Scotch eggs with a spicy homemade pickle.

Less than 30 mins preparation time

10 to 30 mins cooking time

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 4 free-range eggs
• 750g/1lb 10oz tofu
• 275g/9¾oz breadcrumbs
• 250g/9oz vegetarian black pudding, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, chopped
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint
• pinch ground cinnamon
• 4 lemons, juice and zest

For the coating

• 100g/3½oz breadcrumbs
• 100g/3½oz polenta
• 2 free-range eggs, beaten
• vegetable oil, for deep-frying

For the pickle

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 red onions, sliced
• 2 red chillies, chopped
• 200ml/7fl oz white wine vinegar
• 200g/7oz caster sugar
• 1 tbsp tamarind paste
• 1 small cauliflower, outer leaves removed, cut into small florets
• 2 tsp cornflour mixed with a little water to make a paste

Preparation method

1. Cook the eggs in boiling water for six minutes, then refresh in a bowl of iced water. Once cool, peel and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, blend the tofu and breadcrumbs in a food processor, then add the black pudding, garlic, herbs, cinnamon, lemon juice and zest, and blend together until smooth.
3. Carefully mould the mixture around each of the boiled eggs, making sure there are no gaps.
4. For the coating, mix the breadcrumbs and polenta together in a bowl until well combined and beat the eggs in a separate bowl.
5. Dip each Scouse egg in the beaten egg, then dip into the breadcrumb mixture until completely covered.
6. Half-fill a deep, heavy-based pan with vegetable oil and heat until a breadcrumb dropped in sizzles and turns golden-brown in 30 seconds. (CAUTION: Hot oil can be dangerous. Do not leave unattended.)
7. Deep-fry the Scouse eggs for 5-6 minutes, or until crisp and golden-brown. Carefully remove the eggs from the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside to drain on kitchen paper.
8. Meanwhile, for the pickle, heat the oil in a frying pan and fry the onion for 5-6 minutes, or until softened. Add the chilli and cook for a further 2-3 minutes.
9. Heat the vinegar, sugar and tamarind paste in a saucepan until boiling. Blanch the cauliflower florets in the vinegar mixture for 2-3 minutes, then remove with a slotted spoon.
10. Stir the cornflour mixture into the vinegar mixture and remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the cooked onion and cauliflower, then set aside to cool.