What is the food haggis?

Haggis is a savoury Scottish dish that’s tasty, rich and indulgent. Haggis is beloved in Scotland and around the world, but infamous to the faint of heart due to what it’s made from and how it was traditionally cooked – oats, suet, onions and not forgetting sheep offal, all cooked up in a sheep’s stomach.

But it doesn’t taste how it sounds. It’s a truly hearty, delicious dish, whether you’re celebrating Burns Night, fancy trying something different or you’re a regular haggis connoisseur.

What is haggis made from?

Traditionally, haggis features sheep offal or pluck, including the heart, lungs and liver. This is mixed with suet, a form of animal fat, oats, onions and a blend of spices. Salt, pepper, coriander, mace, and nutmeg are frequently used.

Haggis was typically cooked within a sheep’s stomach, however, it is now often cooked in an artificial cooking bag/casing, which doesn’t particularly impact the flavour.

How do I cook haggis?

Haggis is usually sold already cooked and needs to be warmed through when you’re making it at home. Usually, this is done by boiling, baking and sometimes microwaving

Boiling is the most popular method as it helps the meat remain moist. Simply bring a pan of water to the boil and submerge the haggis before turning down to a simmer.

The time will vary depending on the size but typically, it’ll take around 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes.

For baking, preheat the oven to 200°C. Prick the casing of the haggis with a fork then bake according to the cooking time. This will be around 1 to 2 hours.

For boiling and baking, once cooked, open the casing to serve.

For the microwave, remove the casing and microwave on full power according to the instructions. A microwaveable pasta dish is ideal for this. You should stir whilst cooking for an even cook.

What does haggis taste like?

If you don’t like the look of haggis, don’t be put off. One of the most surprising things about haggis has to be the taste. It has a crumbly sausage taste and feel that’s nutty, peppery, pleasantly spicy and rich in flavour. Whilst eating, it has a comforting and warming feeling that truly shows why it’s so popular.

What to serve with haggis

Haggis works well with foods that complement its rich flavour. One of the most popular is neeps and tatties, a swede mash and mashed potatoes. Check out our neeps and tatties recipe if you fancy making this classic at home.

Other root vegetables also work well along with steamed greens.

For a sauce, typically, cream sauces are favoured. Whiskey sauce is one of the most popular, but a classic gravy can be used too.

Is haggis healthy?

Eaten in moderation, haggis is a nutrient-rich food with many health benefits. It’s a great source of protein, iron and fibre. Nutrients include vitamin A, vitamin B12, zinc and more.

The main considerations are the high levels of saturated fat and salt found in the suet.

Is haggis Scottish?

The origins of haggis are widely debated, with variations available in a number of different countries. Liber Cure Cocorum is a 15th-century English manuscript, but haggis’ origins are disputed and many scholars associate it strongly with Scotland.

Buy haggis today from a traditional Scottish butcher for guaranteed quality.