How
to Make Coddled Eggs
A Favourite Victorian Breakfast Treat
Do you know how to make coddled eggs? Have coddled eggs ever appeared on your breakfast table? If your answer was ‘no’, then stay right here, because you’re in for a treat.
To coddle someone means to treat them gently, and when it comes to eggs we tend to think of padded cartons or hay-filled egg boxes, of making sure our eggs end up on top of the weekly groceries and not the bottom. But what about the content of that fragile shell? Isn’t that worth treating gently, too?
That’s where coddled eggs come in!
No hasty smashing, beating, and flipping here. Coddled eggs are soothing comfort of the highest order, slid gently into their buttered container, seasoned just enough, and cooked in the heat of a steaming water bath until just set before being served with strips of buttered toast.
The origins of coddled eggs can be traced back to the 17th century. The romantic poet John Keats once declared his love for the dish, and Queen Victoria had a very soft spot for them. I have no problem imagining the breakfast table in Windsor Castle, set with the finest China and crystal, and a humble dish like coddled eggs taking its place among the splendour.
Coddled Eggs at Breakfast © DebbieSmirnoff | Getty Images canva.comCoddled eggs were usually served for breakfast or a light lunch, and they were so popular during the Victorian period that the porcelain manufacturers at Royal Worcester started to produce a line of special, decorative egg coddlers with metal lids. Egg coddlers are small containers - a little larger than an egg cup - with a metal lid, perfect for settling into gently boiling water. And Royal Worcester’s offering proved a hit with householders which saw other manufacturers soon follow suit. These days, they delight porcelain collectors, hobby cooks, and everyone who receives one as a gift.
How to Make
Coddled Eggs: The Basic Recipe
Making coddled eggs at home is as simple as it is rewarding. You’ll need a coddler - an elegant porcelain cup specifically designed for this dish. If you don’t have one, a small ramekin works just fine!
Start by boiling a kettle.
While the water heats, butter the inside your coddler and be lavish about it. Then carefully crack an egg and slide it inside, taking care not to break the yolk. Season your egg with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, then place the lid on your coddler.
Set the coddler or ramekin into a saucepan - cover the ramekin with a small plate - and pour in boiling water until it reaches about halfway up your dishes. Bring the water back to a gentle boil, then cover the saucepan with a lid and simmer your coddled eggs for one minute.
Remove the saucepan from the heat - leaving the lid in place! - and rest your eggs for 10 minutes.
And there you have it: how to make coddled eggs in four simple steps! The result? A sumptuous, velvety egg that’s pure comfort in a cup. Sprinkle with chives and serve with toast.
Coddled Egg with Bacon © Wiktory | Getty Images canva.com
How to Make
Coddled Eggs: Variations That Delight
While classic coddled eggs are delightful on their own, why stop there when a twist of this or a sprinkle of that can elevate your breakfast experience? Here are a few ideas to gild this traditional lily of a recipe:
- Cover the egg with a dollop of cream before cooking
- Or why not try adding a few slices of smoked salmon or a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for a luxurious touch?
- You could add a pinch of paprika or a drizzle of truffle oil for an elegant flair
- Or add shavings of parmesan or a little of your favourite hard cheese, finely grated
Royal Worcester Egg Coddlers
Royal Worcester Egg Coddlers are highly collectible and make great gifts. Check out these available on Etsy and amazon!
Why You
should Try Coddled Eggs
For one, they’re delicious. For another, they make a wonderful treat for Sunday brunch, especially if you’re using a proper egg coddler. A tasty surprise to uncover to start the weekend. And taking a little more time preparing and enjoying your breakfast will help you slow down and de-stress after a busy week.
Besides, coddled eggs aren’t just a nod to the past but also a canvas for your current creativity. Why not invite your friends, prepare a tray of tasty additions like chopped herbs, diced chorizo, grated cheese, or smoked salmon - and let everyone design their own brunch. There’ll be no shortage of conversation, and your guests will feel cared for, looked after, and… properly coddled.
In a world where the charm of traditional cooking is often pushed aside in favour of quick or showy recipes, coddled eggs are an easy addition to your kitchen repertoire. Next time you crack an egg, consider coddling it to create a dish that’s not just tasty, nourishing food but a nod to the past.
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For more ideas for tasty puddings return from our How to make Coddled Eggs page to the recipes page.
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