Mary Berry Poached Eggs Recipe 

Mary Berry Poached Eggs Recipe 
Yields: 1 Serving Difficulty: Easy Prep Time: 5 Mins Cook Time: 15 Mins Total Time: 20 Mins

Mary Berry poached eggs are the perfect way to start your day. They are soft, creamy, and delicious, and they go well with toast, bacon, avocado, or salad. They are also easy to make, with only a few ingredients and steps. You don’t need any special equipment or skills to poach eggs. All you need is a saucepan, a slotted spoon, a bowl, and a timer.

In this article, I will show you how to make Mary Berry’s poached eggs, with a complete step-by-step guide. You will also learn some tips and tricks to make your eggs even better. Let’s get started!

What are Mary Berry Poached Eggs?

Mary Berry poached eggs are a classic British breakfast, made with eggs that are gently cooked in simmering water until the whites are set and the yolks are runny. They are named after Mary Berry, a famous British cook, writer, and television presenter, who published this recipe in her book Mary Berry’s Absolute Favourites in 2015. This recipe is simple, quick, and foolproof, and it produces perfectly poached eggs every time.

Mary Berry Poached Eggs

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

There are many reasons to love this recipe for Mary Berry poached eggs.

Here are some of them:

  • Health Benefits: Poached eggs are low in calories, high in protein, and rich in nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. They are also gluten-free and keto-friendly.
  • Ease of Preparation: This recipe is very easy, requiring only a few minutes of cooking time and minimal cleanup.
  • Versatility: Poached eggs are versatile, as they can be served with various accompaniments, such as toast, bacon, avocado, spinach, cheese, or hollandaise sauce.

Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Poached Eggs Recipe

You will need the following ingredients, to make this recipe:

  • Eggs: Use fresh, large eggs, preferably organic or free-range. Fresh eggs have firmer whites and yolks, which hold their shape better when poached.
  • Water: Use enough water to fill a large saucepan about two-thirds full. You can add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to the water, which helps the egg whites coagulate faster and prevent them from spreading too much.
  • Salt and pepper: Season the eggs with salt and pepper to taste, after they are cooked.

Useful Equipment

To make this recipe, you will need the following equipment:

  • A large saucepan
  • A slotted spoon
  • A bowl
  • A timer

Instructions to Make Mary Berry Poached Eggs

To make Mary Berry poached eggs, you need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Boil the water

  • Fill a large saucepan with water and bring it to a boil over high heat.
  • You can add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to the water, if you like, to help the egg whites set faster. Alternatively, you can skip this step, and use plain water.

Step 2: Simmer the water

  • Reduce the heat to low, and maintain a gentle simmer.
  • The water should be barely bubbling, with small bubbles rising to the surface.
  • If the water is too hot, the eggs will overcook and become rubbery.
  • If the water is too cold, the eggs will not cook properly and fall apart.

Step 3: Crack the eggs

  • Crack an egg into a small bowl, and check for any shell fragments.
  • Discard any eggs that are cracked, discolored, or have an unpleasant odor.
  • Repeat with the remaining eggs, using a separate bowl for each egg.

Step 4: Add the eggs to the water

  • Swirl the water with a slotted spoon, and slide an egg into the center of the whirlpool.
  • This will help the egg white wrap around the yolk, and form a neat shape.
  • Alternatively, you can skip this step, and gently lower the egg into the water, as close to the surface as possible, without swirling the water.

Step 5: Cover and cook the eggs

  • Cover the saucepan with a lid, and set a timer for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on how you like your eggs.
  • Do not lift the lid or disturb the eggs during the cooking time, as this will affect the temperature and the shape of the eggs.
  • You can cook one egg at a time, or cook multiple eggs at once, as long as there is enough space in the saucepan for them to move freely.

Step 6: Check and remove the eggs

  • Use a slotted spoon to lift an egg out of the water, and check for doneness.
  • The egg white should be firm and opaque, and the yolk should be soft and runny, or slightly firmer, depending on your preference.
  • If the egg is not done to your liking, return it to the water, and cook for another minute, or until done.

Step 7: Drain and season the eggs

  • Transfer the cooked egg to a plate lined with paper towels, and drain off the excess water.
  • Season the egg with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately, or keep warm in a low oven, until ready to serve.
  • Repeat with the remaining eggs, and enjoy!

What Do I Serve With Mary Berry Poached Eggs?

Mary Berry poached eggs are delicious on their own, or with a variety of accompaniments.

Here are some suggestions:

  • Toast: Serve the poached eggs on top of toasted bread, such as sourdough, whole wheat, or rye. You can spread some butter, jam, or cream cheese on the toast, for extra flavor and moisture.
  • Bacon: Serve the poached eggs with some crispy bacon, for a classic breakfast combo. You can use regular bacon, turkey bacon, or vegetarian bacon, depending on your preference and dietary needs.
  • Avocado: Serve the poached eggs with some sliced or mashed avocado, for a creamy and healthy addition. You can sprinkle some lemon juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes on the avocado, for some extra zing and spice.
  • Salad: Serve the poached eggs with some fresh salad, such as spinach, arugula, kale, or lettuce. You can toss the salad with some olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs, for a simple and refreshing dressing.
  • Cheese: Serve the poached eggs with some grated or crumbled cheese, such as cheddar, parmesan, feta, or goat cheese. You can melt the cheese on top of the eggs, or sprinkle it over the eggs, for a cheesy and savory touch.
  • Hollandaise sauce: Serve the poached eggs with some hollandaise sauce, for a rich and decadent treat. Hollandaise sauce is a classic French sauce, made with egg yolks, butter, lemon juice, and salt. You can make it from scratch, or use a ready-made sauce, and drizzle it over the eggs, for a smooth and tangy finish.

Variations of Mary Berry Poached Eggs

You can make some variations of Mary Berry poached eggs, by adding some different ingredients or flavors to the eggs, or by serving them with different accompaniments.

Here are some ideas:

  • Spicy poached eggs: Add some red pepper flakes, cumin, paprika, or chili powder to the water, to give the eggs some heat and spice. Serve the eggs with some salsa, guacamole, or cilantro, for a Mexican twist.
  • Herbed poached eggs: Add some fresh or dried herbs, such as parsley, basil, thyme, or rosemary, to the water, to give the eggs some aroma and flavor. Serve the eggs with some butter, cheese, or cream, for a French touch.
  • Curried poached eggs: Add some curry powder, turmeric, or garam masala, to the water, to give the eggs some color and taste. Serve the eggs with some yogurt, chutney, or naan bread, for an Indian flair.

Pro Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Poached Eggs

To make perfect Mary Berry poached eggs, follow these pro tips:

  • Use fresh eggs: Fresh eggs have firmer whites and yolks, which hold their shape better when poached. To check the freshness of an egg, place it in a glass of water. If it sinks to the bottom, it is fresh. If it floats to the top, it is old and should be discarded.
  • Use room temperature eggs: Room temperature eggs cook more evenly and faster than cold eggs. To bring an egg to room temperature, place it in a bowl of warm water for 10 minutes, or leave it on the counter for 30 minutes, before cracking it.
  • Use a gentle simmer: A gentle simmer is the ideal temperature for poaching eggs, as it allows the eggs to cook slowly and gently, without overcooking or breaking. A gentle simmer is when the water is barely bubbling, with small bubbles rising to the surface. If the water is too hot, the eggs will overcook and become rubbery. If the water is too cold, the eggs will not cook properly and fall apart.

How do I store and Reheat Mary Berry Poached Eggs Leftovers?

If you have any leftover poached eggs, you can store them in an airtight container, in the refrigerator, for up to 2 days. To reheat them, you can either microwave them for 10 to 15 seconds or simmer them in hot water for 1 to 2 minutes, until warm. You can also freeze the poached eggs, in a single layer, on a baking sheet, for up to 3 months. To thaw them, you can either microwave them for 20 to 30 seconds or simmer them in hot water for 2 to 3 minutes, until warm.

Nutrition value (per serving, based on 2 eggs and no accompaniments):

  • Calories: 147 kcal
  • Protein: 12.6 g
  • Fat: 10.6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 0.7 g
  • Cholesterol: 372 mg
  • Sodium: 124 mg

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FAQs

How do I make hollandaise sauce for eggs Benedict?

To make hollandaise sauce for eggs Benedict, you will need 2 egg yolks, 1 tsp white wine vinegar, 100g unsalted butter, and salt and pepper. Whisk the egg yolks and vinegar in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water, until thick and pale. Gradually whisk in the melted butter, until the sauce is smooth and glossy. Season with salt and pepper, and keep warm until ready to serve.

How do I check the freshness of an egg before poaching it?

To check the freshness of an egg before poaching it, you can place it in a glass of water. If it sinks to the bottom, it is fresh. If it floats to the top, it is old and should be discarded. Fresh eggs have firmer whites and yolks, which hold their shape better when poached.

How do I make poached eggs in advance?

To make poached eggs in advance, you can follow the same method as Mary Berry’s poached eggs, but instead of serving them immediately, you can put them in a bowl of iced water, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat them, you can either microwave them for 10 to 15 seconds or simmer them in hot water for 1 to 2 minutes, until warm.

Final Words

I hope you enjoyed this article on how to make Mary Berry poached eggs, with a complete step-by-step guide. This recipe is simple, quick, and foolproof, and it produces perfectly poached eggs every time. You can serve them with various accompaniments, such as toast, bacon, avocado, salad, cheese, or hollandaise sauce, for a delicious and satisfying breakfast. You can also make some variations of this recipe, by adding some different ingredients or flavors to the eggs, or by serving them with different accompaniments. Try this recipe today, and let me know how it turns out!

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