French Egg in a Hole

French Egg in a Hole Recipe - Indulge in Rich Flavors

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 2

Introduction

French Egg in a Hole is a delicious and simple breakfast dish that combines the classic flavors of eggs and toast in a unique way. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a quick and satisfying meal any time of day.

History

The origins of French Egg in a Hole are a bit unclear, but it is believed to have been inspired by the traditional American dish known as "Egg in a Basket." This dish has been enjoyed by many for generations and continues to be a popular choice for breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients

1 large egg
2 slices of bread
olive oil
milk or soy milk
vanilla extract
black pepper
your choice of spices

How to prepare

Crack an egg into a bowl or glass.
Tear holes into two slices of bread, and crumble the removed bread into the egg in the glass.
Add 4 tbsp of milk to the egg and bread mixture.
Add a dash of vanilla extract to the egg and bread mixture.
Beat the egg, bread, milk, and vanilla until well combined.
Place olive oil in a skillet and heat it up. Place one or both slices of bread in the heated oil and pour half of the egg/bread mixture into the hole of each bread slice.
Sprinkle or grind black pepper onto the tops.
The trick here is to cook them on medium heat for about 20 minutes (usually 10 minutes per side) to crisp the bread and thoroughly cook the egg. Adjust the cooking time according to your preference.
Flip the bread slices once the egg in the middle has reached the desired stiffness for flipping.
Once finished, serve and enjoy. I suggest serving it with a bit of ketchup.

Variations

Add cooked bacon or sausage to the egg mixture for added flavor.
Top with cheese or avocado slices before serving.
Use whole grain bread for a healthier option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to tear the holes in the bread large enough to hold the egg but small enough to prevent the egg from leaking out.

- Cooking the bread slices on medium heat will help to crisp the bread without burning it.

- Be sure to flip the bread slices carefully to avoid breaking the egg in the middle.

- Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite spices or toppings for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

French Egg in a Hole can be served with a side of fresh fruit, avocado slices, or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making French Egg in a Hole is to cook the bread slices on medium heat for about 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure that the egg is cooked through and the bread is crispy.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use almond milk or coconut milk instead of soy milk.

- Feel free to experiment with different spices or seasonings to customize the flavor of this dish.

Make Ahead Tips

French Egg in a Hole is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the egg mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Serve French Egg in a Hole on a plate with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of hot sauce for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

French Egg in a Hole pairs well with a cup of coffee or a glass of orange juice for a classic breakfast combination.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of French Egg in a Hole contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of French Egg in a Hole contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of French Egg in a Hole contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of French Egg in a Hole contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

French Egg in a Hole is a good source of vitamin D, vitamin B12, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs, wheat, and soy.

Summary

French Egg in a Hole is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

French Egg in a Hole is a delicious and satisfying breakfast dish that is easy to make and perfect for any time of day. With a crispy bread base and a perfectly cooked egg in the middle, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I have a strong memory of the first time I saw this recipe for French Egg in a Hole. I was just a little girl, visiting my great aunt in her cozy cottage in the countryside. My great aunt was a wonderful cook, always whipping up delicious meals with ingredients from her own garden.

One morning, as I sat at the kitchen table watching her prepare breakfast, I noticed her take a slice of bread and cut a hole in the center with a glass. She then placed the bread in a hot skillet and cracked an egg into the hole. As the egg cooked, she sprinkled it with herbs and cheese, creating a simple yet elegant dish that looked like a work of art.

I was mesmerized by the process and asked my great aunt how she came up with such a unique recipe. She smiled and told me that she had learned it from a French friend many years ago. She explained that it was a traditional French dish called "oeuf en cocotte" and that it was a favorite breakfast or brunch item in France.

From that moment on, I was determined to learn how to make French Egg in a Hole myself. Over the years, I collected different variations of the recipe from friends, family, and cookbooks. Each person had their own twist on the dish, adding different spices, vegetables, or meats to make it their own.

One of my favorite versions of the recipe came from my dear friend Marie, who was a French chef. She taught me how to make the perfect French Egg in a Hole with a crispy, golden-brown crust and a perfectly cooked egg in the center. Her secret was to use high-quality ingredients and to cook the dish slowly to allow the flavors to meld together.

I remember spending hours in Marie's kitchen, watching her expertly flip the bread in the skillet and delicately crack the egg into the center. She would then sprinkle the dish with fresh herbs and a generous amount of cheese before serving it piping hot to her guests.

As I grew older, I continued to refine my own version of the recipe for French Egg in a Hole. I experimented with different types of bread, cheeses, and toppings, always trying to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures. I found that adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a drizzle of truffle oil could elevate the dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Now, whenever I make French Egg in a Hole for my own family, I can't help but think back to that magical morning in my great aunt's kitchen. I feel a connection to the past, to all the wonderful cooks who have shared their recipes with me over the years. I am grateful for the knowledge and inspiration they have given me, and I hope to pass on the tradition of this delicious dish to future generations.

So the next time you're looking for a special breakfast or brunch recipe, why not try making French Egg in a Hole? It's a simple yet elegant dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. And who knows, maybe someday you'll be passing on the recipe to your own grandchildren, just like I did. Bon appétit!