Faggots


 Cuisine: British  Type: Entree

Faggots : Entree in British cuisine - Recipe, Calorie Info, Healthy alternatives & more on EatM3
 Representative image. Recipe yield may differ

 Amounts


 Ingredient
 Amount (g)
Pork Liver
1 lb (454)
Pork Shoulder
1 lb (454)
Breadcrumbs
2 oz (56)
Onion
1 medium (110)
Sage
1 teaspoon (2.5)
Thyme
1 teaspoon (2.5)
Salt
1 teaspoon (6)
Pepper
1 teaspoon (5)
Bacon
4 slices (112)
Beef Stock
1 cup (240)
Flour
2 tablespoons (28)
 Totals
52 oz (1,470 g)

 Calories 


 Ingredient
 Calories (kcal)
Pork Liver
135
Pork Heart
120
Pork Belly
250
Bread Crumbs
60
Onion
40
Sage
5
Thyme
5
Salt
0
Pepper
0
Beef Stock
10
 Totals
625 kcal

 Steps 


Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced pork, liver, onions, breadcrumbs, herbs, and seasoning. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Step 3: Take a small portion of the mixture and shape it into a small ball using your hands. Repeat this process until all the mixture has been used, forming individual faggots.

Step 4: In a large frying pan, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the faggots to the pan and cook until they are browned on all sides. This step helps to seal in the flavors.

Step 5: Once browned, transfer the faggots to an ovenproof dish. Pour the beef or vegetable stock into the dish, ensuring that the faggots are partially submerged.

Step 6: Cover the dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Allow the faggots to cook for approximately 1 hour, or until they are cooked through and tender.

Step 7: While the faggots are cooking, prepare the gravy. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and stir continuously for a few minutes to create a roux.

Step 8: Gradually add the beef or vegetable stock to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook the gravy until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 9: Once the faggots are cooked, remove them from the oven and pour the prepared gravy over them. Return the dish to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 10: Serve the faggots hot with mashed potatoes, peas, and any other desired accompaniments. Enjoy your homemade British faggots!

 Substitutions 


Substitutes/Alterations for Faggots in British Cuisine:

1. Pork Liver:
- Substitute: Chicken liver or beef liver
- Quantity: Same as the original recipe

2. Pork Heart:
- Substitute: Beef heart or lamb heart
- Quantity: Same as the original recipe

3. Pork Belly:
- Substitute: Beef belly or lamb belly
- Quantity: Same as the original recipe

4. Pork Fat:
- Substitute: Beef fat or lamb fat
- Quantity: Same as the original recipe

5. Onion:
- Substitute: Shallots or leeks
- Quantity: Same as the original recipe

6. Fresh Breadcrumbs:
- Substitute: Dried breadcrumbs
- Quantity: Same as the original recipe

7. Fresh Sage:
- Substitute: Dried sage
- Quantity: Use half the amount of fresh sage mentioned in the recipe

8. Fresh Thyme:
- Substitute: Dried thyme
- Quantity: Use half the amount of fresh thyme mentioned in the recipe

9. Ground Allspice:
- Substitute: Equal parts cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg
- Quantity: Same as the original recipe

10. Ground Nutmeg:
- Substitute: Ground mace or ground cinnamon
- Quantity: Same as the original recipe

Please note that these substitutions may slightly alter the taste and texture of the final dish. Adjust seasonings according to your preference.

 Pairings 


- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Peas and carrots
- Caramelized onions
- Rich gravy
- Pickled red cabbage
- Crusty bread
- Mustard sauce
- Roasted root vegetables
- Apple sauce
- Ale or stout beer

 Upgrades 


1. Improve presentation:
- Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Serve on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or a rich, flavorful sauce for an elegant and appealing presentation.
- Use a round cutter to shape the faggots uniformly and stack them neatly on the plate.

2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Add a handful of finely chopped mushrooms to the faggot mixture for an earthy and umami flavor.
- Incorporate a small amount of finely diced bacon or pancetta to enhance the richness and depth of the dish.
- Experiment with different types of ground meat, such as a combination of pork and veal, for a more complex flavor.

3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Wrap each faggot with a thin slice of prosciutto or bacon to add a touch of luxury and richness.
- Replace regular breadcrumbs in the faggot mixture with panko breadcrumbs for a lighter and crispier texture.
- Infuse the faggot mixture with a splash of red wine or brandy to impart a sophisticated and decadent flavor.

 Diet Restrictions 


- Replace fatty cuts of meat with leaner options such as turkey or chicken mince to reduce saturated fat content.
- Use whole wheat breadcrumbs or gluten-free alternatives for those with gluten intolerance.
- Substitute traditional white flour with almond flour or coconut flour for a low-carb or gluten-free option.
- Increase the vegetable content by adding finely chopped spinach, carrots, or mushrooms for added fiber and nutrients.
- Opt for low-sodium or no-salt-added broth or stock to reduce sodium intake.
- Consider using egg substitutes or flaxseed meal mixed with water for a vegan or egg-free version.
- Use herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, or paprika to enhance flavor instead of relying on excessive salt or seasonings high in sodium.
- Serve faggots with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad instead of heavy mashed potatoes or high-fat gravy for a healthier balance.
- For individuals with lactose intolerance, avoid adding dairy-based ingredients like milk or cream to the recipe.
- If catering to a vegetarian or vegan diet, replace meat with plant-based alternatives like lentils, chickpeas, or textured vegetable protein (TVP).

Note: It is essential to consider individual dietary restrictions and preferences when making adjustments. Consulting a healthcare professional or registered dietitian is recommended for personalized advice.

 Healthy Choices 


1. Choose lean cuts of meat: Opt for lean cuts of meat like chicken or turkey instead of traditional fatty cuts like pork or beef for the faggots.
2. Increase vegetable content: Add finely chopped or grated vegetables such as carrots, onions, and mushrooms to the faggot mixture to boost fiber and nutrient content.
3. Use whole grains: Replace breadcrumbs with whole grain alternatives like whole wheat breadcrumbs or oats to increase fiber and provide more sustained energy.
4. Reduce salt: Cut back on added salt by using herbs, spices, and natural flavor enhancers like garlic and onion powder to season the faggots.
5. Bake instead of frying: Instead of frying the faggots, bake them in the oven to reduce added fats and calories while still achieving a delicious taste and texture.
6. Serve with a side of greens: Accompany the faggots with a generous serving of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to increase the overall nutritional value of the meal.
7. Control portion sizes: Be mindful of portion sizes to avoid overeating. Aim for smaller faggot sizes or serve them as part of a balanced meal with other nutritious components.
8. Trim excess fat: If using meat with visible fat, trim it off before preparing the faggots to reduce saturated fat content.
9. Experiment with herbs and spices: Add a variety of herbs and spices like thyme, sage, or paprika to enhance the flavor profile of the faggots without relying on excessive salt or fat.
10. Consider alternative cooking methods: Explore alternative cooking methods like steaming or grilling the faggots to retain their taste and juiciness while minimizing added fats.

 Shortcuts 


1. Use pre-made breadcrumbs or crushed crackers instead of making fresh breadcrumbs to save time and reduce cost.
2. Opt for cheaper cuts of meat like pork shoulder or trimmings instead of expensive cuts to reduce the cost without compromising flavor.
3. Prepare a larger batch and freeze individual portions for future use to save time on multiple cooking sessions.
4. Use a food processor to quickly chop onions and herbs instead of hand chopping, saving time and effort.
5. Substitute some of the meat with cooked lentils or beans to reduce the cost and add a nutritious element to the dish.
6. Instead of wrapping the faggots in caul fat, shape them into smaller meatballs to reduce cooking time and simplify the preparation process.
7. Cook the faggots in a pressure cooker or slow cooker to save time and energy while still achieving a tender and flavorful result.
8. Utilize store-bought stock or bouillon cubes instead of making homemade stock to save time and reduce cost.
9. Consider using frozen vegetables instead of fresh ones to save time on preparation and reduce overall cost.
10. Experiment with different herbs and spices to enhance the flavor profile and make the dish more exciting without increasing the cost significantly.