Eggs with appetizer

Quick Appetizer with Eggs and Fresh Vegetables

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 2

Welcome to our kitchen, where today we will prepare a simple and quick appetizer, perfect for Men's Cooking Week. This dish is not only delicious but also colorful and nutritious, making it ideal for impressing anyone from friends to family. So, let’s embark on this culinary adventure!

The History of the Appetizer

Appetizers have become an essential part of festive meals and beyond. Their origins are lost in the mists of time, appreciated for their ability to stimulate the appetite and create a convivial atmosphere. This dish with eggs, peppers, and fresh vegetables pays homage to simplicity, combining flavors and textures that complement each other. It’s an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy a quick, energizing breakfast or snack.

Ingredients

- 1 circular slice of red bell pepper (approximately 100g)
- 1 egg (approximately 60g)
- 2 Lollo lettuce leaves (approximately 20g)
- 1 tomato (approximately 150g)
- 8 slices of cucumber (approximately 100g)
- 3 slices of rustic salami (approximately 45g)
- 3 slices of cow cheese (approximately 45g)
- Salt, to taste
- Oil for frying

Ingredient Details

Red bell pepper is not only delicious but also rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. Eggs are an excellent source of protein, while Lollo lettuce adds a crunchy and fresh note. Tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, while cucumbers are hydrating and refreshing. Rustic salami offers a savory contrast, and cow cheese perfectly complements this appetizer.

Step by Step: How to Prepare the Appetizer

1. Preparing the bell pepper: Rinse the red bell pepper under cold running water. Use a sharp knife to cut a circular slice from it, being careful to remove the seeds and white parts. This slice will serve as the base for your egg.

2. Heating the pan: Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon of oil, and let it heat up. The oil should be hot enough to fry the egg but not smoking.

3. Cooking the egg: Crack the egg into a small bowl, taking care not to break the yolk. When the skillet is ready, place the slice of bell pepper in the pan, then carefully pour the egg into the center of the slice. Sprinkle salt over the egg to taste.

4. Preparing the vegetables: While the egg is cooking, wash the lettuce leaves well and place them on a plate. Cut the tomato in half, remove the stem, and slice each half into 4 pieces. Arrange the tomato slices over the lettuce.

5. Adding the cucumbers: Wash the cucumber and slice it into 8 thin pieces. Place the cucumber slices between the tomato slices, creating an attractive presentation on the plate.

6. Finishing the egg: When the egg is cooked (preferably with a slightly runny yolk but well-cooked around the edges), carefully remove the bell pepper with the egg from the skillet and place it in the center of the plate, over the lettuce.

7. Completing the dish: In the remaining spaces on the plate, add the 3 slices of cow cheese and the 3 slices of rustic salami. These not only provide a contrast of flavors but also an appealing visual touch.

8. Serving: The appetizer can be served immediately, warm, alongside a slice of toasted bread or with a refreshing drink, such as freshly squeezed tomato juice or mint lemonade.

Useful Tips

- If you prefer a firmer egg, you can cover the skillet with a lid to help cook the egg evenly.
- You can add extra spices like pepper or herbs to enhance the flavors.
- This appetizer is easily adaptable: replace the cheese with feta or mozzarella, or use another vegetable, such as zucchini, instead of the bell pepper.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use quail eggs?
Yes, quail eggs can be used, but you will need to use two or three to equal one chicken egg.

- Is this appetizer suitable for vegans?
No, but you can adapt the recipe using a plant-based egg substitute and omitting the cheese and salami.

- How can I store the appetizer?
It’s best to consume the appetizer immediately after preparation, but you can keep the ingredients separate in the fridge to assemble later.

Nutritional Benefits

This appetizer is not only tasty but also nutritious, containing a rich amount of protein from the egg and salami, as well as essential vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. It’s an excellent choice for a healthy breakfast or quick snack, with approximately 300 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used.

Various Variations

You can experiment with different types of vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant, or add avocado for a creamy texture. Additionally, you can replace the salami with lean ham or fried tofu for a healthier option.

With that said, I hope I’ve inspired you to try this delicious recipe for a quick appetizer with eggs and fresh vegetables. Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!