Recipe

Traditional Scottish Skirlie

Hearty Scottish Skirlie: A Savory Delight from the Highlands

4.3 out of 5

Indulge in the flavors of Scottish cuisine with this authentic recipe for Skirlie. Made with oats, onions, and suet, Skirlie is a traditional Scottish dish that offers a comforting and satisfying experience.

Side Dish› Skirlie

European cuisine› Northern European cuisine› Cuisines of the [[Islands of the North Atlantic]] (IONA)› British cuisine› Scottish cuisine

Preparation time

10 minutes

Cooking time

15 minutes

Total time

25 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Dairy-free, Nut-free, Egg-free, Gluten-free (if using certified gluten-free oats)

Allergens

Wheat (if not using certified gluten-free oats), Beef (suet)

Not suitable for

Vegan, Paleo, Keto, Low-carb, Soy-free

Ingredients

1 cup (90g) steel-cut oats 1 cup (90g) steel-cut oats
1 large onion, finely chopped 1 large onion, finely chopped
4 tablespoons (60g) beef suet 4 tablespoons (60g) beef suet
1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

Calories: 220 kcal / 920 KJ
Fat: 12g (5g saturated)
Carbohydrates: 24g (3g sugars)
Protein: 4g
Fiber: 4g
Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1.
In a large skillet, melt the beef suet over medium heat.
2.
Add the chopped onions and cook until they become translucent and slightly caramelized.
3.
Stir in the steel-cut oats, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper.
4.
Cook the mixture for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats are golden and crispy.
5.
Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Steel-cut oats — Make sure to use steel-cut oats for the best texture in Skirlie. Avoid using instant oats or rolled oats as they will result in a different consistency.
Beef suet — If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the beef suet with vegetable suet or vegetable oil for a similar result.

Tips & Tricks

For extra flavor, you can add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the Skirlie while cooking.
Skirlie can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven or on the stovetop. This makes it a convenient dish for gatherings or busy weeknights.
Leftover Skirlie can be used as a stuffing for poultry or added to soups and stews for added texture and flavor.

Serving advice

Serve Skirlie as a side dish alongside traditional Scottish mains such as haggis, roasted meats, or sausages. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a delicious vegetarian option.

Presentation advice

Garnish Skirlie with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish. Serve it in a rustic bowl or as a side on a plate, allowing the golden and crispy texture to shine.