Monday 29 June 2015

Hail to the Hen: An Egg-ucation in the yolk stuff

The egg: a superfood in a shell. Packed with protein and brimming with more vitamins and minerals than you can shake an eggy soldier at, these powerhouses are the perfect partner to a healthy diet. And don’t skip the yolk, which contains half of the protein and is a valuable source of fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and K.


Always make sure your eggs are Free Range. These days, they aren’t expensive, and knowing the chickens have been laying happy really makes you feel good. Not to mention how much tastier than they are! Just be careful with the packaging if buying from a supermarket, which can sometimes be misleading. I’ve been caught out a few times with ‘fresh, happy eggs’, only to see ‘caged’ in tiny writing inside the box.

Poached Egg Made Easy
The versatility of eggs makes them so appealing. People often avoid my favourite, poached, because they aren’t sure how to make them.  The thought of fiddling with a whisk and hot water trying to make a well, whilst using an invisible 3rd hand to crack the egg in, is enough to break anyone out in a sweat.

Well, I’ve been taught a fool-proof way to make poached eggs, with no skill required! Just fill a frying pan with 1/2 inch of water, and place on a medium heat until simmering. Crack in the eggs and leave for a few minutes until cooked. Yes, it’s that easy!
Also, the golden number for the perfect soft-boiled egg? 4 minutes 20 seconds works for me (only adding the egg once the water starts to boil).

Try one of these recipes below to enjoy Scotch Eggs with a twist, a breakfast Fluffy Egg Mountain and a tasty Frittata:

Chorizo Scotch Eggs
Perfect for a picnic in the summer sunshine!

 
1)      Boil the eggs (4 ½ minutes for soft boiled, longer for hard). Leave to cool, and then peel.

2)      Next, place some chopped chorizo with 1 egg in a food processor and blitz until it comes together (enough to mould around a boiled egg). Add more egg if needed. Set aside.

3)      To make the breadcrumbs, blitz bread in a food processor, with a handful of fresh herbs and seasoning.

4)      Now to assemble the scotch eggs.  Flatten a handful of chorizo mixture onto some cling film. Roll an egg in flour and place in the middle. Roll up the meat around the egg.

5)      Remove the cling film, and then roll the meat ball in flour, then egg, and finally the breadcrumbs. Repeat to ensure a thick coating.

6)      Heat a pan of oil until very hot. Lower the scotch eggs into the pan and cook until crispy and deep brown.

Fluffy Egg Mountain
I came across this recipe when browsing old cookery books in a charity shop. Quite frankly, it puts boiled egg and soldiers to shame:

Tucking in to my Fluffy Egg Mountain!
(Serves 1)

1)      Toast a slice of bread.

2)      Separate an egg yolk and white. Put the yolk aside.

3)      Whisk the egg white until it forms stiff peaks.

4)      Butter the toast. Dollop some of the egg white on top and make a well. Carefully place the yolk inside the well. Don’t break it!

5)      Gently place the remaining egg white on top to cover the yolk.

6)      Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grate a generous helping of Parmesan or Gruyère cheese on top.

7)      Place in the oven at 190⁰C for 8-10 minutes for a soft yolk. Yum!

Chorizo and Potato Frittata
This is your fuss free, one pan mid-week meal sorted.

 
(Serves 1-2 depending on whether you serve it alone, or alongside salad)

1)      Boil 4 new potatoes (skin on) until cooked. Leave to cool.

2)      Slice a red onion and some chorizo. Cook for a few minutes in a small frying pan with a splash of oil, until the onion starts to soften. Empty out of the pan and set aside.

3)      Crack and whisk 4 eggs in a bowl, and season with salt and pepper. Over a high heat, pour the eggs into the frying pan, then immediately add the chorizo and onion mixture on top with a handful of fresh coriander. Add the potato slices evenly in the pan.

4)      Cook for a few minutes on the hob, then place under the grill at maximum heat until golden brown and cooked through. Sprinkle chilli, fresh coriander and halved cherry tomatoes over the top to serve.
Keep cooking and see you next time!

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