A Delicious Breakfast Recipe: Eggs Benedict with Quick and Easy Hollandaise Sauce

Introduction

There's nothing quite like starting your day with a delicious and satisfying breakfast. And when it comes to breakfast classics, eggs Benedict is a true winner. This mouthwatering dish combines perfectly poached eggs, savory ham or salmon, and a rich and creamy hollandaise sauce. In this recipe, we'll explore the traditional eggs Benedict preparation along with a quick and easy method for making the hollandaise sauce. So let's get cracking!

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs

• 2 English muffins, split and toasted

• 4 slices of cooked ham or smoked salmon

• Fresh chives or parsley, for garnish

• Salt and pepper, to taste

  For the Sauce :

• 1/2 cup of butter

• 3 egg yolks

• 1 tablespoon of Lemon Juice

• Pinch of Salt and Pepper1. Poaching the Eggs

Instructions

Start by poaching the eggs to perfection:

1. Fill a large saucepan with water and a splash of vinegar (do not add salt to the water) and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

2. Crack one egg into a small sieve and allow it to sit for a moment to drain off the watery thin egg white, this will prevent that spidery egg white froth that develops in the pan.

3. Tip the drained egg into a bowl or ramekin.

4. Create a gentle whirlpool in the simmering water using a spoon.

5. Gently slide the egg into the center of the whirlpool and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes for a soft yolk.

6. Using a slotted spoon, carefully lift the poached egg out of the water and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess water.

7. Repeat the process with the remaining eggs.

TOP TIP : If you want to cook your eggs in advance, or are cooking eggs for a large number of people, once the eggs are cooked, remove them from the boiling water, pop them into a bowl of ice water, this will stop them cooking. They will remain fresh and perfectly cooked for hours (even overnight in the fridge). When you are ready to serve simply transfer them to a bowl of boiling water for a few minutes to heat them through.

2. Preparing the Hollandaise Sauce

Now let's make the hollandaise sauce using a quick and easy method:

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1/2 cup of butter in the microwave until it's completely melted.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 egg yolks, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

3. Slowly pour the melted butter into the egg yolk mixture while whisking continuously. The sauce should thicken and become creamy.

4. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little warm water or lemon juice to thin it out.

5. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed.

3. Assembling the Eggs Benedict

Now it's time to bring everything together:

1. Place the toasted English muffin halves on a serving plate.

2. Top each muffin half with a slice of cooked ham or smoked salmon.

3. Gently place a poached egg on top of each ham or salmon slice.

4. Spoon a generous amount of hollandaise sauce over each egg.

5. Garnish with fresh chives or parsley.

6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Variations

If you're not a fan of fish, you can easily switch out the salmon for ham and create a delicious variation known as "eggs royale." The process remains the same, simply substitute the smoked salmon with cooked ham and follow the same steps for poaching the eggs, preparing the hollandaise sauce, and assembling the dish.

Breakfast on a Yacht

If you're a Yacht Chef and are preparing this delicious breakfast onboard a yacht, fill your breakfast table with an array of fresh fruits, yogurt, and breakfast juice to complement the eggs Benedict. The vibrant colors and refreshing flavors of the fruits will add a touch of luxury to your morning meal.

Conclusion

Eggs Benedict is a classic breakfast dish that never fails to impress. With its perfectly poached eggs, savory ham or salmon, and rich hollandaise sauce, it's a breakfast fit for a king or queen. Whether you choose to enjoy it with salmon or ham, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling energized for the day ahead. So gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and treat yourself to a delicious breakfast that will make any morning special.