Scotch eggs are a beloved snack in the United Kingdom, but what are they actually called in Scotland? The name and history of the Scotch egg provides insight into Scottish culture and cuisine.
What is a Scotch Egg?
A Scotch egg is a common pub snack or picnic food throughout Britain. It consists of a hard-boiled egg that has been wrapped in sausage meat, coated in breadcrumbs, and then baked or deep-fried. The result is a warm, crispy exterior enveloping the egg inside. Part of the appeal is the contrast between the crunchy fried coating and the soft, creamy egg yolk at the center. When you cut into a Scotch egg, the bright yellow yolk spills out, ready to be dipped into mustard or hot sauce.
Scotch eggs make an ideal portable snack. They can be eaten hot or cold and hold up well to being carried in lunches or eaten as party finger foods. Typically a Scotch egg is served halved or wedge-cut, sometimes garnished with fresh parsley or dill.
Origins of the Scotch Egg
Where did this unique combo snack originate? While they are now forever linked with Scottish cuisine, historians believe Scotch eggs were actually invented in England in the late 1700s. The earliest printed recipe appears in 1809 in the book The Art of Cookery by Maria Rundell:
“A Scotch egg: Boil an egg for 10 minutes. Wrap it in meat squeezed into a paste. Fry or boil.”
The original form was closer to a modern deviled egg, with just a thin layer of forcemeat around the egg. It likely evolved into the hearty breaded form we know today by the mid-1800s. The moniker “Scotch egg” was probably a marketing ploy to lend the treat some exotic appeal, rather than reference to an authentic Scottish recipe.
Popularity in Scotland
While Scotch eggs may not have originated in Scotland, they have certainly become a favorite there over the past 200 years. They are now widely available in supermarkets, corner shops, and pubs across the country. The portability, heartiness, and protein-packed nature of the eggs make them a convenient meal for everyone from field workers to office professionals.
Both prepackaged and fresh handmade Scotch eggs are ubiquitous snack options at events like Highland Games, football matches, and festivals. The eggs are also often included in Scottish picnic baskets and summer lunches. They provide easy portability with minimal mess.
Scotch Egg Variations
While the classic Scotch egg has a pork sausage casing, some modern recipes use other meats like chorizo, haggis, black pudding, or vegetarian sausage. Gourmet versions may even wrap the hard-boiled egg in seafood like smoked salmon or crab cake. The breading also varies, with some recipes preferring panko, corn flakes, oats, or gluten-free options.
Scotch eggs pair well with a wide variety of dipping sauces beyond just mustard and mayonnaise. Sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, beet sauce, curry sauce, and chutney can all complement the richness of the eggs. Truly hungry diners may even choose to sandwich their Scotch egg inside a roll for a unique take on a sandwich.
Cultural Significance
Originally an English invention, Scotch eggs have cemented themselves as an iconic Scottish food over the past two centuries. They represent many facets of Scottish culture:
- Hardiness – The sturdy shape and hand-held nature means Scotch eggs travel well for workers, soldiers, and sports fans.
- Ingenuity – Scotch eggs display the cleverness of Scottish cooks in conceiving a tasty portable meal.
- Humor – The exaggerated name hints at the Scottish talent for embellishment.
- Tradition – Scotch eggs connect modern Scots to the food culture of their ancestors.
For such a small snack, Scotch eggs contain multitudes. They encapsulate the essence of Scottish identity and culture in an appetizing breaded bundle.
Scotch Egg Names in Scotland
Scotch eggs have an array of colloquial names and terms used throughout Scotland:
| Name | Region |
|---|---|
| Scotch eggs | Most common nationwide term |
| Scoatie eggs | Aberdeen and North-East Scotland |
| Worcester eggs | Dundee and Angus |
| Glamis eggs | Dundee and Angus |
| Lum hat | Fife |
| Mighty whiteys | Glasgow and West Scotland |
| Moiley kiss | Lanarkshire |
| Mollycoddles | Edinburgh and Lothians |
As you can see, creative vernacular names are commonly used, playing on the egg shape and colors. Lum hat, moiley kiss, and mollycoddle are colorful names comparing the eggs to articles of clothing or intimate acts. More straightforward names like Scoatie eggs and Worcester eggs add local flair. The variety of nicknames is a testament to the widespread popularity of Scotch eggs across Scottish culture.
Conclusion
While invented in England, Scotch eggs have become an icon of modern Scottish snacking. Their portability and heartiness suit the Scottish lifestyle perfectly. The culinary treat brings a touch of whimsy and humor to balance out the stoicism of Scottish culture. Whether known as Scoatie eggs, lum hats, or might whiteys, Scotch eggs are a beloved snack north of Hadrian’s Wall.