Scotch egg

Scotch egg

A Scotch egg is a traditional British dish that consists of a hard or soft-boiled egg wrapped in sausage meat, coated in bread crumbs, and then deep-fried or baked. The dish is commonly served cold, often with pickles or salad.

History

The origins of the Scotch egg are unclear. Some sources suggest that it was invented by the London department store Fortnum & Mason in 1738, while others claim that it is a variation of the Mughlai dish nargisi kofta. Despite its name, the Scotch egg does not have any confirmed links to Scotland.

Preparation

The preparation of a Scotch egg involves several steps. First, the eggs are boiled, then peeled. The sausage meat is seasoned, often with herbs and spices such as sage, parsley, and nutmeg. The boiled eggs are then encased in the sausage meat, rolled in bread crumbs, and deep-fried or baked until golden brown.

Variations

There are many variations of the Scotch egg, both within the UK and internationally. For example, the Manchester egg uses a pickled egg and black pudding, while the Glasgow egg incorporates haggis. In the United States, a "Scotch egg" may be served hot with gravy, similar to a meatloaf.

In popular culture

Scotch eggs have been featured in various forms of media, including television shows such as The Great British Bake Off and films like The Hundred-Foot Journey. They are also a staple at British-style pubs and picnics.

See also

• List of egg dishes
• British cuisine
• Picnic food