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Main Course: Vegetarian Haggis ...
I've included this recipe for all my vegetarian friends in Scotland. Haggis is perhaps the main contribution to the culinary arts that Scotland has made. (We must not forget Scots Porridge Oats! Considering what it contains it is not the sort of menu you'd expect on a Vegetarian website. This, however, is an exelecent vegetarian alternative.
Pre-heat the over to 375F (190C)
You'll need:
- ½ cup (3 oz, 75 g) Scots fine oatmeal (the pinhead variety works best)
- 2/3 cup (4 oz, 110g) of brown or green lentils
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp. vegetable oil
- 2 large carrots, finely grated
- 4 to 6 mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tsp. ground spices (your choice of cumin, turmeric, paprika or nutmeg, in any combination)
- 1 tbsp. soy sauce
- One 14-oz (400 g) can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Knob of dairy-free margarine
Haggis is usually eaten with mashed potato and neeps (rutabaga), the two vegetables often being mashed together with a liberal dose of ground pepper.
This recipe can be prepared in advance, ready to bake before serving. This recipe serves four people
Put the Scots oatmeal in a bowl and cover with water. Let it stand for at least an hour. Drain thoroughly.
Place the lentils in a pan of water and boil rapidly for 20 - 30 minutes or until soft (the time will vary according to the type of lentils). When the lentils are ready, drain and rinse them in a sieve.
Sautée the onion in the oil until it is soft. Add the carrots and mushrooms, and cook for a little longer. Then add the spices, soy sauce, cooked lentils and about a quarter of the kidney beans.
Using a food processor or blender, purée the remainder of the beans to form a thick paste (add a little water if necessary to prevent it getting too stiff). Add this to the lentil and vegetable mixture.
Finally, add the drained oatmeal, salt and pepper, and the garlic. If the mixture looks too dry, add the margarine. Mix well.
Transfer to an oven-proof dish and bake for 30 to 40 minutes.