Egg is one of the most versatile foods available for generations now. Historians state that egg has been a valuable source of food since prehistory. The primary source of egg – chickens – are believed to have been brought to Sumer and Egypt as early as 1500 BCE! Eggs also have the privilege of being a vital part of Roman diet and it was a common thing for meals to start with an egg course. Well, who would have thought that! The Romans were also known to crush egg shells in their plates to avert evil spirits.
Be it for food or religious offerings, one cannot deny the fact that egg has been one of the most common ingredients in kitchens across the world. Any professional chef or cook would be able to elaborate on more than a hundred gorgeous ways to cook that unassuming egg.
Here’s how you can enjoy that glistening egg in your refrigerator:
Hard Boiled
Often known as the recipe for beginners, a hard-boiled egg is simplest to achieve! It is done by placing one or more eggs in boiling water and leaving it there to cook for ten minutes or more. The result is a glistening white-end-yellow hard-boiled egg that’s ready to eat! This also serves as a base for many egg recipes where it’s combined with curries as well as salads.
Soft Boiled
The opposite of hard-boiled, soft-boiled eggs are cooked using the same method. Eggs are placed in boiling water but cooked for a shorter period of time so as to leave the egg white and yolk slightly undone and liquid. It tastes real good with a little garnish on the side.
Sunny-side Up
As the name suggests, this recipe results in a gorgeous sunny-yellow egg yolk sitting on top of a white base! To achieve this, pour some oil in a pan and crack open an egg. This allows only one side of the egg to cook, and the other side is slightly cooked by the heat below. The yolk is left in its liquid form giving it an appearance of sun sitting atop a white fluffy cloud. Yummy!
Over-easy
A different version of sunny side up, Over-easy eggs are prepared by cooking one side of the egg in a pan with oil or butter. Once one side is done, the egg is flipped to enable the other side to cook for a few seconds. Thought slightly cooked, the egg yolk is still in liquid form.
Over-hard
This popular recipe is prepared in the similar manner like Over-easy. Egg is cracked open in the pan and cooked for a few minutes. It is then flipped to cook the other side producing a solid egg yolk. It’s recommended for egg-lovers who like a blend of textures in their mouth.
Basted
A close cousin of Sunny-side up, Basted eggs are prepared by pouring hot oil over the cracked egg instead of leaving the yolk as it was. This helps the flavor to get locked inside the slightly cooked yolk. A healthier version of Basted, Steam-basted is a favorite with calorie-watchers. Instead of pouring oil over the cracked egg, a little water is added from top. The steam produced in the process helps cook the egg evenly, giving it a uniform texture throughout.
Poached
Making Poached eggs requires skill. The secret to making some great Poached eggs is the delicateness with which the egg is cracked in simmering water. The egg is then allowed to cook in water until done to a desired texture. Some like it slightly undone. Goes well with a great leafy salad on the side!
Shirred
It’s a time-tested baked recipe for egg-lovers. The eggs are cracked and put in an oven-proof vessel. Butter is then poured generously over the raw egg and finally, it is baked in the over for the desired period of time. The delicious, creamy aroma of Shirred eggs is just divine for foodies.
Scrambled
Easy-to-cook, just about anyone can whip up Scrambled eggs in a jiffy! For this, a couple of eggs are whisked in a bowl along with salt and pepper. The whisked egg is then poured over some oil in a pan and stirred continuously until cooked. Scrambled is one of the few egg recipes that can be customized to any individual’s preference of taste. A variety of ingredients are added all over the world to create some innovative and mouth-watering recipes of Scrambled eggs.
Omelet
A classic breakfast is incomplete without Omelet! It is made by beating eggs in a bowl along with salt and pepper. The liquid is then poured evenly in an oiled pan. Once done from one side, it is turned to the other side to be cooked to a golden-brown color. They may be only partially cooked on one side and folded instead of flipped. For best taste, have your omelet with a crunchy buttered toast!
So next time you are in a fix about how to have your egg, remember to try one of these simple recipes. Chances are you will not forget what a simple egg can bring to your cooking table!