• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Traditional Plant-Based Cooking
  • About/Contact
  • Recipes
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Baking
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About/Contact
  • Recipes
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Baking
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • About/Contact
    • Recipes
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Baking
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Dinner » Sides

    Vegan Scottish Skirlie (Traditionally Known As 'poor-man's haggis')

    Published: Jan 18, 2021 · Modified: Apr 27, 2022 by Jacq · This post may contain affiliate links ·22 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Vegan Scottish Skirlie, otherwise known as 'poor-mans haggis', is a tasty, nutritious, economical dish.

    Skirlie is especially satisfying served with mashed neeps and tatties (potatoes and turnip) and lashings of veggie gravy.

    Pinhead oatmeal is quickly cooked with diced onion, herbs and nutritional yeast for a flavourful nutty texture.

    Skirlie is ideal for a veggie haggis replacement to enjoy on Hogmanay, Robert Burns Day or as part of a wider Scottish themed meal.

    Skirlie cooked and in cast iron pan with wooden spoon.

    Origins of Scottish Skirlie

    Scots have been enjoying Skirlie for hundreds of years.

    Traditional Skirlie is made by cooking onions in beef dripping before adding pinhead oatmeal and toasting in the frying pan until crisp and golden.

    Its claimed that Skirlie gets its name from the noise the oatmeal gives as it cooks in the fat and is stirred around. Scottish folk would traditionally use a wooden spurtle to stir the Skirlie but a wooden spoon or a spatula will do fine.

    Vegan Skirlie

    Vegan Skirlie is adapted from traditional Skirlie. The result is a dish that is much lower in saturated fats, cholesterol and sodium.

    My recipe details two easy methods of preparing Skirlie. Both are essentially the same but one uses oil and the other veggie stock to sauté the onions and toast the oatmeal. I have tried each way and love the flavours of both.

    Nutritional yeast flakes and dried mixed herbs provide the simple delicious flavourings. With a grinding of black peppercorns and a dash of salt providing the finishing touches.

    How To Serve Skirlie

    • For a main component within a meal this recipe serves 4 but for other uses the Skirlie could be stretched to 6-8 portions.
    • Skirlie can be served as a topping for soups and stews. Especially good with vegan Scottish stovies, vegan Irish stew and vegan beef stew.
    • Its particularly tasty as a main component in a simple and inexpensive meal with some veggie gravy and mashed potatoes.
    • Traditionally Skirlie was used as a poultry stuffing. Although I would think stuffing tasty veggies with crispy Skirlie is much more appealing. For example little pumpkins, bell peppers, courgettes, aubergines, large mushrooms, or large tomatoes. vegetables, grains, and your choice of sauce. A vegan cheese sauce will be likely welcomed by kids.
    • Or sprinkle the Skirlie on top of your stuffed vegetable dish and toast in the oven for an even more delicious crisp Skirlie.
    • Try sprinkling over a vegan Macaroni Cheese before baking in the oven.
    • Toss some Skirlie over a veggie hotpot before it goes in the oven for extra texture, flavour and nutrition.
    • Vegan Scottish Skirlie is also a yummy, tasty, and textural addition to your favourite salad or buddha/power bowl.
    • Or simply enjoy a spoonful of cold Skirlie straight from the fridge as a tasty, fortifying snack. Which is what I like to do. Coupled with a glass of oat milk to drink. So tasty.
    skirlie with green beans and champ with silver fork.

    Why Skirlie Is A Great Addition To Your Diet

    • A serving of Vegan Scottish Skirlie will give your dishes a flavour, texture and nutrition boost.
    • Also it will help keep you fuller for longer which is not a bad thing seeing as vegan and plant-based dishes can be quite low in calories.
    • My teenage son is always hungry but adding oatmeal to meals has helped keep him satisfied for a little while longer. Which is always a good result.
    • Oats are incredible powerhouses of plant-based nutrition.
    • A serving of Skirlie can provide an estimated 3mg of iron, 7g fibre and 9g protein. (not an exact calculation as nutritional data is calculated by computerised programmes and ingredients can vary).
    • Another great reason to prepare a batch of Skirlie is that it works out at quite an inexpensive addition to a meal. Pinhead oatmeal and nutritional yeast flakes, depending on where they are purchased can be relatively expensive but each ingredient can be used for many more meals. Which ultimately works out at great value.

    Easy Guide To Preparing Skirlie

    For this Skirlie recipe the type of oats that you need is pinhead oatmeal or commonly known in the US as Steel cut oats.

    chopped onions and mixed herbs cooking in skillet.
    Sauté the onions and herbs in veggie stock or oil until soft.
    Oatmeal, and nutritional yeast added to pan with oatmeal and onions.
    Mix through oatmeal and nutritional yeast.
    Skirlie cooking in pan with wooden spatula.
    Toast and stir until oatmeal is golden and crispy.
    Skirlie toasted and golden, sitting in pan on blue tea towel.
    Season with black pepper and sea salt.
    Skirlie served with gravy, green beans and veggie mash, fork to the side.
    Serving suggestion:

    Tasty with champ, green beans and lots of veggie gravy
    .

    More budget-friendly, nutritious and delicious family meal ideas

    Vegan Traditional Beef Stew

    Vegan Vegetable Curry

    Vegan Lancashire Hotpot

    Vegan Hungarian Goulash

    Skirlie cooked and in cast iron pan with wooden spoon.

    Vegan Traditional Scottish Skirlie

    Print Recipe
    A traditional Scottish dish that has been enjoyed by Scots for hundreds of years. Otherwise known as 'poor mans haggis'.
    A large scoop of Skirlie accompanied with neeps and tatties (mashed turnip and potatoes) and lots of veggie gravy is the ideal Hogmanay, New Years Day or Robert Burns Day dinner.
    Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Side Dish
    Cuisine Scottish
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 25 mins
    Total Time 35 mins
    Servings 4
    Calories 274
    Author Jacq

    Equipment

    • Non stick skillet/ fry pan.

    Ingredients

    • 200 grams pinhead oatmeal otherwise known as steel-cut oatmeal
    • 1 whole onion diced
    • 4 teaspoons nutritional yeast flakes use more if preferred
    • 1 teaspoon dried mixed herbs or dried thyme. Or use fresh herbs.
    • 2 tablespoon olive oil or 250ml veggie stock

    Optional

    • 2 tablespoons vegan butter
    Metric - US Customary

    Instructions

    Oil method:

    • Heat the oil over medium heat.
    • Add the onion and dried mixed herbs.
      Mix and sauté the onion and dried mixed herbs for 10 minutes or until soft. Stir occasionally.
    • Add another tablespoon of oil and heat the oil through.
      Tip in the oatmeal and nutritional yeast. Mix well.
    • Over a medium heat toast and stir frequently for 10-15 minutes until the oatmeal is toasted, golden and crisp. Be careful not to let the oatmeal sit in one spot for too long as it may brown too much.
    • Remove the pan from the heat and check the seasoning.
      Add a dash or salt and pepper to taste.

    Oil-free method:

    • Pour the veggie stock into the pan and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
      Mix through the onion and dried herbs.
    • Lower the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes until the onion is soft and stock evaporated.
      If the veggie stock dries up too quick add a few extra tbsp. Give it an occasionally stir.
    • Add the oatmeal and nutritional yeast. Mix thoroughly.
    • Over a medium heat, toast the oatmeal for around 10-15 minutes until it is golden and crisp.
      While toasting you need to frequently stir the oatmeal around to avoid browning too much and to evenly toast.
    • Remove pan from the heat and check the seasoning and add a dash of salt and black pepper to taste.
      Optional: Add two tablespoons of vegan butter to melt through the skirlie.

    Notes

     
    1. Nutritional information is provided for guidance only and is not a strict calculation as ingredients vary.
    2. Skirlie can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in a covered container.
    3. To reheat place the Skirlie back in the fry pan and over a medium heat, stir frequently until heated through.
    4. Skirlie can be frozen for up to 4-6 months if placed in a freezer-proof container. Defrost at room temperature and reheat as per above instructions.
    5. Skirlie can be enjoyed chilled straight from the fridge as a quick snack.
    6. Use Skirlie as a side dish along with other veggies, grains, pulse, etc. 
    7. Or use as a haggis replacement, and serve with mashed potatoes, mashed turnip, and lots of gravy.
    8. Skirlie can also be sprinkled over salad, soups or stews for an instant flavour and nutrition boost. 
    9. Also tasty sprinkled over hotpots, mac and cheese, and gratins. 
    10. Or used as a stuffing for peppers, mushrooms, courgettes, tomatoes, squash, etc

    Nutrition

    Calories: 274kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 82mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 10IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 3mg

    More Vegan Side Dishes

    • vegan mini quiche cups on baking tray.
      Mini Vegan Quiche Cups
    • Close up of steamed cornbread on flower patterned plate with cutting knife and fork to side, and rustic cream coloured table mat.
      Slow Cooker Steamed Cornbread
    • Boston baked beans in a little white and brown stone pot with lid to side, Boston brown bread in background and a few slices of bread to side, large orange clay cooking pot to side and cream knitted table cloth.
      Vegan Quick Boston Baked Beans
    • A close up of slow cooked Boston brown bread on a brown rimmed plate and brown handled knife to side, small butter dish to side and small stone pot to background, red and white flour table cloth.
      Slow Cooker Boston Brown Bread

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Rosemary

      July 02, 2021 at 8:49 pm

      I'm not familiar with Scottish cooking so this was quite fascinating. I do love the idea of cooking with nutritional yeast. It sounds great and I'm quite intrigued!

      Reply
      • Jacq

        July 04, 2021 at 11:30 am

        The nutritional yeast is amazing in this recipe it just adds a subtle savoury yumminess. So glad you enjoyed my post 🙂

        Reply
    2. Beth

      July 02, 2021 at 3:20 pm

      5 stars
      I haven't heard about this recipe, but it looks so tasty and delicious! The family is going to be all over this recipe! Excited to make this soon!

      Reply
      • Jacq

        July 04, 2021 at 11:31 am

        Thanks so much. The Skirlie will have you at just one bite! Pour gravy over and its just fab. Perfect as a Christmas side-dish 🙂

        Reply
    3. Carrie Robinson

      July 02, 2021 at 2:44 pm

      5 stars
      I have never heard of this dish before, but it sounds delicious! 🙂

      Reply
      • Jacq

        July 04, 2021 at 11:33 am

        Most people have not heard of Skirlie even some Scots! But its such an easy, tasty, nutritious and budget-friendly addition to anyone's diet that I just had to share it 🙂

        Reply
    4. Lima Ekram

      July 02, 2021 at 2:20 pm

      5 stars
      This looks amazing - I love the idea of using nutritional yeast!

      Reply
      • Jacq

        July 04, 2021 at 11:33 am

        The nutritional yeast is awesome in this recipe, so worth the addition 🙂

        Reply
    5. Sharmila Kingsly

      July 02, 2021 at 1:59 pm

      5 stars
      This is new to me and I love the idea. going to make a big batch on the weekends and I believe it helps in my meal preps!!

      Reply
      • Jacq

        July 04, 2021 at 11:36 am

        Absolutely helps with your meal preps! Any leftovers can be frozen until needed, and it quickly defrosts 🙂

        Reply
    6. Gina

      July 02, 2021 at 12:50 pm

      5 stars
      This is a totally new dish to me but I had all the ingredients on hand and it was delicious! Savory oatmeal is underrated!

      Reply
      • Jacq

        July 04, 2021 at 11:35 am

        Absolutely underrated! Savoury oatmeal is becoming popular but us Scots have been enjoying it for hundreds of years. So glad you enjoyed the Skirlie 🙂

        Reply
    7. Lillie

      January 19, 2021 at 2:46 am

      5 stars
      I have been wanting to try a savory oatmeal-based dish, so this is perfect. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Jacq

        January 19, 2021 at 9:55 am

        Awesome! Happy cooking! x

        Reply
    8. Biana

      January 19, 2021 at 2:22 am

      5 stars
      What a great idea! I like making stuffed peppers and tomatoes, and this recipe should be perfect for that.

      Reply
      • Jacq

        January 19, 2021 at 9:54 am

        Thanks so much! Would love to hear how you get on. x

        Reply
    9. Soheila

      January 19, 2021 at 2:14 am

      5 stars
      I love seeing how people take traditional dishes like this one and make them vegan friendly. Thanks for the inspiration!

      Reply
      • Jacq

        January 19, 2021 at 9:53 am

        Aww thanks so much. Its what I love to do. So glad you liked my dish. x

        Reply
    10. Denise Macuk

      January 18, 2021 at 11:06 pm

      This sounds delicious, I love grains and nutritional yeast!

      Reply
      • Jacq

        January 19, 2021 at 9:52 am

        Great! Me too! x

        Reply
    11. Carrie Ann | The Leafy Little Home

      January 18, 2021 at 2:04 pm

      I love this vegan version of skirlie! That's a great idea to use it to stuff vegetables and top with vegan cheese sauce—so yummy!

      Reply
      • Jacq

        January 18, 2021 at 4:03 pm

        Aww thanks for your comment. Glad you like my recipe. I love this Skirlie though I need to stop myself from eating a spoonful each time I pass my fridge!

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Read More…

    These recipes are for everyone who loves traditional food but need easy, tasty, home-cooked vegan versions.

    All recipes are what my family actually eats day-to-day, and photos are taken just before we eat it!

    Our Most Popular Posts...

    • vegan fruit loaf cake on flowered cake plate with fork and on top of tartan napkin
      Vegan Fruit Loaf Cake (Traditional)
    • vegan school dinners sponge
      Vegan School Dinners Sponge (traybake)
    • Bowl of Mexican meatball soup with lemon wedge, wooden fork and knife, and colourful stripy background.
      Vegan Mexican Meatball Soup (Sopa De Albondigas)
    • Two bowls of vegan sausage pasta with skillet to side, and wooden background, small dish of chopped herbs.
      Vegan Sausage Pasta (With Pinto Beans And Red Peppers)

    Enjoy A Taste Of Traditional Scotland...

    • Scottish vegan traditional leek and potato soup in white bowl with small pan of toasted oats to side, water cup to side, and frilly placemat, featured image.
      Traditional Scottish Potato Leek Soup (With Toasted Oats)
    • close up of small soup tureen filled with vegan Scottish Cullen skink soup and second bowl to side with silver spoon to side sitting on a white doiley placemat, mini butter dish with slices of bread in distance, featured image.
      Vegan Traditional Scottish Cullen Skink Soup
    • white bowl of stovies, with bowl of mashed neeps above, salt and pepper shakers and fork and spoon to side, blue and white check background.
      Vegan Traditional Scottish Stovies (With Mashed Neeps)
    • vegan Scottish smiddy dumpling featured image, slices of cake on tartan napkin on circle chopping board, with tea towel with the text 'happy new year'.
      Vegan Scottish Smiddy Dumpling

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Affiliate Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Policy

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 * Traditionalplantbasedcooking