Continental · serves 2

Poached Eggs on Toast

Fifteen minutes and it feels like a café. The vinegar is what makes it work.

15 min Some work Contains egg

Ingredients

  • 4 very fresh eggs
  • 1 tbsp vinegar
  • 4 slices bread
  • Butter
  • Chilli flakes, black pepper
  • Avocado or spinach (optional)

Method

  1. Use the freshest eggs you have. Old whites spread into rags in the water.
  2. Water at a bare simmer, not a boil, with the vinegar in — vinegar sets the white fast.
  3. Crack each egg into a cup first, then lower it into the water.
  4. 3 minutes exactly for a runny yolk. Lift out with a slotted spoon onto kitchen paper.
  5. Buttered toast, egg on top.
  6. Salt, black pepper, chilli flakes. Break it immediately.

Questions people ask about Poached Eggs on Toast

How long does Poached Eggs on Toast take?

About 15 minutes from starting to sitting down, and it is a bit of work. That is start-to-finish, so it works on a weeknight when you have not planned anything.

What can I use instead of eggs in Poached Eggs on Toast?

Use for binding, 1 tbsp besan whisked with 2 tbsp water per egg. For scrambles, crumbled firm tofu with a pinch of kala namak.

Can I make Poached Eggs on Toast ahead of time?

Not really. This one relies on being crisp, and crisp does not survive the fridge. Prepare the components ahead if you like, but cook it just before eating.

What do you serve with Poached Eggs on Toast?

Bread, potatoes or a simple salad. It serves two as written. Double everything to feed four, but use a wider pan so the food still browns rather than steams.

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