What Are Scottish Haggis?
Haggis is basically a form of sausage, served as a traditional meal in Scotland. Though it has a vile reputation, it can be quite tasty if properly prepared, and the Scots cherish it as a signature part of their national cuisine (which, admittedly, isn't the most renowned in the world). It comes from the sheep, but pork and chicken variations exist, as do meat-free versions for vegetarians. Does this Spark an idea?
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Origins
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Though historically a Scottish dish, evidence suggests that haggis originated with the Romans, and came to Scotland either via them or by Scandinavian longship.
Ingredients
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Haggis consists of the sheep's heart, lungs and liver, minced fine and blended with spices.
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Preparation
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Traditionally, haggis was placed in the animal's stomach and boiled for three hours. Modern samples use artificial casings rather than the actual stomach.
Taste
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Though the ingredients sound suspicious, haggis tastes much like sausage. It's often served with rutabaga and mashed potatoes, with a dram of whiskey to wash it down.
Robert Burns
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Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns, once wrote a piece called "Address to a Haggis." Burns' supper is traditionally served every Jan. 25 and includes a helping of haggis to honor him.
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