Scottish Food Journey - The Main

Dear Diary,

Hope you’re hungry again.

Let’s crack on with the second part of my wee Scottish food journey.

It’s time for our main course.

The Main

It would be wrong to say that Scotland only has one main dish to offer. Though there is THE one the country is undoubtedly famous for. Love it or hate it. But try it first! You’ll be surprised.

Haggis

It is our national dish. It’s the “great chieftain o the puddin'-race” as Robert Burns has once described it. 

Though never judge the book by its cover. Yes, its appearance isn’t particularly mouth-watering. Not sexy at all, a big fat sausage it is. Believe me, what haggis lacks in beauty will all be made up by its taste.

It’s often described as some sort of savoury meat and oat pudding (not the sort of sweet pudding you might think of now…). Traditionally eaten with mashed neeps (turnip) and tatties (potatoes). Finished off with a rich and creamy whisky sauce. I mean …

I would describe haggis as a dish that is full of flavours. Meaty, moist, oaty, fiery and spicy. It’s a mouth full of Scotland. For me, it’s proper soul food. Warming your heart and soul.

Scottish Salmon

The Scottish Salmon is by far the biggest food export item in Scotland. No wonder, taking the number of rivers and lochs Scotland has to offer. Salmon is not only tasty and healthy but also an easy ingredient to cook delicious meals with. Give it a try with watercress, asparagus, samphire and a little lemon juice. Yum!

If you prefer the smoked version, no problem. Its tender and buttery flesh is coming from the smoking process in, surprise, old whisky barrels.   

Aberdeen Angus Beef

The Aberdeen Angus Beef - you’ve probably heard that one before. The meat is finely marbled and tender giving it its juicy and flavourful-some taste. By the way, the black, smaller cattle breed that has originated from Aberdeenshire is now the most popular breed in the US. Told you, juicy burgers are indeed connected to Scotland. 

Scottish recipes using Angus Beef can range from the classic stew or steak pie to steak and chips to roast dinner. And of course, a whisky sauce always matches perfectly. 

What will be your main of choice?

And don’t forget to leave some room for our last course - the dessert. Coming up soon.