4. Serve the Eggs
- Pat Dry: Place the poached egg on a paper towel to remove any excess water.
- Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tips for Perfect Poached Eggs
- Use Fresh Eggs: The fresher the egg, the better it will hold its shape during poaching.
- Vinegar: Adding vinegar helps the egg whites coagulate quickly, preventing them from spreading out too much.
- Gentle Simmer: Keep the water at a gentle simmer to avoid breaking the egg apart.
- Small Container: Using a small bowl or ramekin to crack the egg into first helps ensure the egg enters the water gently and with minimal disruption.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Classic Eggs Benedict: Serve poached eggs on toasted English muffins with ham or smoked salmon and hollandaise sauce.
- Avocado Toast: Top avocado toast with a poached egg and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- Salads: Add a poached egg to a fresh green salad for added protein and richness.
- Grains: Serve poached eggs over rice, quinoa, or polenta for a hearty meal.
Conclusion
Poaching eggs doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With this old nanny’s skill, you can achieve perfect poached eggs every time. By using a small bowl to prep the eggs and adding a bit of vinegar to the water, your poached eggs will come out beautifully shaped and delicious. Enjoy your perfectly poached eggs in a variety of dishes for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
