Brose is a Scottish porridge made from flour, usually oats, and can be used to make pudding and alcoholic beverages. It was originally eaten by Scottish farmers in the 16th century and has evolved over time to include different flavors and ingredients. Atholl brose is a famous sweet alcoholic drink made with Scotch whiskey, honey, and oatmeal.
Brose is a type of Scottish porridge made from flour, usually oats. From this porridge, pudding and alcoholic beverages can also be prepared. The origins of brose are at least 500 years old. While the basic preparation has remained largely the same, modern versions often include ingredients that the original versions lacked.
Often eaten by Scottish farmers around the 16th century, brose was created by placing oatmeal in a bowl and covering it with boiling water. Butter could also be added. The mixture was covered and allowed to sit briefly so the oatmeal could partially swell with water. Then, milk was usually added and the dish was eaten. Since the oatmeal had only partially puffed up, farmers could eat larger quantities of it and stay full for a long time.
Different versions were prepared in slightly different ways. Oatmeal brose was mixed by chopping the meal after it had been soaked to form knots or clumps, while the flour-based versions were simply stirred to combine. A version called kail brose was made from liquor used to boil the salted meat and was generally considered unsuitable for children.
Modern versions often combine the same basic ingredients with other flavors. Simple recipes may include just rolled oats, water, salt, and perhaps sterilized bran. These versions can be cooked in a double boiler and the old fashioned way. Oats are often roasted in the oven before use. A popular modern version includes mussels, cream, onions, salt and pepper, plus the basic ingredients of brose, resulting in a hearty, soup-like dish.
Fruit can also be included to make a dessert brose called cranachan. In addition to oatmeal and raspberries, whiskey and honey are usually added to the mixture. Then the mixture is layered with whipped cream and topped with more berries.
One of the more famous versions of brose, however, is Atholl brose. A sweet alcoholic drink, the first written recipe was recorded in about 1475, when the Duke of Atoll was said to have defeated his enemy by filling a well with the liquid and waiting until his enemy had drunk his fill. Atholl brose is made with Scotch whiskey, honey and a small serving of oatmeal. It can also include eggs and water.
Oatmeal is first soaked in water or whiskey, then filtered. The solids are skimmed off and the resulting liquid is mixed with the remaining ingredients. The drink needs to be shaken before use and can be left to sit for up to a week before serving.
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