
Haggis
A savory pudding made from sheep's pluck, onions, oatmeal, and spices.
Ingredients
- •Sheep's pluck
- •Onions
- •Oatmeal
- •Suet
- •Spices
- •Stock
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Clean and chop sheep’s pluck, onions, and suet
Mix and Stuff
Mix with oatmeal and spices, stuff into casing
Cook
Simmer in stock for 3 hours
Haggis is a traditional Scottish dish that is both unique and flavorful. It is made from sheep’s pluck (heart, liver, and lungs), which is minced and mixed with onions, oatmeal, suet, and a blend of spices. This mixture is then encased in the sheep's stomach and simmered for several hours.
The history of haggis dates back to ancient times when it was a practical way to use the less tender parts of the sheep. It has since become a symbol of Scottish culture and is famously celebrated during Burns Night, an annual event honoring the poet Robert Burns.
To make haggis, start by thoroughly cleaning and chopping the sheep’s pluck, onions, and suet. Mix these ingredients with oatmeal and spices, then stuff the mixture into a casing. Simmer the haggis in stock for about three hours until it is fully cooked and the flavors have melded together.
While the traditional recipe is quite specific, there are modern variations that use synthetic casings or even vegetarian alternatives made with lentils and beans. Some people also like to add a splash of whisky to the mixture for an extra Scottish touch.
In Scotland, haggis is typically served with "neeps and tatties" (mashed turnips and potatoes) and a whisky sauce. It is a hearty and warming dish that is perfect for cold winter nights.
Although haggis is rich and flavorful, it is also quite high in fat and calories due to the use of suet and offal. It is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. For a healthier version, you can try using leaner cuts of meat and reducing the amount of suet.