Arbroath Smokie - History and Recipe

Of course! I can help you with that. I’ll share my knowledge of the Arbroath Smokie, a dish with a rich history and a unique preparation process.

The Arbroath Smokie is a type of smoked haddock, a delicacy originating from the small fishing village of Auchmithie, located three miles north of Arbroath in Scotland. The tradition of smoking haddock in this region dates back to the late 1800s.

The story goes that after a fire, haddock hanging up to dry in a house were found cooked in the ashes, leading to the accidental discovery of the smokie. This accidental discovery led to a tradition that has been passed down through generations.

The preparation of the Arbroath Smokie involves a traditional method that has been preserved and protected. The fish are first salted overnight, then tied in pairs by their tails. They are then hung in a smokehouse, where they are slowly smoked over alderwood for 24 hours. This process gives the fish its distinctive smoky flavor and firm texture.

The Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status granted in 2004 ensures that the traditional process is maintained. This means that only haddock smoked in the Arbroath area using the traditional methods can be called an Arbroath Smokie.

The Arbroath Smokie is a popular dish in Scotland and is often served as part of a traditional breakfast or brunch. It can also be enjoyed as a main course, grilled or pan-fried.

I hope this information is helpful for your WordPress content. Let me know if you have any other questions.