Scotch egg

A Scotch egg is a beloved dish consisting of a whole soft or hard-boiled egg wrapped in sausage meat, coated in breadcrumbs, and then either baked or deep-fried. Its origins are somewhat mysterious, with some theories linking it to Indian koftas or British experiences in India. Fortnum & Mason, the renowned London department store, claims to have invented Scotch eggs in 1738 as a convenient snack for travelers, though this claim is based on lost records. Other stories suggest it originated in Yorkshire or has connections to the Scots Guards at Wellington Barracks.

In the UK, Scotch eggs are a popular choice for picnics and can be easily found pre-packaged in supermarkets and convenience stores. There are even miniature versions made with chopped eggs or quail's eggs. In the United States, Scottish-style pubs and restaurants frequently serve Scotch eggs with dipping sauces like ranch dressing or hot mustard. At the Minnesota State Fair, you can even find them served on a stick.

In the Netherlands and Belgium, Scotch eggs might be called "vogelnestje" or "eierbal." There are also interesting regional variations, such as the Manchester Egg, which uses a pickled egg wrapped in a mixture of pork meat and Lancashire black pudding, and the Worcester Egg, featuring an egg pickled in Worcestershire sauce and wrapped in local sausage meat and white pudding.