Benedict Eggs

Benedict Eggs with Hollandaise Sauce: A Special Breakfast

Total Time: 40 minutes
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2

Benedict eggs are a sophisticated and hearty breakfast that transforms an ordinary meal into a flavorful culinary experience. This recipe, with a creamy hollandaise sauce and simple ingredients, will remind you of elegant weekend brunches. I assure you that although it may seem intimidating at first glance, preparing these eggs is simpler than you might think. Let's dance in the kitchen!

Ingredients

For Benedict Eggs:
- 4 slices of bread (ideally an English muffin, but you can use rolls for a softer texture)
- 4 fresh eggs
- 150 ml vinegar (to help the egg whites coagulate)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- 12 slices of seasoned ham (or bacon, if you prefer)

For Hollandaise Sauce:
- 2 egg yolks
- Juice of half a lemon
- 100 g butter (at room temperature, cut into cubes)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the Ingredients
Start by bringing all the ingredients to room temperature. This step is essential for achieving a smooth hollandaise sauce. Cut the butter into cubes and finely chop the onion. Begin boiling a generous amount of water in a large pot (ideally a cauldron or a 4-liter pot) to cook the eggs.

2. Boiling the Eggs
When the water starts to boil, add 150 ml of vinegar and a pinch of salt. These ingredients will help the egg whites coagulate. Use a spoon to create a whirlpool in the water and carefully add the eggs one by one, so they don’t scatter. Let them boil for 3 minutes. They should be slightly soft on the inside but well coagulated on the outside. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel to absorb excess water.

3. Frying the Ham and Bread
In a heated skillet, fry the slices of ham until crispy. Then, fry the slices of bread in the same fat to give them a delicious flavor. Remove them onto a paper towel to absorb the oil.

4. Preparing the Hollandaise Sauce
In a heat-resistant bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the lemon juice until frothy. Place the bowl over a double boiler (with the pot of water on the heat, but without the bottom of the bowl touching the water) and stir constantly until the mixture begins to thicken. Add the butter, one piece at a time, stirring continuously. The sauce is ready when it has the consistency of mayonnaise. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Assembling the Benedict Eggs
On each slice of toasted bread, place a slice of ham followed by a poached egg. Pour the hollandaise sauce over the eggs and sprinkle chopped onion on top for added flavor.

6. Serving
Serve immediately, alongside a fresh green salad or fruit for a pleasant contrast. Enjoy your meal!

Practical Tips

- Eggs: Make sure the eggs are fresh for a perfect result. A fresh egg has a firmer white, which helps in forming a beautiful poached egg.
- Butter Temperature: The butter should be at room temperature to incorporate easily into the hollandaise sauce. If it’s too cold, the risk of lumps forming increases.
- Variations: You can experiment with different types of meat or make a vegetarian version using avocado or roasted vegetables.

Nutritional Information

This recipe is rich in protein due to the eggs and ham, providing an energetic start to your day. The slices of bread bring essential carbohydrates, while the hollandaise sauce will give you healthy fats from the butter. One serving contains approximately 450-500 calories, depending on the type of bread and meat used.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I replace the ham with something else?
Of course! You can use avocado, smoked salmon, or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian version.

2. How can I keep the hollandaise sauce?
Hollandaise sauce is best consumed fresh, but you can keep it warm over a double boiler for a maximum of 30 minutes.

3. Is it difficult to make poached eggs?
With a little practice, you will master the technique! Make sure you have deep enough water and follow the steps above.

Conclusion

Benedict eggs with hollandaise sauce are not only a delicious breakfast but also an excellent way to impress your loved ones. Try this recipe and turn every meal into a culinary celebration. Every bite will take you on a journey of flavors, and you will be proud of your achievement. Enjoy!