Delicious and Easy Spiced Scotch Eggs Recipe
Are you looking for a truly British treat that packs a punch of spice and flavor? Look no further than the Spiced Scotch Eggs recipe. Originally designed as a portable snack for wealthy Victorians, Scotch Eggs have withstood the test of time and become a staple in British cuisine.
In this recipe, we take it up a notch by adding a blend of curry paste and cayenne pepper to the sausage mixture, elevating the dish to spicy new heights. The hard-boiled eggs are surrounded by a coating of sausage meat, bread crumbs, and spices before being deep-fried to crispy perfection.
Whether you’re a fan of traditional Scotch Eggs or are looking to spice them up, this recipe is sure to impress. Plus, they can be made ahead of time and reheated for a quick and easy snack or lunch option. So let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ah, the humble scotch egg. It’s one of those dishes that has stood the test of time in British cuisine. But have you ever tried a spicy version? Enter: Spiced Scotch Eggs.
Picture this: a hard-boiled egg wrapped in a layer of spiced sausage meat, coated in crispy breadcrumbs and deep-fried to golden perfection. Doesn’t that sound heavenly?
But what sets these Spiced Scotch Eggs apart from the rest is their kick of heat. The addition of curry paste, cayenne pepper, and a fresh red chili elevates this traditional snack to new heights.
Not only are they deliciously spicy, they’re also the perfect appetizer for any occasion. You can serve them alongside a tangy dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
But let’s be honest, you don’t need a special occasion to indulge in these Spiced Scotch Eggs. They’re easy to make and oh-so-satisfying as a midday snack or even as part of your breakfast spread.
So why settle for the usual boring hard-boiled eggs when you can elevate them with this spicy twist? Trust me, once you try these Spiced Scotch Eggs, you’ll never go back to the original.
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to make these Spiced Scotch Eggs:
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, at room temperature
- 200g sausage meat
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp mustard
- pinch of nutmeg
- 4 tbsp flat-leaf parsley, chopped coarsely
- 1 red chili, seeded and finely chopped
- 1/3 cup fresh breadcrumbs
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to season
- oil for deep-frying
Note that sausage meat is different from ground beef. You can use sausages with the skins removed or just buy sausage meat in the store. Fresh breadcrumbs are better than dry ones, but you can use either. Don’t forget to remove the seeds from the chili if you don’t want it too spicy.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we’ve gone through the ingredient list, it’s time to get started. Here are the steps to make Spiced Scotch Eggs:
Step 1: Boil and prepare the eggs
Boil your 4 medium-sized eggs for about 6-7 minutes until they are hard boiled. Once done, put them in cold water for a few minutes, then peel them.
Step 2: Prepare the meat mix
In a large bowl, mix 200g of ground sausage meat with 1 tsp of Worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp of curry powder and ½ tsp of cayenne pepper. Add chopped coarsely 1 red chilli (seeds removed), 3 tbsp of chopped fresh parsley, and a pinch of nutmeg. Mix the meat well.
Step 3: Form the scotch eggs
Divide the meat mix into four portions. Flatten each one onto a sheet of cling film or parchment paper.
Place the hard-boiled egg on top of each flattened portion, wrap it with cling film, shaping it into a ball. Repeat with each of the four eggs.
Step 4: Coat with breadcrumbs
Beat up 1 egg and add 2 tablespoons of milk to create an egg wash. Put some flour onto a plate and coat each sausage-wrapped egg with flour.
Then dip it into the egg wash, followed by coating generously with bread crumbs, making sure every part is covered.
Step 5: Cook
Preheat the oven at 200C/fan 180c/gas mark 6 for about ten minutes. Remove eggs from cling film or parchment paper.
You can either deep fry in oil or bake in oven for around 30 minutes until golden brown (you can spray with cooking oil if baked and not deep-fried).
Serve your Spicy Scotch Eggs with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy your perfect runny yolk.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about this Spiced Scotch Eggs Recipe is that it’s very versatile and there are many substitutions and variations you can make to it. Here are some ideas to get you started:
– Instead of ground sausage, try using ground beef or even black pudding for a different flavor.
– For a vegetarian option, substitute the sausage meat with a meatless ground beef substitute.
– You can also bake instead of deep-fry your Spiced Scotch Eggs by using an air fryer. Cut back on calories and mitigate some of the fat used in this recipe by swapping deep-frying with baking!
– If you prefer a softer yolk, replace the hard-boiled eggs with medium-boiled or soft-boiled eggs.
– Add some heat to your Spiced Scotch Egg recipe by using cayenne pepper instead of curry powder or by adding an extra red chilli.
– Experiment with different dipping sauces to accompany your Spicy Scotch Eggs. Mustard sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or aioli will be perfect!
Remember, depending on what swaps and modifications you make, cooking time may vary. Keep an eye out and adjust cooking times accordingly. Don’t worry – once you’ve got the hang of it, making a personal variation won’t be too complicated!
Serving and Pairing
A delicious and hearty snack, Spiced Scotch Eggs can be served in a variety of ways. They make for a great appetizer at cocktail parties or potlucks. The spicy flavor profile pairs well with cold beer or other refreshing drinks.
For a casual event, serve them up on a platter with some dipping sauces on the side, such as honey mustard, garlic aioli, or creamy horseradish sauce to cut through the bold spices. You could also add some sliced pickles or olives to compliment the flavors.
Spicy Scotch Eggs would also make for a filling lunch paired with a fresh salad or some potato wedges.
If you are hosting a fancy brunch or upscale event, serve your Scotch Eggs sliced in half over some fresh arugula with a side of grilled tomatoes and baked beans.
To impress your guests and give the dish a unique twist, consider trying out different variations such as using black pudding instead of sausage meat or wrapping the hard boiled eggs with soft boiled eggs with runny yolks. You can even bake them in an air fryer instead of deep frying for a healthier alternative.
No matter how you choose to present them, these Spicy Scotch Eggs are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and leave your guests begging for more.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
The Spiced Scotch Eggs recipe is an excellent dish to prepare ahead of time for those busy days. You can make the scotch eggs a day or two in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to heat and serve. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the chilled eggs on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
If you have any leftovers, these spicy scotch eggs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, it is best to consume the eggs within one or two days for optimal freshness.
For those who prefer quick and easy reheating, it is also possible to use an air fryer or microwave. Place the scotch eggs into an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-8 minutes until heated thoroughly. Alternatively, microwave one egg at a time on high heat for about 30 seconds.
It is important to note that reheating these spicy scotch eggs may cause the yolk to become hard and lose its runny texture. However, some people prefer this texture when reheating their eggs.
Finally, if you want to get creative with your leftover scotch eggs, try adding them to salads or sandwiches for a lovely variation of flavors and textures!
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your Spiced Scotch Eggs turn out perfectly, below are some tips I recommend following:
1. The texture of the meat mixture is crucial to the success of the scotch eggs. Make sure it is well-mixed and not too wet so that it holds its shape when formed into balls around the hard-boiled eggs.
2. When dipping the meat-covered eggs in the breadcrumb mixture, use one hand to handle the egg and another hand to handle the bread crumbs. This will help prevent clumping.
3. When frying the Spiced Scotch Eggs, make sure the oil is hot enough (around 350°F) before adding them to avoid ending up with greasy eggs.
4. If you prefer a healthier option, try baking or air frying your Scotch Eggs for a similar taste without all the added calories from deep-frying.
5. For a vegetarian version of this recipe, swap out the sausage meat for ground beef or a vegetarian substitute like plant-based meat.
6. If you’re looking for a variation of this recipe, try swapping out some ingredients such as adding black pudding, using curry paste instead of curry powder, or dipping in a dipping sauce like runny yolk.
7. To serve, it’s recommended to slice each Spiced Scotch Egg in half and enjoy with a side salad or favorite dipping sauce.
By following these tips, you’ll have perfectly cooked Spiced Scotch Eggs every time.
FAQ
Now that you are well-versed on how to make this delicious and spicy Spiced Scotch Eggs recipe, you might have some doubts or concerns. Not to worry, I have compiled a list of frequently asked questions for you to refer to so that you can get the best results from your cooking. Continue reading for some handy tips and tricks that will ensure your scotch eggs come out perfectly crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.
What is traditionally served with Scotch eggs?
One of the classic British dishes is Scotch Eggs, which consist of sausage meat wrapped around hard-boiled eggs, coated in breadcrumbs, and fried until crispy. These savory eggs are typically enjoyed with a tangy mustard dipping sauce.
Why do my Scotch eggs split when frying?
One important thing to keep in mind when shaping scotch eggs is to ensure that the sausage meat fully covers the boiled egg. This is important because any exposed egg can cause the scotch eggs to burst during the cooking process. So, take your time to carefully coat the eggs with the sausage meat to ensure they hold together perfectly.
How do you make a Mary Berry Scotch egg?
Let’s start putting together a scrumptious Caesar salad. First up, grab a mixing bowl and toss in some chopped lettuce, bits of crispy bacon, Parmesan cheese and croutons. Don’t forget to pour in Mary Berry’s famous Caesar Salad Dressing and give it all a good mix. Use a couple of spoons to ease the process. Now, divide the salad into four plates and top each with a hearty Scotch egg. Want more dressing? Drizzle it on top for an extra burst of flavor.
What is the Dutch version of a Scotch egg?
Eierbal is a well-known snack in certain regions of the Netherlands, particularly in Groningen. It is akin to Scotch eggs and is composed of a hard-boiled egg enveloped by meat ragù infused with curry powder.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Spiced Scotch Eggs Recipe is a must-try recipe for anyone looking to spice up their breakfast, lunch, or snack game. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it is also delicious and has a balanced mix of flavors. From the ground sausage to the hard-boiled eggs with runny yolks, every bite of these Spicy Scotch Eggs bursts with flavor, making it an irresistible treat for everyone.
Moreover, this recipe offers endless opportunities to explore your culinary creativity. You can make variations and substitutions in line with your personal preferences or dietary requirements. Whether you opt for the soft-boiled or air-fried version, vegetarian or non-vegetarian options, this recipe guarantees that you’ll always end up with a mouth-watering result.
Finally, do not hesitate to indulge and experiment with the different dipping sauce options available. They add more depth to the already stunning flavors of this meal. In short, once you try this Spiced Scotch Eggs Recipe, you will realize why it has stood the test of time as a beloved British delicacy. So go ahead and make yourself some Spicy Scotch Eggs!
Spiced Scotch Eggs Recipe
Ingredients
- 9 eggs (at room temperature)
- 3 slices white bread (crusts removed and torn)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 750 g ground sausage
- 1/3 cup curry paste (mild Indian)
- 2 tablespoons parsley (flat-leaf chopped)
- 4 slices bacon (thin rindless and halved lengthwise)
- mixed salad green (to serve)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 220C (200C fan forced).
- Place 8 of the eggs in a large saucepan, cover with cold water and bring to the boil, stirring (this helps centre the yolks) and gently boil for 8 minutes and then remove from heat, drain and cool slightly and peel.
- Soak bread in milk for 2 minutes and add mince, curry paste, remaining egg and parsley, mix until well combined.
- Grease 8 holes of a 12 hole (1/3 cu) muffin tray and line each hole with a slice of bacon, extending over sides and then cover bases with a layer of the mince mixture and then add a boiled egg pointy end up and then press remaining mince mixture around and over the eggs until completely covered and then fold bacon over mince, securing with a toothpick at join and place muffin tray on a rimmed baking tray.
- Bake, uncovered, for 25 minutes or until mince is browned and cooked and then remove toothpicks and stand for 5 minutes =.
- Serve spiced scotch eggs with salad.
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.