Finnan haddie facts for kids
Haddocks curing in a smokehouse
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| Type | Fish |
|---|---|
| Region or state | Aberdeenshire |
| Main ingredients | Haddock, salt |
| Similar dishes | Arbroath smokie |
Finnan haddie is a special way of preparing haddock, a popular fish from the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean. This dish comes from Scotland and is famous for its smoky flavor. To make it, the haddock is preserved, or "cured," using the smoke from burning green wood or peat (a type of soil made from decayed plants).
The name is thought to come from the fishing village of Findon, near Aberdeen in Scotland, where it was first made.
Contents
History of a Smoky Delicacy
A Scottish Favorite
For a long time, Finnan haddie was a well-known and loved food in Scotland. The fish is lightly smoked, which gives it a delicious taste but also means it doesn't stay fresh for very long. In the past, people believed it would only last for about three days at most.
This was fine for nearby cities like Aberdeen, which could get the fish just 12 hours after it was caught. However, getting it to faraway places like London was a big challenge.
Arrival in London
In the 1830s, Finnan haddie started to become popular in London. At first, it was sent on fast mail coaches, but this was difficult. The journey was long, and the fish could easily spoil.
Everything changed in the 1840s when a new railway was built connecting Aberdeen to London. Thanks to the speed of trains, Finnan haddie could be shipped quickly and safely. It soon became a widely available and fashionable food in the city.
How to Eat Finnan Haddie
Finnan haddie can be cooked in several ways and is a key ingredient in many traditional Scottish meals.
Classic Cooking Methods
The most traditional way to cook Finnan haddie is to roast or grill the whole fish over a hot flame. This makes the outside crispy while keeping the inside tender and smoky.
Another popular method is to poach it, which means to gently cook it in milk. Poached Finnan haddie is often eaten for breakfast.
Famous Dishes
Finnan haddie is the star ingredient in some classic dishes:
- Cullen skink: This is a thick and creamy Scottish soup. Most old recipe books say that true Cullen skink must be made with Finnan haddie.
- Kedgeree: A traditional breakfast dish made with cooked fish, rice, eggs, and spices.
- Arnold Bennett omelette: A fluffy omelette filled with smoked haddock, which was created for the writer Arnold Bennett.
See also
In Spanish: Finnan haddie para niños
