White pudding or oatmeal pudding is a meat dish popular in Scotland, Ireland, Northumberland, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland. White pudding is very similar to black pudding, but does not include blood. Consequently, it consists of pork meat and fat, suet, bread, and oatmeal formed into the shape of a large sausage. Earlier versions (pre-1990) often had sheep's brain added as a binding agent. A similar pudding, known as Hog's pudding, is made in Cornwall and Devon though it is much spicier than white pudding, as it contains black pepper, cumin, basil, and garlic.
In Scotland, white pudding can also be known as mealy pudding and does not always take the form of a sausage. It consists of suet, oatmeal, onions, and spices. Some versions of Scottish white pudding are suitable for vegans, in that they contain no animal fat, vegetable fat being used instead.
The pudding may be cooked whole, or cut into slices and fried or grilled. It is an important feature of the traditional Irish breakfast. White pudding (as well as its black and red relatives) is also served battered at chip shops in Scotland as an alternative to fish (see fish and chips). When served accompanied by chips, it is known as a white pudding supper.
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