Getting to know the tastes of the Hebrides: recipes from the Shetland Islands

The Scottish Isles, also known as the Hebrides, draw in thousands of tourists annually. They are lured by the beautiful landscapes and picturesque sceneries. But today, we embark on a different kind of journey, a culinary exploration of the Hebridean cuisine.

Hebridean Honey-Thyme Baked Salmon

First up, let’s present the Hebridean Honey-Thyme Baked Salmon recipe. This dish is particularly favored among locals and tourists alike.

Ingredients:

• 4 fresh Hebridean salmon fillets
• 4 tablespoons Scottish honey
• Fresh thyme sprigs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (approximately 390°F).
2. Lay the salmon fillets on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
3. Drizzle honey over each fillet and place a thyme sprig on top.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the salmon is cooked to your liking.

Hebridean Lamb Stew

Next, let’s explore the hearty, comforting Hebridean Lamb Stew.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg Hebridean lamb, cubed
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 onions, chopped
• 4 potatoes, peeled and chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme sprigs

Preparation:

1. Place the lamb, carrots, onions, and potatoes in a large pot.
2. Add enough water to cover the ingredients and bring to a boil.
3. Lower the heat, add the thyme sprigs, salt, and pepper.
4. Let it simmer for about 2 hours until the lamb is tender and the flavors meld together.

Traditional Hebridean Black Pudding

Lastly, we must mention the iconic Hebridean Black Pudding.

Ingredients:

• 500g pig’s blood
• 200g oats
• 200g suet
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Mix the pig’s blood, oats, suet, and onion in a bowl.
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Fill the mixture into sausage casings and tie the ends.
4. Simmer the sausages in water for about 2 hours.
5. Once done, they can be fried until crisp and served.

The Hebrides offer a unique culinary experience that pairs simplicity with deep flavors. The love for local produce and the commitment to quality are the two pillars of Hebridean cuisine. Whether you’re savoring the sweetness of honey-thyme baked salmon, or warming up with a hearty lamb stew, or venturing into the traditional black pudding, the Hebrides invite you to a feast that is as unforgettable as their breathtaking landscapes.

Hebridean Seaweed Scones

Taking inspiration from the surrounding Atlantic waters, Hebridean cuisine often incorporates unique seaweed variants. One of the lesser-known, yet delightful recipes is the Hebridean Seaweed Scones.

Ingredients:

• 225g self-raising flour
• 50g butter
• 125ml milk
• 1 tablespoon dried, crushed Hebridean seaweed
• Salt to taste

Preparation:

1. Preheat your oven to 220°C (approximately 428°F).
2. Mix flour and a pinch of salt in a bowl, then rub in the butter.
3. Stir in the crushed seaweed.
4. Add the milk and quickly mix to form a soft dough.
5. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to a 2cm thickness and cut into rounds.
6. Place the scones on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, until risen and golden.

Hebridean Whisky Marmalade

And what better way to conclude a culinary journey through the Hebrides than with a distinctively Scottish delight – the Hebridean Whisky Marmalade.

Ingredients:

• 1kg Seville oranges
• 2 lemons
• 2kg granulated sugar
• 250ml Scottish whisky

Preparation:

1. Cut the oranges and lemons in half, squeeze the juice, and keep the seeds and pulp.
2. Slice the orange peel into thin shreds.
3. Place the seeds and pulp in a muslin bag.
4. In a large pot, add the orange and lemon juice, 2.5 liters of water, the shredded peel, and the muslin bag. Simmer for 2 hours.
5. Remove the bag, add the sugar, and stir until dissolved. Boil rapidly for 15 minutes.
6. Stir in the whisky and boil for another 5 minutes.
7. Let the marmalade cool slightly, then pour into sterilized jars.

These delightful dishes merely scratch the surface of the Hebrides’ culinary treasures. From the freshest seafood and heartwarming stews to seaweed-infused bakes and whisky-infused preserves, the Hebrides’ offerings are as diverse as its beautiful landscapes. Step into the world of Hebridean flavors, and you’ll discover a cuisine that’s deeply rooted in local traditions and inspired by the unyielding beauty of its surroundings. Embark on this culinary journey, and savor the authentic taste of the Scottish Isles, right in the comfort of your own kitchen.