Haggis in the Highlands, Gefiltes in the Fjords

[Daniel Rogov]

A recent survey reveals that 18% of Britons believe that haggis is an animal that roams the highlands of Scotland. I wonder how many bought the story that I once circulated about gefiltes swimming through the fjords of Norway?

Sent to me by one of my faithful correspondents. See the short but amusing article at
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6 ... 22&sp=true


Best
Rogov

[Shel T]

Oh sure, I remember the song well from the "sound of Music", "the hills are alive with the sound of haggis"!

[Trevor F]

Outdone by the 1957 April Fools spoof by the BBC about picking spaghetti from spaghetti trees :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spaghetti_tree_hoax

[Daniel Rogov]

And, for those concerned, kosher versions of haggis are not hard to come by. In Tel Aviv, for example, Robbie Burns' Day is celebrated annually at the Sheraton Hotel where kosher haggis in served to those brave enough to dare it.

Best
Rogov

[Matilda L]

What do the kosher versions leave out, or add?

[Daniel Rogov]

Matilda, Hi...


Good question and one of which I am not sure of the answer because as I look over the list of traditional ingredients none stands out to me as non-kosher:

1 sheep's stomach, cleaned and thoroughly, scalded, turned inside out and soaked overnight in cold salted water
heart, liver and lungs of one lamb
beef or lamb trimmings, fat and lean
onions, finely chopped
oatmeal
salt
black pepper
ground dried coriander
mace
cayenne pepper
cinnamon or nutmeg
beef or sheep stock

If each of those is kosher, no reason why the dish itself cannot be kosher. Perhaps one of our more knowledgeable members will post about which (if any) of the ingredients is not considered kosher.

Best
Rogov

[Gamliel K]

Rogov,

Regarding Kashrut, based on your list of ingredients, the only complications would be the liver and the heart, both of which would have to be pre-broiled. I imagine this could have a major impact on the final dish. Also, while heart is kosher, the Talmud strongly discourages its consumption, and many kashrut agencies will not allow for its use.

Best,
Gamliel