INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pound ground beef
• ¾ pound ground lamb
• 1 tablespoon ground mustard
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 8 soft-boiled or hard-boiled eggs
• Peanut oil for frying

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground lamb, ground mustard, garlic powder, thyme, onion powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. Divide the mixture into eight equal portions.
2. Set up three wide, shallow bowls on your work surface. Place the flour in the first bowl, the beaten eggs in the second bowl, and the panko bread crumbs in the third bowl.
3. Roll each boiled egg in the flour, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
4. Take one portion of the ground meat mixture and flatten it in your hand. Place a coated boiled egg in the center of the meat and carefully wrap the meat around the egg, making sure the egg is completely covered. Repeat this step with the remaining eggs and meat.
5. Dip each meat-wrapped egg first in the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s well coated, and then roll it in the panko bread crumbs, making sure the entire surface is covered with crumbs.
6. In a deep pot, pour peanut oil to a depth of about 2 inches. Preheat the oil to 350°F (175°C).
7. Carefully place two of the meat-wrapped eggs into the hot oil. Fry them for approximately 5 minutes, turning them regularly, until all sides are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
8. Repeat the frying process with the remaining meat-wrapped eggs.
9. Once all the scotch eggs are fried and drained, they’re ready to be served. Enjoy these delicious and savory treats as a hearty snack or appetizer!

Here are a few variations of the classic scotch egg recipe that you can try:

1. Sausage Variations:
   • Instead of using a mixture of ground beef and ground lamb, you can use different types of sausages for the outer meat layer. For example, use spicy Italian sausage for a kick of heat, or use a breakfast sausage for a milder flavor.
2. Breading Options:
   • Instead of traditional panko breadcrumbs, you can use crushed potato chips, crushed cornflakes, or even finely chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for a unique crunchy coating.
3. Spice and Herb Blends:
   • Experiment with different spice and herb combinations in the meat mixture. Consider adding fresh chopped herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil, and spices such as paprika, chili powder, or cayenne pepper to give the scotch eggs a flavorful twist.
4. Cheese-Stuffed:
   • For a gooey surprise in the center, cut out a small cube of your favorite cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda) and place it in the center of the boiled egg before wrapping it in the meat mixture.
5. Alternative Proteins:
   • While the traditional scotch egg uses meat, you can make a vegetarian version by using a mixture of cooked quinoa, beans, and vegetables for the outer layer, and skipping the boiled egg in the center.
6. Baked Version:
   • If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you can bake the scotch eggs instead of frying them. Brush the coated scotch eggs with a little olive oil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
7. Sauce Pairings:
   • Serve your scotch eggs with different dipping sauces, such as sriracha mayo, sweet chili sauce, or a tangy yogurt-based dip. The sauce can add an extra layer of flavor to the dish.