Vegetarian Scotch Eggs

Scotch eggs, but make it veggie! 🤩 Crispy, savory, and totally egg-cellent. 🍳 What's not to love? 💚

1. Introduction:

Vegetarian Scotch Eggs offer a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Instead of meat, these eggs are encased in a savory mixture of lentils, vegetables, and herbs, creating a satisfying and flavorful vegetarian treat.

2. Ingredients:

• 4 handfuls fresh breadcrumbs
• 1 dessert spoon finely chopped fresh chives
• 5 medium eggs
• 1 dessert spoon finely chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• vegetable oil for frying

3. Step by Step:

Begin by preparing the lentil mixture, combining cooked lentils with finely chopped vegetables and seasonings. Mold the lentil mixture around each hard-boiled egg, ensuring it's fully encased. Then, coat each egg in breadcrumbs and bake or fry until golden brown and crispy.

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (170°C). This ensures even cooking when the eggs are ready. The right temperature is crucial for heating the scotch eggs without burning them later.

Step 2: Boil the eggs

Gently place four eggs in a saucepan and cover them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for exactly 4 minutes. Immediately transfer the eggs to a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process before carefully peeling them.

Step 3: Whisk the remaining egg

In a small bowl, crack the remaining egg. Use a whisk to beat the egg until the yolk and white are fully combined. The whisked egg will act as a binding agent for the breadcrumb coating.

Step 4: Prepare the breadcrumb coating

In a bowl, mix the chopped herbs with the breadcrumbs and season with salt and pepper. Gently roll each peeled, boiled egg in flour, ensuring it's lightly coated. Then, dip each floured egg into the whisked egg mixture, followed by a thorough coating in the herbed breadcrumbs.

Step 5: Fry the eggs

Pour oil into a deep pan to a depth of 2 inches (5 cm) and heat over medium-high heat. Carefully place the breadcrumb-coated eggs into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. This should take approximately 2-3 minutes per egg.

Step 6: Heat through in the oven

Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the fried eggs from the oil and place them in an ovenproof dish. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and heat through for approximately 3-4 minutes. This final step ensures the yolk is warm and slightly runny.

4. Serving Suggestions

Serve these Vegetarian Scotch Eggs warm or cold with a side of chutney, mustard, or a fresh salad. They make a great appetizer, snack, or light meal.

5. Nutrition

Serving size: 4 servings, Calories: 317kcal, Protein: 14g, Fat: 11g, Carbohydrates: 39g, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 4g, Cholesterol: 205mg, Sodium: 474mg

6. To Wrap Up:

Vegetarian Scotch Eggs are a delicious and innovative way to enjoy a classic dish while catering to a vegetarian diet. They're packed with flavor and texture, making them a satisfying and memorable treat. Try them today and share the recipe with your friends!