reheating these oat biscuits is easy and can be done either in the microwave or oven. To reheat them in the microwave, place the biscuits on a plate and heat for 10-15 seconds until warmed through. If you prefer to use an oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and place the biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
One added benefit of these Scottish oat biscuits is that they also pair well with many different toppings, such as white cheddar cheese or walnut biscuits. So not only do they make a great snack on their own, but they can also be used as a delicious base for many other culinary creations.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure perfect results for your Scottish oat biscuits, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
1. Use old-fashioned or rolled oats: Old-fashioned or rolled oats have a coarser texture than quick oats, which gives the biscuits a deliciously crumbly and crunchy texture.
2. Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough and dry biscuits. Mix the dough just until it comes together, then stop.
3. Chill the dough: Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps it firm up, making it easier to roll out and cut into biscuits.
4. Flour the work surface: Before rolling out the dough, lightly flour the work surface to prevent it from sticking.
5. Use a sharp cookie cutter: Using a sharp cookie cutter will ensure clean edges on your biscuits and prevent them from breaking apart when transferring them to the baking sheet.
6. Brush with buttermilk: Brushing the biscuits with buttermilk before baking will give them a golden-brown color and add flavor.
7. Bake at the right temperature: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for best results. Bake your biscuits in the center of the oven for about 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Let cool completely: Allow your biscuits to cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to make perfect Scottish oat biscuits every time!
FAQ
As with any recipe, you may have some questions or concerns before attempting to make these scrumptious Scottish oat biscuits. To help guide you along the way, I have compiled a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) with detailed answers so that you can confidently prepare this traditional Scottish delicacy in your own kitchen.
What are Scottish oatcakes made of?
In this recipe article, I will be sharing my instructions, tips, and recommendations for making a traditional British oatcake. Oatcakes are a type of cracker or biscuit that originated in Scotland and are made using oats, salt, and water. Let’s get started!
What is different about Scottish oatmeal?
Scottish oats are created from oat groats that have been ground into small, pin-sized pieces. They have a creamier texture compared to steel-cut oats because of the difference in processing. Scottish oats also have a stew-like consistency that sets them apart from other types of oats.
Can I use Scottish oats instead of rolled oats?
Rolled oats and Scottish oats are not interchangeable, as they differ in taste, texture, and consistency. This is because the production methods for each type of oat are distinct from one another. So, Scottish oats are not the same as rolled oats.
Are Scottish oatcakes healthy?
Oatcakes are a great source of minerals, particularly manganese and phosphorous, which are beneficial for our bodies. They are also a fantastic food option for maintaining our energy levels. Oatcakes have a low glycaemic index, which makes them a helpful food for managing blood glucose. Pairing them with high-quality proteins/fats like nut butter makes them even more beneficial.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Scottish Oat Biscuits recipe is a delicious and versatile option that can be enjoyed any time of the day. Whether you prefer your oatcakes cooked on a griddle or baked in the oven, this recipe will deliver on both taste and texture. The combination of white cheddar cheese, buttermilk and plain yogurt creates a rich and creamy flavor, while the addition of steel cut oats and sea salt adds a satisfying crunch that will leave you craving more.
The best part about this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily customize it to your taste preferences by substituting or adding ingredients such as nuts or dried fruits. Additionally, the use of gluten-free flour makes it accessible to those with dietary restrictions.
But what makes this recipe truly special is its tradition. Scottish oatcakes have been enjoyed for generations in Scotland and Nova Scotia, and now you too can recreate this authentic dish in your own kitchen. So why not try making some Scottish oat biscuits for yourself and experience a piece of Scottish culture right at home? Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Scottish Oat Biscuits Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups quaker quick oats or 3 cups old fashioned oats
- 1 cup white flour or 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup buttermilk or 1 cup plain yogurt
- sliced white cheddar cheese (optional)
- cinnamon sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Combine the oats, flour, baking soda and salt and mix well.
- Add the butter and mix well (a food processor is ideal, but a pastry blender will work).
- Add enough buttermilk to make a stiff dough-- it may take up to 1 1/3 cups-- and mix until moistened.
- Roll the dough 1/4 to 1/8-inch thick and cut with a 2-inch biscuit cutter, then place on a greased baking sheet.
- Bake at 450 (the directions just say"hot oven") until firm (or until hard and crisp, per the original directions), about 8 to 12 minutes.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.