EGGS BENEDICT WITH MATCHA TEA
Eggs benedict; perfect for weekend brunch or ‘brinner’ – breakfast for dinner, on a busy weeknight. This recipe features matcha, which gives an extra boost of antioxidants. The matcha also pairs perfectly with smoked salmon, if you wish to add a slice and turn it into an Eggs Royale!
Ingredients:
Makes 4 halves
- 3 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 4 free-range eggs
- 2 toasting muffins
- 4 smoked salmon slices – to make it an Eggs Royale
For the hollandaise sauce:
- 125g butter
- 2 egg yolks
- 1tsp matcha tea
- ½ tsp white wine vinegar or tarragon vinegar
- squeeze of lemon juice
- pinch of cayenne pepper
Method:
To prepare:
- Bring a deep saucepan of water to the boil (at least 2 litres) and add 3 tbsp white wine vinegar. Lower the heat down to a gentle simmer.
- Break the eggs into four separate coffee cups or ramekins. Split the muffins, toast them for a few minutes either side and warm some plates.
To make the hollandaise:
- Melt the butter in a saucepan and skim any white solids from the surface. Keep the butter warm.
- Put the egg yolks, white wine or tarragon vinegar, a pinch of salt and a splash of ice-cold water in a metal or glass bowl that will fit over a small pan. Whisk for a few minutes, then put the bowl over a pan of barely simmering water and whisk continuously until pale and thick, about 3-5 mins.
- Remove from the heat and slowly whisk in the melted butter bit by bit until it’s all incorporated and you have a creamy hollandaise. (If it gets too thick, add a splash of water.) Sieve through the matcha and season with a squeeze of lemon juice and a little cayenne pepper. Keep warm until needed.
To make the eggs benedict:
- Swirl the simmering vinegared water briskly to form a vortex and slide in an egg. It will curl round and set to a neat round shape. Cook for 2-3 mins, then remove with a slotted spoon.
- Repeat with the other eggs, one at a time, re-swirling the water as you slide in the eggs. Spread some sauce on each muffin, scrunch a slice of ham on top, then top with an egg. Spoon over the remaining hollandaise and serve at once.