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There’s even more reason to celebrate Burns Night in 2021, especially considering the challenges of last year. The Scottish bard Robert Burns, famous for Auld Lang Syne, is honoured on Burns Night on 25 January in his native Scotland and around the world. It is a night to enjoy Burns' poetry, and all-things Scottish, not least the country’s great food and a wee dram of uisge beatha (whisky).
While a full Burns supper spread is often the custom, why not try something a bit different and go for smaller bites and snacks inspired by beautiful Scotland and its high-quality produce? We’ve got you covered for ideas for Burns Night snacks.
Haggis
Michelin Star Chefs Cook Haggis
It wouldn’t be Burns Night without haggis, the traditional dish made from the heart, lungs, and liver (usually of a sheep), mixed with minced onion, suet, oatmeal, spices and salt. It has often endured a bad reputation and cannot be imported into the US, but it is a dish of rare deliciousness that is being rediscovered for its rich meaty, complex flavour and crumbly, nutty texture. Have a look at how these Michelin star chefs treat the traditional offal-based dish.
Haggis Starter by Tom Kitchin
Scottish chef Tom Kitchin is well known for his modern reinterpretations of haggis, and here is a look at his take on a light starter with ‘neeps and tatties’ (potatoes and turnips), a traditional accompaniment to the meat.
Haggis Risotto
Another of Kitchin’s haggis creations looks to Italy for inspiration with a haggis risotto. Scotland has a significant and proud Italian immigrant population and this treatment represents the perfect marriage of two cultures.
Haggis Pizza
Yes. Haggis actually makes a magnificent meaty topping for a pizza. Check out this recipe that shows you how to prepare your own haggis pizza from scratch.
Vegetarian Haggis
For the vegetarians, there is a pant-based haggis option that can be used for all sorts of Burns Night snacks. So no excuses for leaving out the vegetarians. Try the vegetarian haggis nachos.
Neeps
Known as ‘neeps’ in Scotland, but as rutabaga, swede or turnip elsewhere, it is a hearty winter root vegetable that is shockingly underused these days. With a subtle complexity of flavour it takes seasoning really well and can be fresh and vibrant or warm and comforting. Here’s how to prepare them.
Winter root vegetables, Grana Padano and Melanosporum recipe by Mauro Colagreco
Try this exquisite recipe for winter root vegetables, including 'neeps', rutabaga, from Mauro Colagreco, the current holder of the number one position on the World's 50 Best Restaurants list.
Scallops with Turnip Tops and Lentils
If you're serving up your neeps on Burns Night, look to the Italian tradition of using the leaves of the plant to pair with pastas and lentils. This recipe uses cime di rapa, or turnip tops as a greens with lentils and scallops.
Turnip Stew with Apples and Bacon
Here is an alternative use for your neeps in a delicious turnip stew with apple and bacon, a warming recipe perfect for Burns Night.
Tatties
Of course, it wouldn’t be Burns Night without ‘tatties’ or potatoes. Boiled, fried, mashed or roasted, potatoes are a must. Have a look at these ten potato recipes you need to try.
Potato Croquettes
You can’t go wrong with these luxurious Potato Croquettes - crunchy, hearty and delicious, they will go perfectly with your haggis or whatever you serve for supper on Burns Night.
Joël Robuchon Made The World's Best Mashed Potatoes
If you're going to do potatoes on Burns Night, you may as well make the best-mashed potatoes in the world. Here's the recipe for the mash, perfected over the years by the late great chef Joël Robuchon, the most Michelin-starred chef in history.
Diver Scallop Carpaccio
Scotland can lay claim to some of the best seafood in the world, so celebrate the fruit of the sea with this recipe for Scallop Carpaccio.
Salmon Croquettes
Combine two of Scotland's favourite ingredients for a delicious, easy snack for Burns Night.
Salmon and Quinoa Burgers with Avocado
It may be cold and dark this Burns Night in Scotland but these salmon and quinoa burgers with avocado can brighten up any celebration and bring the flavours and colours of summer.
Lavender Shortbread Biscuits
Any time is perfect for shortbread but especially on Burns Night when you have the excuse to make a whole batch of it. Try this fine dining twist on the classic Scottish shortbread recipe.
Cranachan
The traditional Scottish dessert was originally a celebration of harvest, made following the raspberry harvest in June. The dessert of cream and fresh seasonal raspberries is complemented with Scottish oats and whisky. Try this recipe for Cranachan.
Whisky Cocktails
Of course it wouldn’t be Burns Night without a dram of Scotch whisky, so why not try and jazz it up a bit this year with a cocktail made from the national drink. Here are 25 whisky cocktails
