Pea Scotch eggs

With a vibrant green colour and fresh, herby taste, these pea and mint Scotch eggs are definitely one to try making at home! A change from the normal sausagemeat filling, these are vegetarian Scotch eggs and are perfect for summer picnics or lunches al fresco. 

Watch Chef Sally make this recipe on Instagram!

Serves 4

Serves 4

Vegetarian

Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 6 eggs
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 3 shallots, finely chopped
  • 250g frozen peas
  • Few sprigs of mint, leaves picked
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 40g Pecorino cheese (or vegetarian alternative), finely grated
  • 40g plain flour
  • 60g panko breadcrumbs

Cooking instructions

  • Half fill a medium saucepan with water and bring to the boil. Gently lower in 4 eggs (saving 2 for the coating) and cook for 6 minutes. Lift out using a slotted spoon and transfer to a bowl of iced water to cool completely. Carefully peel the eggs (they will feel soft so be gentle) and set aside.
  • Add the oil to a medium frying pan over a low heat and fry the shallots for 5-8 minutes or until softened. Add the peas and cook until defrosted, about 2 minutes. Tip into a food processor with the mint leaves and season to taste. Blitz until to a rough paste.
  • Scrape the mixture out into a bowl and mix in the Pecorino. Leave to cool.
  • In the palm of your hand, flatten a heaped tablespoon of the cooled pea mixture. Put a peeled egg in the centre and carefully push up the edges of the mixture to cover and enclose the egg.
  • Carefully roll into a ball and repeat with the other 3 peeled eggs and pea mixture. Place on a baking tray or plate, loosely cover and chill for 30 minutes to firm up.
  • Put the flour in a shallow dish. Beat the remaining 2 eggs together in another dish and spread out the breadcrumbs in a third.
  • Roll each ball first in the flour, then the egg, then the breadcrumbs to coat.
  • Preheat a deep-fat fryer to 180°C. 
  • Carefully lower in the eggs (you may have to cook one at a time or in batches to stop the oil temperature from dropping too much) and fry for 2-3 minutes or until crispy and golden brown all over. Scoop out onto a plate lined with kitchen paper to drain any excess oil. 
  • Sprinkle with a little salt and serve warm.