The best scotch eggs

Step 1

Fill a medium saucepan with boiling water and prepare a small bowl of iced water. Add the 6 eggs to the saucepan and boil for 5 minutes for a runny yolk, or 6 minutes for a firm centre, then plunge immediately into the iced water and allow to cool.

Step 2

Using clean hands, mix the sausagemeat with the mustard, black pepper, salt, ’nduja paste and chopped herbs until well combined, then divide evenly into 6. Tip the flour onto a plate and prepare 2 sheets of clingfilm ready for shaping.

Step 3

Carefully peel the eggs (see my tip, below) and roll each in the flour. Take 1/6 of the sausage meat mixture and place between the sheets of clingfilm, using your hands to press it down and spread it into a circle large enough to wrap the egg completely. Peel off the top layer of clingfilm and place an egg in the centre. Use the bottom sheet of clingfilm to help you gather up the edges and seal the egg completely in the sausage meat, squeezing gently. Unwrap and place on a plate, then use the clingfilm to repeat the process with the remaining eggs.

Step 4

Cover, then chill the sausage-wrapped eggs for at least 30 minutes. Meanwhile, beat the 2 eggs for the coating in a shallow bowl and put the flour and breadcrumbs onto separate plates.

Step 5

When ready to fry, take each sausage-coated egg and roll it in the flour, then the egg, and finally in the breadcrumbs. Repeat with the coating of egg and breadcrumbs once more, so it is well covered. Repeat with the others. Chill until ready to fry.

Step 6

Heat the oil in a heavy-bottomed saucepan until it registers 150ºC on a thermometer. A small piece of bread takes around 45 seconds to turn golden brown. Fry the eggs in 2 batches, cooking each for 10-12 minutes and turning often until evenly browned and crisp, and the sausagemeat is cooked through with no pink bits of meat.

Step 7

Using a slotted spoon, remove the eggs from the oil and drain on a sheet of kitchen paper. Season with sea salt flakes while warm, if liked, then slice and serve. Delicious as a starter or lunch, or allow to cool, chill and pack for a picnic.