What is haggis made from? Larne butcher shares recipe for traditional Scottish dish ahead of Burns Night

At Hodge’s Butchers in the Riverdale area of the town, haggis is made year-round, not just for Burns Night.

"We have a lot of a people from a Scottish background in Larne who would buy it,” said owner, Hugh Hodge.

“We use oatmeal, barley, onion, salt and pepper, and ‘rough meat’ like stewing beef although some people use sheep’s pluck (heart and liver).

"Traditionally it’s put into the sheep’s stomach, but artificial casing would be used as well for a smaller amount – for a family the sheep’s stomach would be far too big.”

The minced mixture is usually boiled in the casing, and is sold blanched to be cooked fully by the customer. “It’s time consuming to make, so you wouldn’t have a lot of people trying it at home,” Hugh added.

While the traditional accompaniments for haggis are often ‘neeps and tatties’ – turnips or swedes, and potatoes – it can be enjoyed in a variety of other ways.

Among the Thursday afternoon shoppers at Hodge’s Butchers was Larne resident Winifred McKee, who grew up eating haggis. “I buy it regularly; it’s gorgeous. My son loves it as well,” she added. “I would have it with potatoes or even a salad.”

With a taste similar to white pudding, the shop also sells separately the minced meat used in haggis, which is popular as a stuffing.