Traditional Scottish Oatcakes

Ingredients

• 2 cups (200g) rolled oats 2 cups (200g) rolled oats
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 cup (60ml) boiling water 1/4 cup (60ml) boiling water

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 9g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 21g, 3g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.3g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, softened butter, honey, salt, and baking soda.
3. 3.
   Pour the boiling water over the oat mixture and stir until well combined.
4. 4.
   Allow the mixture to rest for 5 minutes to allow the oats to absorb the liquid.
5. 5.
   Transfer the mixture onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently until it forms a smooth dough.
6. 6.
   Roll out the dough to a thickness of approximately 1/4 inch (0.6 cm).
7. 7.
   Using a round cookie cutter or a glass, cut out oatcake rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
8. 8.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the oatcakes are golden brown and crisp.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Rolled oats — Use traditional rolled oats for the best texture. Avoid using instant oats as they are too fine and may result in a different consistency.
• Butter — Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing. You can also use plant-based butter for a vegan version.

Tips & Tricks

• For a savory twist, add a sprinkle of black pepper or dried herbs to the oatcake dough before baking.
• Experiment with different toppings such as cream cheese, chutney, or sliced tomatoes for a flavorful variation.
• Store the oatcakes in an airtight container to maintain their crispness.

Serving advice

Serve the Scottish Oatcakes warm or at room temperature. They can be enjoyed on their own as a snack or paired with various toppings such as cheese, smoked salmon, or haggis. For a sweet treat, spread them with butter and jam.

Presentation advice

Arrange the oatcakes on a wooden serving board or a platter, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of oats for an appealing presentation.