The Journey of Oatcakes

From Battle Fuel to Global Delicacy

Photo by American Heritage Chocolate on Unsplash

Recently, I've been embracing the trend of incorporating oats into my diet, ranging from oat lattes and oatmeal to Banana Oat Muffin Pancakes. Now, I've delved deeper into this trend by exploring oatcakes and crackers.

Of course, oats are a staple of a healthy diet that provides protein, vitamins, and fiber that support our immune system. But little did I know that oat had a supporting role for the Scottish Highlanders during the battle of Culloden.

Here’s a bit of history lesson - Instead of money, the troops were given weekly portions of oatmeal to support them through this tough time. After their defeat by British Forces the clan's life became difficult. They were evicted from their land, a land that was perfect to grow Oats. Many migrated to Nova Scotia, bringing their tradition and their oatcakes with them.

After reading Andrea Geary's article Toasty, Nutty Oatcakes Go Sweet or Savory for Cook’s Illustrated I couldn't stop thinking about oatcakes. I haven't made them before so why do I want to give it a try now?

The oatcakes originated in Scotland long before Roman times. Jean le Bel visited Scotland in the 14th century and described nuns making "little pancakes rather like communion wafers", in his book The True Chronicles. This is thought to describe the process of making oatcakes. But why are there so many versions of it today?

Commercialization is the main reason for today's variety but it is also influenced by the variations created centuries ago. The oatcakes were traditionally made in different regions and countries, each with its own variations and ingredients.

Scottish Oatcakes are the most popular one which typically contains oats, salt, and water. Usually, they are thicker and coarse than other types. These are often baked on a griddle.

English oatcakes are usually made using a combination of oats, wheat flour, butter, and sugar. They tend to be crisper and thinner than the Scottish ones. They are often used as an accompaniment to cheese and/or meats.

Other countries might have their version of the oatcakes which might include different ingredients and cooking methods. Some of them are also made by adding different flavors using herbs and spices.

I took my own advice and decided to give Oatcakes a try. Since there are so many recipes out there I decided to keep it simple with Scottish Oatcakes. Oats, flour, salt, sugar, butter and water are the only ingredients that you need to make this delicious treat.

Grinding the oats to a flour-like texture is ideal for this recipe but honestly I like the coarse texture better. Either way you can make your own version and I am sure you'll love it.

25 minutes of baking time for these is just right, no more or less. If your oven is not performing well you might want to add a couple of more minutes but not too much that you can burn them. We purchased a new oven recently and honestly I cannot complain, Jenn-Air has become my favorite brand.

So then next time you or your family are heading into any sort of friendly battle… bring oatcakes along for the ride.

Leave a comment below and let us know what do you think about oatcakes!

We will be sharing our recipe soon! So see you soon!