Delicious Scottish Oat Cakes Recipe for a Healthy Breakfast
Greetings, fellow food lovers! Today, I am proud to present to you my recipe for traditional Scottish Oat Cakes – a classic staple of Scottish cuisine that has been enjoyed for generations.
Oat cakes have been a part of Scottish history since ancient times and have continued to be a beloved food in present-day Scotland, especially during tea-time or when on the go.
My version of this traditional dish is not only delicious but also easy to make! All you need are some simple pantry staples like flour, oatmeal and butter, plus a few other ingredients to whip up these scrumptious oatcakes in no time.
Whether you’re looking for an authentic Scottish dish to impress your friends, or simply craving a hearty and healthy snack, these oatcakes will certainly satisfy your appetite. So let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking – together we can create a flavorful treat that will transport us straight to the rolling green hills of Scotland!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Looking for a snack that will satisfy your cravings and help you stay true to your British roots? Look no further than these traditional Scottish oatcakes! This oatcake recipe is easy to make, requires only a few simple ingredients, and is perfect for any occasion.
One reason you’ll love this recipe is because it calls for whole wheat flour and oatmeal- two ingredients that are packed with fiber and nutrients. These oatcakes are a great alternative to processed snacks that can leave you feeling bloated and sluggish. Plus, they’re gluten-free, so those with dietary restrictions can enjoy them too!
Another reason to love this recipe is the versatility of these little powerhouses. Whether you’re looking for something savory or sweet, oatcakes can be dressed up or down to match the occasion. They’re the perfect base for everything from cheese and fruit spreads to chocolate dipping sauces and pumpkin spice toppings. Who says you need bread to make a sandwich?
Last but not least, these oatcakes are a nod to traditional Scottish cuisine. Whether you have Scottish ancestors or simply appreciate the history of our Britain’s culinary traditions, these oatcakes are a delicious way to explore Scotland’s culture through taste. Share them with friends and family during your next get-together or enjoy them as a nostalgic snack that takes you back in time.
In summary, what makes this Scottish Oatcake recipe so great is its simplicity, nutritional value, adaptability, and connection to Scotland’s rich culinary heritage. Give it a try- I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
Ingredient List
To make traditional Scottish oatcakes, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of whole wheat flour
- 2 cups of rolled oats or steel-cut oats (old fashioned or porridge oats work fine too)
- 4 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon of fine sea salt
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, margarine or olive oil (if you prefer an oil-free version)
- 1/2 cup of hot water
Note that most of the ingredients are pantry staples. The main ingredient is oatmeal which is easily available at any grocery store. Additionally, this recipe requires no sugar, making it a healthy snack option for all.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Preparing the Oatmeal
- To prepare the Scottish oatcakes, start with a bowl of whole oatmeal (rolled oats or steel cut oats).
- Add hot water (not boiling) to the oats until it forms a thick mixture.
- Allow the mix to cool for about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Preparing the Dough
- Add 1 cup of whole wheat flour to the oatmeal mixture.
- Sprinkle 4 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of sugar to the mixture.
- Melt 3 tablespoons of butter or margarine (any oil would work but traditionally butter is used) and pour it into the mixture.
- Mix all the ingredients together with a fork or spatula.
Step 3: Shaping the Oatcakes
- Preheat your oven to 375* Fahrenheit
- Dust your working surface with flour so that your oatcake dough doesn’t stick to it.
- Roll out your dough with a rolling pin to about half an inch thick.
- Use any circular object you can find in your kitchen as a cookie cutter or mold. A mason jar lid works perfectly! Cut your oatcakes into circles.
- Grease a baking tray with some butter or follow the “oil free” option listed in serving and pairing section.
- Place your oatcakes on the greased baking tray, giving them some space apart.
Step 4: Baking The Oatcakes
- Bake in pre-heated oven for about fifteen minutes, making sure they are turning golden brown.
- Remove from oven and transfer onto a wire rack to cool.
Voila! You have now made yourself some traditional Scottish Oatcakes – easy peasy!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to the traditional Scottish oatcakes recipe, there’s plenty of room to get creative with substitutions and variations. Here are some ideas to try out:
– Gluten-free: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, you can still enjoy these oatcakes by using oat flour or gluten-free rolled oats instead of whole wheat flour.
– Vegan: To make these oatcakes vegan-friendly, use olive oil or vegan margarine in place of butter. You can also replace the honey with another sweetener such as maple syrup or agave nectar.
– Chocolate-dipped: For an indulgent twist on the classic oatcake, melt some dark chocolate and dip half of each biscuit into it. Allow the chocolate to harden before serving.
– Cheesy: For a savory variation, add some grated cheese (cheddar, parmesan or any other cheese will work) to the dough mixture before cutting out the biscuits.
– Pumpkin spice: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and allspice for a cozy autumnal flavor twist that will make your oatcakes stand out.
– Porridge oats: A great way to combine flavors would be to use porridge oats in place of rolled oats. Porridge oats are conveniently available in stores or you can make them by blending rolled oats until fine.
No matter which variation you choose, you can always top your Scottish oatcakes with some delicious toppings like cheese, hummus, jams, tapenade or smoked salmon spread. Be creative and have fun experimenting with different flavors!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you have your freshly-baked Scottish oatcakes, it’s time to think about how to serve and pair them. These oatcakes are wonderfully versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.
Traditionally, Scottish oatcakes are served with cheese or butter. The simple yet delicious combination of creamy cheese and nutty oatcake is hard to beat. Choose a strong, mature cheddar or a crumbly farmhouse Lancashire cheese for the perfect match.
For a sweet twist, consider spreading your oatcakes with honey or pumpkin spice butter. The warming spices of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg complement the hearty oats and create a cozy fall-inspired snack.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, try topping your oatcakes with smoked salmon or cured meats for a savory delight. The salty flavors of the fish or meats pair beautifully with the earthy notes of the oatcakes.
Scottish oatcakes also make for an excellent bread alternative. Use them as a base for open-faced sandwiches or top them with bacon and eggs for a hearty breakfast dish.
To accompany your oatcakes, choose a full-bodied red wine such as Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon. Alternatively, opt for a refreshing beer such as a crisp lager or pale ale.
However you decide to enjoy your Scottish oatcakes, one thing is for sure – these humble little biscuits will quickly become a firm favorite on your menu!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Scottish oat cakes are the perfect treat to make-ahead and store for a quick snack anytime. To make ahead, simply bake the oatcakes according to the recipe instructions and let them cool completely. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container or resealable bag and store at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
If you plan on storing your oatcakes for a longer period of time, consider freezing them. Place the baked oatcakes in a freezer-safe container and seal tightly. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply remove from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for a few hours or pop them in the oven for a few minutes until they warm up.
When it’s time to reheat your Scottish oat cakes, there are a few options to choose from. One option is to simply microwave your oat cakes for 10-15 seconds until warm. Alternatively, you can place them in a toaster oven and bake for 5-8 minutes until heated through.
Keep in mind that reheating your oatcakes can cause them to become slightly crispy, which many people prefer. However, if you prefer a softer texture, try covering the oatcakes with a damp paper towel before reheating.
Overall, Scottish oat cakes make an incredibly versatile and convenient snack that can be made-ahead, stored and reheated with ease. So why not try making a batch today?
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making perfect Scottish oat cakes, there are a few tips and tricks that can take your recipe to the next level. Follow these recommendations to ensure your oat cakes are the best they can be.
Firstly, it’s important to use hot water when mixing the dry ingredients together. This helps to activate the baking powder and bicarbonate soda, boosting the overall rise of the oat cakes. I recommend using butter instead of margarine or olive oil because it gives the oatcakes an authentic richness and taste that is hard to replicate with other substitutes.
One thing that sets Scottish oatcakes apart from other oatcakes is their fine texture. To achieve this texture, I suggest using a food processor to grind up your rolled oats and steel cut oats before adding them to your mixture. If you prefer more traditional Scottish oatcakes, you can skip this step and use old fashioned porridge oats instead.
Another key aspect of making Scottish oatcakes is getting the right thickness. Flatten the dough evenly between two sheets of parchment paper and use a cookie cutter or a cup to cut out evenly sized rounds. It’s crucial to roll them quite thin as any lumps or bumps will result in uneven baking and browning. If you feel like your dough is sticking too much or tearing, sprinkle some extra flour on top of your work surface or roller.
Finally, pay close attention to temperature when cooking your oatcakes. Preheat your pan over medium-low heat before adding each cake; otherwise, they may not cook properly. Cooking for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown ensures they’re cooked through but not overcooked.
By following these simple tips for perfect results when making Scottish Oat Cakes at home, you’re guaranteed a delicious treat and an authentic taste of Scotland deserves!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Scottish oat cake is an incredibly simple yet delicious treat that has been enjoyed for centuries. Using only a handful of staple ingredients, this recipe is easy to make and can be adapted to suit a variety of tastes and dietary needs. Whether enjoyed plain, with cheese or even chocolate dipped, Scottish oat cakes will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who treasure traditional Scottish cuisine.
But perhaps most importantly, this recipe connects us to the past and reminds us of the importance of preserving cultural traditions through food. So why not give this traditional Scottish oat cake recipe a try? You’ll be pleasantly surprised at just how easy it is to make your own batch of these wholesome snacks in no time at all. Don’t forget to share them with friends and family – just be prepared for them to ask for the recipe!
Scottish Oat Cakes Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups scottish oatmeal, such as Bob's Red Mill Scottish Oatmeal
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 3/4 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup butter or 1/4 cup margarine, melted
- 1/2 cup hot water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Grease a baking sheet.
- Place all but two tablespoons of the Scottish oatmeal in a bowl with flour, sugar, salt and baking powder. Stir until combined.
- Add butter and stir until evenly distributed. With a fork, mix in water, just until moistened. Pat dough into a ball, and then flatten slightly. Sprinkle reserved 2 tablespoons oats on a board. Roll dough out 1/4 inch thick. With a 2 to 3 inch round cutter, cut dough into rounds. Re-roll and cut scraps. Place oatcakes about 1/4 inch apart on prepared baking sheet.
- Bake at 325°F until Scottish oatcakes are golden, approximately 25 minutes. Let cool on a rack. Enjoy plain, or serve with jam or cheese.
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.