This is the perfect addition to any summer picnic or lunches. With a simple twist to the classic scotch eggs, this recipe gives a creative kick to any occasion! Being vegetarian, I have designed this recipe to use vegetarian sausages but of course meat ones can easily be used instead.

Ingredients:

  • 6 small eggs
  • 6 (Vegetarian) sausages
  • 1 tbsp thyme leaf
  • 100g breadcrumb
  • 400g shortcrust pastry
  • flour, for dusting

Method:

  • Boil 4 of the egg, until hard. Remove from the pan and plunge into cold water to cool. Peel.
  • Remove the outer skin of the sausage and place the meat into a bowl. Add the thyme and 3/4 of the breadcrumbs, along with 1 eff and a pick of salt and pepper. Mix well.
  • Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Cut strips of the grease proof paper and place then criss-crossed into the individual muffin holes of the tin (this makes it easier to remove them.
  • Roll out the pastry onto a lightly floured surface and line each of the tins. Place more baking paper over the pastry in the tins and then fill with baking beans. Bake for at least 5 minutes. (This will ensure that the base if fully cooked)
  • Remove the baking beans and scatter the remaining breadcrumbs over the bases of the pastry, then add a layer of the sausage meat into the each of the tins.
  • Place the peeled eggs on top and then gently pack the rest of the sausage mixture around it. (Trying to cover the eggs without leaving any gaps).
  • Using the remaining pasty, cover the pies, then trim the edges. Pinch and crimp edges to seal, poke a steam hole in the top, then glaze with the final egg, lightly beaten with a fork.
  • Cover the tray with foil and bake for 15 minutes
  • Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes.
  • Remove the pies from the oven and carefully remove them from the tin.
  • Place on a baking tray.
  • Return to the oven for 10 mins to brown the sides of the pie.
  • Transfer to a wire rack to cool, then serve.