Egg Benedict is my synonym for weekend. When I don't feel like going out on Sundays, DIY egg Benedict is quite a good option.
There are 4 basic components to make eggs Benedict, poached eggs, Hollandaise sauce, English muffins and ham/ smoked salmon/ spinach/ mushroom/ bacon, whichever style you'd like it to become.
Here's the recipe, serves 4 with 1 egg each (reference taken from allrecipes.com)
1) Hollandaise sauce
Ingredients:
- 2 egg yolks
- 80g melted butter
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- Some hot water
- A dash of salt and white pepper
- A little tarragon / dill weed
1. Bring water in the bottom of a double boiler to a gentle simmer. In the top of the double boiler, whisk together egg yolks, lemon juice, and white pepper.
2. Add the melted butter to egg yolk mixture 1 or 2 tablespoons at a time while whisking yolks constantly. If hollandaise begins to get too thick, add a teaspoon or two of hot water. Continue whisking until all butter is incorporated.
3. Whisk in salt, then remove from heat. Place a lid on the pan to keep the sauce warm.
2) Poached eggs
Ingredients:
- 4 eggs
- 2 tbsp of white vinegar
1. Fill a large saucepan with 3 inches of water. Bring water to a gentle simmer, then add vinegar.
2. Carefully break eggs into simmering water (or in a ladle to dip into water), and allow to cook for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes. Yolks should still be soft in center.
3. Remove eggs from water with a slotted spoon and set on a warm plate.
3) English muffins
- 4 halves of English muffins
- Butter for spread
1. Lightly toast the English muffins just to brown the surface.
2. Spread the butter on the halves.
4) Ham
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of ham (of any type you prefer)
- 1 tbsp butter
1. While the eggs are poaching, brown the slices of ham in a medium skillet with butter over medium-high heat.
The presentation
Garnish: Chopped chives or dry parsley
1. Top each English muffin half with a slice of ham, followed by one poached egg.
2. Drizzle with hollandaise sauce.
3. Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately.
