Pea and mint scotch eggs

A vegetarian take on an old classic, these pea and mint scotch eggs are impossible to resist. Enjoy for lunch with a salad or a handy snack on the go.

Light Bites
Pea and mint scotch eggs
  • Preparation time 30 minutes (prep. time)
  • Cooking time 15 minutes (cooking time)
  • Serves 5

Ingredients

  • 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

Method

  1. Place the peas in a pan, add 3 table spoons of water and place over a low heat, once the water is boiling, cover the pan and reduce the heat.
  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.
  3. Remove the peas from the pan and place into a bowl. Add the mint and use the salt and pepper to season, stir well and leave to chill in the fridge.
  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.
  5. To coat: Crack the egg into a bowl and beat until the white and yolk are combined. Roll the peacoated eggs in the beaten egg mixture, before rolling them in the breadcrumbs. Try to ensure an even coating all over the eggs.
  6. Pour the oil into a frying pan to a depth of around 2.5cm (1 inch). Place over a high heat and 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.
  7. Place the cooked eggs on a tray lined with kitchen roll to drain any excess oil.
  8. Serve hot or store in the fridge (once they’ve cooled).