How to make Nigerian Scotch Eggs

Scotch eggs are a popular Nigerian snack or appetizer that is made by wrapping a hard-boiled egg in spiced ground meat and then frying until crispy. This delicious dish has its origins in Britain but has been adapted to Nigerian cuisine and is now a beloved snack across the country.  

The origin of scotch eggs can be traced back to 18th-century England, where they were first made by combining sausage meat and breadcrumbs around a hard-boiled egg, and then frying until crispy. The dish was later introduced to Nigeria by the British during their colonial rule and has since become a popular snack across the country. Nigerian scotch eggs are typically made with spiced ground beef or chicken, which adds a unique flavor and texture to the dish. They are also a good source of protein and can be enjoyed as a snack or a light meal.

Ingredients

• 6 hard-boiled eggs
• 1 pound of ground beef or chicken
• 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon of dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup of vegetable oil for frying

Preparation

• Peel the hard-boiled eggs and set them aside.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, thyme, parsley, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
• Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
• Divide the mixture into 6 portions.
• Flatten one portion of the mixture into a patty in the palm of your hand.
• Place a hard-boiled egg in the center of the patty and wrap the meat mixture around it, making sure to cover the egg completely.
• Repeat the process for the remaining eggs and meat mixture.
• Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
• Once the oil is hot, carefully place the scotch eggs in the oil and fry for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
• Remove the scotch eggs from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.
• Serve the scotch eggs hot with a side of ketchup or hot sauce.