Haggis – a traditional pudding made of the heart, liver, etc., of a sheep or calf, minced with suet and oatmeal, seasoned, and boiled in the stomach of the animal.

Sounds delicious, right?

As scots, we do have quite the fondness for what is regarded as our National Dish. A study by the Caledonian Offal and By-products Board (COBB) has shown that the average Scotsman eats a whopping 14.7 kg of haggis per annum – and the figure for Dumfriesshire is even higher at an average of 19.4kg a year! Haggis is the centrepiece of the Burns Night feast, traditionally served with neeps and tatties – and maybe a wee dram as well…

Haggis is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in many different ways and enjoyed year round – not just on the 25th! Before you get your messages for the big night, check out our options for alternative twists on the traditional supper.

Vegetarian/Vegan Haggis

If you favour a plant-based diet, never fear! You can still enjoy our traditional treat. Veggie/Vegan Haggis is made of a mix of vegetables, pulses, oatmeal, seeds and spices. Vegetarian haggis was first introduced in 1984 by Macsween Haggis, and current owner James Macsween states that the plant-based product (suitable for vegetarians and vegans) now makes up about 25 percent of its turnover. A variety of retailers now stock veggie/vegan haggis – easily found in your local supermarket.

Burns Supper with a Twist

 If you’re hosting a Burns Supper and want to revamp your menu, consider some alternative haggis based dishes.

First step is to secure yourself a quality haggis. Your local butcher is the best place to start is your local butcher – Mogerley’s down Friars Vennel is my first port of call for quality meat and top notch service.

If you’re after something a wee bit different, Local butchers JB Houston & Son have changed the game with their offering – the fabulous Haggis Lasagne.

If you want to add a Burns Night twist to an established classic, Haggis can be used as a replacement for minced meat in many dishes- bolognese, shepherds pie, stovies… The possibilities are endless! Let your imagination run wild.

Let’s Get Continental

Burns Night is celebrated by countries and cultures the world over, so why not add some international flair to your supper?

Haggis nachos are an excellent sharing starter if you’re planning a big do on the 25th! Simply cook your haggis in your preferred method and lay it over a pile of tortilla chips. Top with a mound of grated cheese, and slide it under the grill until the cheese is lovely and melty. Pop some salsa, guacamole, sour cream on top – and add some jalapenos for a bit of extra spice!

Image Credit: Yummy Addiction

Haggis spring rolls are a simple and impressive side dish for any occasion. Grab yourself some filo pastry sheets cut into squares, a wee bit of beaten egg and some pre-cooked haggis (microwave haggis is ideal!). Pop a spoonful of haggis in the centre of the square and simply roll, fold, and seal the edge with your beaten egg. These can be baked in the oven at 220C for 10 minutes each side, or deep fried for 3-5 minutes until golden, crispy and delicious!

Hitting the Toon

If you’re not an enthusiastic home cook, why not head out to the toon centre to enjoy your dinner? Get yourselves along to The Back Street Restaurant to try their Haggis Scotch Egg, or book into Crumb for their decadent Haggis Chicken dish.

If you’re a Burns purist looking for both an exceptional and traditional Burns Supper, head to Burns favourite Howff – The Globe Inn. The Globe specialise in contemporary takes on Scottish fare, in a stunning historic pub that is as beautiful as it is unique. You can even enjoy your supper sitting in Rabbie’s very own chair!

Or if quick and easy is more your style, pop into Peter’s Fish and Chicken Bar for a piping hot haggis supper!

And, finally, if none of our options suit because you’re looking for a truly authentic Burns Supper experience, why not head out to the wonderful hills of Dumfries & Galloway and try to catch your own haggis? Mind and bring your own net, they’re tricksy wee creatures!

Whatever you’re eating on this 25th January, make sure you’re tuning in to Eddi Reader’s Big Burns Supper – streamed on Facebook and YouTube at 7pm!

Mentioned in this article:

The Back Street Restaurant

103 Queensberry St, Dumfries, DG1 1BH

First floor restaurant offering casual dining in Dumfries town centre.

http://www.thebackstreetdumfries.co.uk/

Crumb

53 St Michael’s Street, Dumfries, DG1 2QB

Opened in 2017, Crumb has become a local institution. Owned and operated by husband & wife team Paul & Claire Gidney, this award winning restaurant offers casual, contemporary dining at a family friendly price.

http://www.crumbdumfries.co.uk/

The Globe Inn

56 High St, Dumfries, DG1 2JA

The Globe Inn, first established in 1610 and Robert Burns’ favourite Howff, combines rich and passionate history with a stunning and sympathetically refurbished restaurant, bar, private dining room and museum.

The Globe Inn is currently taking bookings for their speciality Burns Night Supper, book here: https://www.globeinndumfries.co.uk/reservation/

JB Houston & Son

Greenbrae Loaning, Dumfries, DG1 3DQ

3rd Generation Family Butchers. Multi Award Winning, where quality is first and foremost.

https://www.jbhouston.co.uk/

Macsween

Macsween is a third generation family firm, passionate about making great-tasting foods. Macsween products are stocked in all major UK supermarkets, or are available to purchase online: https://www.macsween.co.uk/

Mogerley’s Quality Butchers

49 Friars Vennel, Dumfries, DG1 2RQ

Purveyors of the finest meat and award winning produce.

Peter’s Fish and Chicken Bar

6 Midsteeple, Dumfries, DG1 2BH

Traditional fish and chip shop delivering a large range of premium quality take away food.

http://www.petersfishandchickenbar.co.uk

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