Scottish eggs

Scotch Eggs: Savory Appetizer for Holidays

Here’s a recipe that will bring a touch of refinement and flavor to your festive meals! Scotch Eggs are a delicious and impressive appetizer, perfect for delighting guests at any special occasion. This recipe combines hard-boiled eggs with a rich meat filling, giving them an appetizing appearance and unforgettable taste. Let’s start this culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Necessary ingredients:

- 6 hard-boiled eggs
- 600 g minced meat (a delightful combination of beef and pork)
- 1 head of garlic (about 8-10 cloves)
- Chili powder (to taste, for a hint of spice)
- Salt (to taste)
- 2 raw eggs
- 100 g flour (approximately)
- 150 g breadcrumbs

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Boiling the eggs: Start by boiling the eggs. Place the 6 eggs in a pot and add cold water to cover them completely. Add a teaspoon of salt and a tablespoon of vinegar (this will help maintain the integrity of the eggs during boiling). Bring the water to a boil and let the eggs boil for 10 minutes. Then, drain the hot water and transfer the eggs to cold water to stop the cooking process.

2. Preparing the filling: Meanwhile, while the eggs cool, finely chop the meat along with the peeled garlic cloves. You can use a food processor to achieve an even texture, but don’t overmix, so it doesn’t turn into a paste. Add salt and chili powder to taste. Then, add one raw egg and mix all the ingredients well until homogeneous.

3. Coating the eggs: After the eggs have cooled, carefully peel them. Meanwhile, prepare a bowl with flour and another with breadcrumbs. Take each boiled egg, coat it in flour, then wrap it completely in the minced meat mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the filling adheres well. Form large balls, about the size of a tennis ball.

4. Finalizing the preparation: Once all the eggs are coated with meat, pass each ball through the beaten raw egg (mixed with a teaspoon of flour to help the breadcrumbs stick) and then through the breadcrumbs. Place the balls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or in muffin molds to maintain an even shape.

5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the balls for 45 minutes, until they become golden and crispy on the outside.

6. Serving: The Scotch Eggs are ready to be enjoyed! You can cut them in half, quarters, or round slices. These appetizers are perfect to be served alongside a fresh salad or a spicy sauce, such as tomato sauce or aioli.

Useful tips:

- Choosing the meat: A combination of beef and pork brings a rich flavor, but you can use chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
- Variations: Add fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, to the meat mixture for an extra flavor boost.
- Breadcrumb trick: If you want an even crunchier crust, you can fry the breadcrumbs in a little oil before using them.

Nutritional benefits:

Eggs are an excellent source of quality protein, vitamins, and minerals. Combining them with minced meat provides a balanced nutritional intake, ideal for festive meals. Additionally, these Scotch Eggs are rich in iron, zinc, and B vitamins, essential for a healthy diet.

Calories: Approximately 400-450 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used and the portion size.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use quail eggs instead of chicken eggs?
- Of course! Quail eggs offer a more delicate taste and can add an interesting look to the dish.

2. How can I store leftovers?
- These Scotch Eggs can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days in an airtight container. You can reheat them in the oven or in a skillet.

3. What can I serve with these eggs?
- Scotch Eggs pair perfectly with a green salad and a yogurt sauce or with a side of grilled vegetables.

This Scotch Egg recipe is not only a delicious way to impress your guests but also an opportunity to express your creativity in the kitchen. Try to personalize it and add your own touches! Enjoy!