Mini mushroom and freekeh scotch eggs

Mini mushroom and freekeh scotch eggs

A vegetarian twist on a classic, these mini mushroom and freekeh scotch eggs make a fun festive starter and will satisfy whoever is at the table.

Mini mushroom and freekeh scotch eggs

Looking to make classic scotch eggs? We’ve got just the recipe.

  • Serves icon Serves 6-8
  • Time icon Hands-on time 30 min, simmering time 1 ½ hours

A vegetarian twist on a classic, these mini mushroom and freekeh scotch eggs make a fun festive starter and will satisfy whoever is at the table.

Looking to make classic scotch eggs? We’ve got just the recipe.

Nutrition: For 12

Calories
264kcals
Fat
11.4g (2.g saturated)
Protein
11.7g
Carbohydrates
25g (1.9g sugars)
Fibre
3.3g
Salt
0.3g

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 160g chestnut mushrooms, finely chopped
  • 200g cracked freekeh (we used Belazu)
  • 130ml dry white wine
  • 500ml vegetable stock
  • A few fresh thyme sprigs, leaves picked
  • 1-2 tbsp good balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
  • 12 free-range quail eggs
  • 3 medium free-range eggs
  • Vegetable oil for deep frying
  • 100g plain flour
  • 100g panko breadcrumbs
  • 50g vegetarian parmesan-style hard cheese
  • Dijon mustard or herby mayo and a leafy green salad to serve

Useful to have…

  • Digital probe thermometer
Sticky screen? No thanks! Tap to prevent your screen from going off while cooking.

Method

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat. Add the onion and cook gently for 8 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes more, then turn up the heat and add the chopped mushrooms. Fry for 6-8 minutes until they turn golden, then add the freekeh to the pan and stir to coat.
  2. Pour in the wine and bubble until reduced by two thirds. Add half the stock, bring to a simmer and bubble until the liquid has nearly all been absorbed. Add the rest of the stock and simmer until the freekeh is tender and the mixture is thick (20-25 minutes). Season, then add the thyme and balsamic vinegar. Leave to cool completely.
  3. Meanwhile, bring a pan of water to the boil and have a bowl of iced water ready. Add the white wine vinegar to the cold water (this will make the eggs easier to peel). Gently lower the quail eggs into the boiling water, turn to a simmer and cook for 90 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and plunge straight into the iced water. Leave for 5 minutes, then peel.
  4. Beat 2 of the medium eggs in a bowl, then stir into the cooled freekeh mixture. Divide the mixture into 12 balls. Flatten a ball in the palm of your hand and put a cooked quail egg in the centre. Wrap the freekeh around the egg to encase, then set aside and repeat with the remaining quail eggs.
  5. Half fill a deep saucepan with oil and heat to 180°C on a digital probe thermometer (or until a piece of bread browns in 30 seconds). Put the flour, breadcrumbs and remaining egg into 3 separate bowls; beat the egg with an inch of salt. Mix the grated cheese with the breadcrumbs in a bowl. Coat each ball first in flour, then in the beaten egg, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture. Transfer to a plate.

  6. Deep-fry the eggs, 2-3 at a time, for 90 seconds until golden and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon, drain on kitchen paper and sprinkle with salt. Serve hot with mustard/mayo and salad (see Make Ahead).

Nutrition

Nutrition: per serving
Calories
264kcals
Fat
11.4g (2.g saturated)
Protein
11.7g
Carbohydrates
25g (1.9g sugars)
Fibre
3.3g
Salt
0.3g

delicious. tips

  1. Make the eggs to the end of step 5 up to a day ahead, cover and chill. Complete the recipe to serve. Leftover eggs will keep chilled for a couple of days but bring to room temperature before eating – or warm through gently in the oven.

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