Pea and mint Scotch eggs

Light and tasty, these pea and mint Scotch eggs are a vegetarian twist on an old favourite. Serve them hot from the pan or pack into your lunchbox to enjoy cold with a salad.

30 minutes prep. time
15 minutes cooking time
Serves 5
Salads & light bites, Vegetarian

Pea and mint scotch eggs, cut in half on a plate — Pea and mint scotch eggs | © National Trust Images/William Shaw

1kg garden peas
20g fresh mint, finely chopped
5 eggs, hard boiled and shelled
Salt and pepper to taste

To coat

1 egg, beaten
250g breadcrumbs
Cooking oil to fry

Top tips

Be careful not to crush the peas too much, or the mixture will become unworkable. Make sure to dry the hard boiled eggs before adding the pea mixture.

Step 1

Place the peas in a pan, add 3 tablespoons of water and place over a low heat. Once the water is boiling, cover the pan and reduce the heat.

Step 2

After a few minutes, stir the peas and use a potato masher to crush them slightly. Continue cooking until the peas are broken down and form chunks.

Step 3

Remove the peas from the pan and place into a bowl. Add the mint and season with the salt and pepper. Stir well and leave to chill in the fridge.

Step 4

When the pea mixture is thoroughly chilled, mould it around each of the hard boiled eggs, pressing to ensure an even coverage. Place on a tray and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Step 5

To coat

Crack the egg into a bowl and beat until the white and yolk are combined. Roll the pea-coated eggs in the beaten egg mixture, before rolling them in the breadcrumbs. Try to ensure an even coating all over the eggs.

Step 6

Pour the oil into a frying pan to a depth of around 2.5cm (1 inch) and place over a high heat.

Step 7

Once the oil is hot, add the breaded eggs, being careful not to splash the hot oil. Use a spoon to gently move the eggs around the pan, ensuring they don’t stick and that they’re evenly cooked.