Eggs Creole

Eggs Creole Recipe - Vegetarian Creole Dish

Region / culture: Creole | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Eggs Creole is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the creaminess of eggs with the bold flavors of green pepper, onion, and tomato soup. This recipe is perfect for a weekend brunch or a cozy weeknight dinner.

History

Eggs Creole is a classic dish that originated in the southern United States. It is believed to have been inspired by traditional Creole cuisine, which is known for its rich and flavorful dishes. The combination of eggs, vegetables, and tomato soup in this recipe creates a comforting and satisfying meal that has stood the test of time.

Ingredients

1 tbsp of reduced-calorie margarine
2 tsp of all-purpose flour
1 cup of skim milk
1 cup of chopped green pepper
1 cup of chopped onion
1 cup of undiluted commercial tomato soup
1 tsp of worcestershire sauce
6 coarsely chopped hard-cooked eggs
vegetable cooking spray
2 tbsp of soft breadcrumbs

How to prepare

Melt margarine in a small heavy saucepan over low heat. Add flour and stir until smooth.
Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Gradually add milk and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes bubbly.
Remove from heat and set aside.
Combine pepper and onion in the container of an electric blender or food processor. Process until smooth.
Transfer the mixture to a medium-sized nonstick skillet and cook over low heat until tender.
Add soup and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Continue to cook, uncovered, over low heat until thickened.
Layer white sauce, eggs, and soup mixture in a 3 qt (2.84 liter) casserole dish coated with cooking spray. Top with breadcrumbs.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 20 minutes or until breadcrumbs are browned and the mixture is thoroughly heated.

Variations

Add cooked and crumbled bacon or sausage for a meatier version of Eggs Creole.
Stir in some shredded cheese before baking for a cheesy twist on this classic dish.
Top with sliced avocado or a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the white sauce until it thickens and becomes bubbly to ensure a creamy and smooth texture.

- Processing the pepper and onion in a blender or food processor helps to create a smooth and flavorful base for the dish.

- Layering the white sauce, eggs, and soup mixture in the casserole dish allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

- Baking the dish at 350°F (177°C) ensures that the breadcrumbs are browned and the mixture is heated through.

Serving Suggestions

Eggs Creole can be served with a side of steamed rice or crusty bread for a complete meal. It pairs well with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the white sauce until it thickens and becomes bubbly to ensure a creamy texture.

- Processing the pepper and onion in a blender or food processor helps to create a smooth base for the dish.

- Layering the ingredients in the casserole dish allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use regular butter instead of reduced-calorie margarine for a richer flavor.

- If you don't have skim milk, you can use any type of milk or milk alternative.

- Feel free to use any type of bread crumbs or even crushed crackers for the topping.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the white sauce and vegetable mixture ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble and bake the dish. This can save you time on busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Eggs Creole in individual ramekins for an elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Eggs Creole pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with a glass of iced tea or lemonade.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Eggs Creole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the dish in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Eggs Creole contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Eggs Creole contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Eggs Creole contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Eggs Creole contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Eggs Creole is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

Eggs Creole contains eggs and wheat (from the breadcrumbs) and may not be suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Eggs Creole is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a satisfying and nutritious meal option.

Summary

Eggs Creole is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for any meal of the day. With its creamy texture and bold flavors, it is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Mabel in her cozy little kitchen. Mabel was a fantastic cook, and I always looked forward to our cooking sessions together. On this particular day, she handed me a tattered old cookbook and told me I simply had to try the recipe for Eggs Creole.

I flipped through the pages of the cookbook, marveling at the handwritten notes and splatters of ingredients that adorned the pages. The recipe for Eggs Creole caught my eye, and I knew I had to give it a try. Mabel explained that she had learned the recipe from a friend who had traveled to New Orleans many years ago.

I listened intently as Mabel walked me through the steps of making Eggs Creole. The dish sounded absolutely delicious - eggs poached in a rich tomato sauce with a kick of spice from bell peppers, onions, and cayenne pepper. I could practically taste it just thinking about it.

With Mabel's guidance, I set to work in her kitchen, chopping vegetables, sautéing onions, and simmering the tomato sauce until it was thick and fragrant. I carefully cracked the eggs into the sauce, watching as they cooked to perfection. The aroma that filled the kitchen was mouthwatering, and I couldn't wait to dig in.

When the Eggs Creole was finally ready, Mabel and I sat down at her kitchen table to enjoy our creation. The first bite was pure bliss - the creamy eggs paired perfectly with the bold flavors of the tomato sauce. The dish was a symphony of flavors, and I knew that I had stumbled upon a true gem of a recipe.

From that day on, Eggs Creole became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and lazy Sunday brunches. Each time I cooked it, I thought of Mabel and the wonderful day we had spent together in her kitchen.

Over the years, I made a few tweaks to the recipe, adding a pinch of this and a dash of that to suit my own taste. I even passed the recipe down to my own children, who have since made it their own. But no matter how many times I make Eggs Creole, it always reminds me of that special day with Mabel.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to this delicious dish, I can't help but feel grateful for the friendships that have enriched my life. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with others, to share stories and traditions, and to create memories that last a lifetime.

So here's to Eggs Creole - a recipe that has brought me joy, comfort, and a delicious taste of New Orleans. And here's to Mabel, my dear friend and culinary mentor, who opened my eyes to the wonders of this flavorful dish. May we continue to cook, laugh, and share our love of food for many years to come.