Eggs Benedict
Eggs Benedict tops toasted English muffins with ham, poached eggs and warm hollandaise. Prepare the components in parallel and never boil the sauce; it should remain a smooth, warm emulsion.
How to make it
Prepared 0 of 6 steps
Prepare the batter
Split the muffins and brown their cut sides in 10 g butter. Quickly heat the ham in another 10 g butter. Keep warm on a plate without covering with a damp lid.
Start the hollandaise
Melt remaining 110 g butter and keep warm. In a bowl combine pasteurised yolks, lemon juice and 25 ml water. Set over gently simmering water without touching it and whisk until slightly thickened.
Add the butter gradually
Move the bowl away from strong heat and drizzle in butter while whisking continuously. Add salt and cayenne. Keep the smooth, flowing sauce warm only briefly; do not boil or overheat.
Poach the eggs
Bring water and vinegar to a very gentle simmer in a wide saucepan. Crack each egg into a cup and lower in carefully. Cook for 5–6 minutes until white and yolk are fully set; this home version does not have runny yolks.
Dry the eggs
Lift with a slotted spoon, check doneness and dab the undersides on paper towel. Excess water thins the sauce and softens the toast, so do not move eggs straight from the pan onto muffins.
Assemble just before serving
Top each muffin half with ham and an egg, spoon on warm sauce and add finely chopped chives. Serve immediately. Do not leave leftover yolk sauce at room temperature for prolonged storage.
Little hint
Use pasteurised yolks and a gentle water bath for hollandaise. If it thickens too quickly, remove from the heat and whisk. Assemble just before eating.
Frequently asked questions
What should I watch out for when cooking?
Use pasteurised yolks and a gentle water bath for hollandaise. If it thickens too quickly, remove from the heat and whisk. Assemble just before eating.
How should I prepare the ingredients?
Split the muffins and brown their cut sides in 10 g butter. Quickly heat the ham in another 10 g butter. Keep warm on a plate without covering with a damp lid.
