The Unexpected Ingredient Gordon Ramsay Uses In His Scotch Eggs
Scotch eggs are a unique breakfast or snack treat that has gained popularity in America. A scotch egg is a boiled egg, wrapped in sausage, coated in breadcrumbs, and fried. The history behind the dish's invention is a bit complicated.
Despite the name, the scotch egg did not originate in Scotland. One popular origin story is that it was invented at Fortnum & Mason, a high-end department store. The scotch egg was devised as a luxury snack for elite, wealthy travelers to eat on the go. The wrapping and frying of the hard-boiled egg discreetly hid the offensive egg odor (per Culture Trip). If this story is true, Fortnum & Mason was inspired by an Indian dish called nargisi kofta, which is made from ground meat, hard-boiled egg, and a crispy coating.
Scotch eggs are enjoyed in pubs and sold in grocery stores and gas stations throughout the U.K. (via Good Housekeeping UK). Just like in the 1700s, modern-day travel necessitates quick grab-and-go meals, and the scotch egg fits the bill for convenience and deliciousness.
According to Gordon Ramsay, scotch eggs make the perfect snack to take fishing, and he adds an ingredient unfamiliar to many Americans.
Gordon Ramsay adds black pudding to his scotch eggs
In a 2022 YouTube video, Gordon Ramsay crumbles up black pudding and adds it to his sausage mixture, which he says will make the sausage a bit "spicier." He also shares that the black pudding helps season the eggs inside.
For those unaccustomed to the English vernacular, black pudding is blood sausage, hence the dark color. According to BBC Good Food, black pudding is typically a sausage made with pig blood. The blood was originally added so as not to waste anything from the pig's slaughter. The ground pig meat is combined with various other ingredients and spices, and the binding agent that holds it all together is either barley or oatmeal.
While some people may be a bit squeamish with the delicacy, black pudding receives its fair share of love and is typically served as part of a traditional English breakfast. Black Pudding Club celebrates all things black pudding. The website shares facts about black pudding as well as black pudding news and even sells merchandise. The outlet even features a black pudding adaptation of Ramsay's roasted scallops and cauliflower purée.
If you're new to eating pig's blood, a scotch egg may be the perfect way to experience your first taste.