Address to a Haggis: 7 alternative ideas for Burns Night

IF you’re not a big fan of the Scottish classic, here are some ideas for a tasty haggis dinner that the family will love.

January 25th marks the annual celebration of the life and work of Scottish poet Robert Burns. There are many ways to get into the spirit – a ceilidh, whisky or a dramatic poetry recital– but one of the most important traditions is the savoury pudding made from sheep offal, suet, spices and oatmeal.

Burns Night tradition says that you must “address the haggis”, if you’re being really strict about it, while reading the Robert Burns poem of the same name, before shouting “the haggis!” while you cheers with whisky.

If you find a large hunk of haggis rather unappetising, or if you’d like to try something a little different this year, here’s seven ways to spice up your Burns Supper.

1. Haggis scotch eggs

One way to dramatically improve anything is to add a runny egg. So here’s a recipe for Jamie Oliver’s haggis and pork scotch eggs. You just know they’ll be good.

2. Haggis sausage rolls

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If a big pile of haggis isn’t your thing, pay homage to the Scottish tradition with these flaky, meaty mouthfuls. Here’s a great recipe from The Twice Bitten blog.

3. Haggis nachos

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You don’t get many Scottish-Mexican hybrid dishes, but who says haggis nachos can’t be a thing? It has to be the easiest of all the options to make with this Flavour Seeker recipe.

4. Crispy fried haggis balls

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Try this recipe from the Nick Nairn Cooking School, made with turmeric and paprika with a chilli dipping sauce on the side.

5. Haggis pie

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Embrace all things Burns Night with this Delia recipe including tatties, neeps and whisky sauce. It doesn’t get any more Scottish.

6. Chicken supreme stuffed with haggis

To please the haggis-sceptics, this Donald Russell recipe just uses the Scottish delicacy as a stuffing rather than the focus of the whole dish. It’s served with a whisky cream sauce.

7. Steak and haggis burgers

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Add an edge to a standard burger with haggis. This recipe from Genius Gluten free is, as you’d expect, gluten free. It includes a tasty sounding caramelised red onion relish.

Read more: Meals for Under £10: Haggis Scotch Eggs