Traditional British Faggots Recipe: A Hearty Homestyle Dish

Ingredients

500 grams of pork liver
250 grams of pork belly
250 grams of bacon
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon of chopped fresh sage
1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon of ground mace
1/2 teaspoon of ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon of salt
100 grams of fresh breadcrumbs
1 egg
200 grams of caul fat, soaked in warm water

Steps and instructions

Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (160 for fan ovens), or 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Take the pork liver, pork belly, and bacon and place them into a food processor. Pulse until they are roughly chopped.
Add the finely chopped onion, sage, parsley, ground mace, ground allspice, ground black pepper, salt, breadcrumbs, and egg into the food processor.
Pulse the mixture again until it's well combined.
Form the mixture into small ball shapes and wrap each one individually in the caul fat.
Place the wrapped balls onto a baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until they are cooked through and crisp on the outside.
Serve the faggots hot, ideally with mashed potatoes and peas or a rich gravy for a classic British meal.

Tools for making

Food processor - Used to finely chop and combine the ingredients.
Baking tray - Used to place the wrapped faggots for baking in the oven.
Caul fat - Soaked in warm water and used to wrap the faggots before baking, adding flavor and keeping them moist.

Recipe variations

Try using different types of meat such as beef or lamb instead of pork.
Experiment with different seasonings or herbs to customize the flavor, such as thyme, rosemary, or paprika.
For a gluten-free version, replace the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Instead of wrapping the faggots in caul fat, you can use bacon strips to create a crispy outer layer.
For a vegetarian or vegan option, substitute the meat with a combination of cooked lentils, mushrooms, and walnuts. Adjust the seasonings accordingly.
To add a twist, incorporate grated cheese or chopped sundried tomatoes into the mixture.
For a spicy kick, add some chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
Consider making mini faggots by shaping the mixture into smaller balls and serving them as appetizers.

Recipe overview

Traditional British Faggots is a classic dish that originates from the UK, particularly popular in the Midlands. This recipe involves making balls from a mixture of pork liver, pork belly, and bacon, which are then wrapped in caul fat and baked until crisp. The result is a hearty and rich dish, often served with mashed potatoes and peas or drowned in a savory gravy. This is a great dish for those looking to explore traditional British cuisine or simply after a comforting and satisfying meal. The preparation process is relatively straightforward and the ingredients are easy to find, making it an accessible recipe for home cooks of all levels. Expect a flavorful and fulfilling meal with this wonderful recipe.

Common questions

Can I use a different type of meat instead of pork? Yes, you can experiment with different meats, but traditionally, pork is used in faggots. The combination of pork liver, pork belly, and bacon gives faggots their distinct flavor.
Can I substitute the caul fat? If you can't find caul fat, you can use streaky bacon to wrap the faggots instead. It won't have the same delicate texture, but it will add a nice smoky flavor.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the faggots ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking. When you're ready to serve, simply bake them according to the instructions.
Can I freeze the faggots? Yes, you can freeze the uncooked faggots. Place them on a baking tray and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you're ready to cook them, thaw them completely before baking.
Can I add additional herbs or seasonings? Certainly! Feel free to adjust the herbs and seasonings according to your taste preferences. You can experiment with adding other herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the flavors.
Can I serve faggots with other side dishes? Absolutely! Faggots are traditionally served with mashed potatoes and peas, but you can also enjoy them with other vegetables, gravy, or even on a bed of creamy polenta.

Serving dishes and utensils

Baking tray - Used to hold and bake the faggots in the oven.
Food processor - Used to chop and combine the ingredients for the faggot mixture.
Caul fat - Soaked in warm water, this is used to wrap the faggots before baking.
Serving platter - Used to present the cooked faggots when serving.
Mashed potato masher - Used to mash the potatoes for serving alongside the faggots.
Gravy boat - Used to hold and pour the rich gravy over the faggots.

Origin stories

Faggots, a traditional dish in the UK, particularly popular in the Midlands of England, hold a rich history that dates back to the time of the Industrial Revolution. During these times, it was the norm to use up every part of an animal to avoid waste. Therefore, offal, which included heart and liver, was commonly used in cooking. Faggots are essentially meatballs made from minced offcuts and offal, especially pork, and wrapped in caul fat, often served with mashed potato and peas or onion gravy. The name ‘faggot’ is derived from the word for a bundle of sticks, reflecting the way that the meat is bundled up in the caul fat. In the 19th century, they were also known as 'ducks' and during the Second World War were called 'Savoury Ducks'. Such a dish truly encapsulates the ethos of making the most of what's available and not allowing anything to go to waste, a testament to the resourcefulness of our ancestors.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.