Simple Scottish Recipes To Try At Home

Discover Simple Scottish Recipes You Can Try At Home

While you’re stuck at home dreaming of far-flung locations like the Scottish Highlands, it’s only natural that you’ll want to find a way to satisfy those cravings.

It’s no secret that Scotland is packed to the brim with unique and enticing delicacies. But, while travelling to experience those incredible Scottish foods for yourself may not be an option right now, you have the perfect opportunity to try out some simple Scottish recipes from home.

If you’re looking for a recipe that doesn’t require heaps of ingredients, or you’re looking for something to do with the kids one afternoon, we have four mouth-watering Scottish recipes for you to try out at home.

Scottish Shortbread Recipe

When it first appeared on the scene, shortbread was an expensive luxury and special treat reserved just for one-off occasions like weddings, Christmas and New Year. Today, the whole family can enjoy delicious Scottish shortbread any day of the week.

Give our simple recipe a try:

Ingredients

• 350g plain flour
• 125g caster sugar
• 250g butter
• A pinch of salt
• Some caster sugar for dusting

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 160°C/325°F/Gas Mark 3.
2. Put all the ingredients into a bowl, and work (don’t beat) the mixture until it forms a ball.
3. Place the mixture into a baking tin and press it into an even layer.
4. Bake for 30-40 minutes until the mixture is golden brown.
5. Carefully remove the shortbread from the oven and allow it to cool.
6. Dust with caster sugar to put the finishing touches.

Time to complete: 1 hour.

 

Scottish Oatcakes Recipe

Scotland’s relationship with oatcakes has been documented as far as the Roman conquest of Britain in AD 43. Scottish oatcakes are naturally energising wholegrains packed to the brim with fibre, vitamins and nutrients -  so they’re a healthier alternative to cakes and biscuits!

Homemade oatcakes are just perfect with cheese. Discover more about Scotland's excellent artisan cheeses at our Food and Drink guide. 

Get the kids involved, and give our easy-peasy recipe a go:

Ingredients

• 225g oats
• 60g flour
• 1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 60g butter
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp sugar

• 60-80ml hot water

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 190°C/375°F/Gas Mark 5.
2. Mix the oats, flour, salt, sugar and bicarbonate of soda together in a bowl.
3. Add in the butter and rub the mixture together until it reaches a crumbly consistency.
4. Add the hot water gradually until you have a thick dough.
5. Sprinkle some flour and oats onto your work surface and roll out the dough to 1/2cm thickness.
6. Use a cookie cutter (or an upturned whiskey glass!) to cut out your cookies.
7. Place on a baking tray and bake for 20-30 minutes until golden.
8. Carefully remove the oatcakes from the oven and allow them to cool.

Time to complete: 45 minutes.

 

Scottish Tablet Recipe

For many Scots, tablet is their favourite homemade sweet. The main difference between tablet and fudge is that tablet has a brittle, grainy texture, where fudge is much softer. This is because fudge is made with cream, while tablet is made with condensed milk.

Try this Scottish home staple for yourself:

Ingredients

• 175g unsalted butter
• 450g caster sugar
• 75g sweetened condensed milk

Method

1. Place the butter and 150ml water into a pan over a low heat. Melt the butter, but don’t boil the water.
2. Once the butter has melted, tip in the caster sugar and stir until it dissolves.
3. Bring the water to the boil, and then turn the heat down to simmer.
4. Add the condensed milk.
5. Cook for 20-30 minutes. Stir the mixture regularly until it becomes a dark, caramel colour.
6. Carefully remove the pan from the heat and beat for 10-15 minutes until the mixture thickens.
7. Pour the mixture into a tin lined with baking parchment, and allow the tablet to cool.

Time to complete: 1 hour 30 minutes (including cooling time).

Scottish Cranachan Recipe

Cranachan is a traditional Scottish dessert that was originally eaten and enjoyed by Scots as a celebration of the raspberry harvest made in the summer months.

Today, cranachan is served all year round, especially on special family occasions and holidays.

If you’re ever hosting a Scottish dinner party, cranachan makes the perfect addition to round off a night of complete sophistication.

Explore our recent Burns Night guide to discover a few of Scotland’s best whiskies and find the perfect one for your cranachan.

Give our recipe a go:

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp oatmeal
• 300g fresh raspberries
• a small amount of caster sugar
• 350ml double cream
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2-3 tbsp whisky

Method

1. On a baking tray, toast the oatmeal in the oven until it smells rich and nutty. It may not change colour, so keep an eye on it.
2. Remove the oatmeal from the oven and allow it to cool.
3. Make a raspberry puree by crushing half of the raspberries and sieving into a bowl. If needed, sweeten your puree with a little caster sugar.
4. Whisk the double cream until it sets, then stir in the honey and whisky.
5. Add in the cooled oatmeal and whisk the mixture lightly until it becomes firm.
6. Alternate layers of puree, cream, and fresh raspberries into glass serving dishes.
7. Allow your cranachan to chill in the fridge before you tuck in and enjoy.

Time to complete: 1 hour.

Enjoy A Little Taste of Scotland From Home

Now that you’ve got a taste of the wonderful Scottish delicacies on offer, it’s time to start planning a trip that you and your family will never forget!

At Scottish Tours, we take tremendous pride in delivering award-winning, expert tours around the vibrant cities and stunning natural landscapes of Scotland. It’s our mission to help you explore the rich culture, history, food and delicacies of the incredible country that we call home.

Discover Scottish Tours today.