Classic Eggs Benedict With Wilted Spinach

Classic Eggs Benedict With Wilted Spinach

Perfectly poached eggs rest atop savory Canadian bacon, warmly wilted spinach, and crisp English muffins, all blanketed in a rich, buttery hollandaise sauce with a bright lemon finish.

30mIntermediate2 servings

Equipment

Medium saucepan
Frying pan
Heatproof bowl
Whisk
Slotted spoon
Toaster
Small saucepan

Ingredients

2 servings

Hollandaise Sauce

  • 2 egg yolks
  • 15 ml lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 115 g unsalted butter, melted and warm
  • g cayenne pepper
  • g salt

Poached Eggs

  • 4 eggs, very fresh, cold
  • 15 ml white vinegar

Base and Assembly

  • 2 english muffins, split in half
  • 4 canadian bacon, sliced
  • 150 g fresh spinach, washed and dried
  • 10 g unsalted butter, room temperature

Nutrition (per serving)

853
Calories
33g
Protein
31g
Carbs
68g
Fat
3g
Fiber
1g
Sugar
1236mg
Sodium

Method

01

Melt the 115g of butter for the hollandaise in a small saucepan over low heat until completely liquid. Keep it warm but not boiling, around 60°C/140°F.

02

Set up a double boiler by bringing an inch of water to a gentle simmer in a medium saucepan. Place a heatproof bowl over the saucepan, ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the hot water.

03

Add the egg yolks and lemon juice to the heatproof bowl. Whisk vigorously and continuously until the mixture thickens and turns pale yellow, about 2 minutes.

2mLook for: pale yellow and thickenedFeel: leaves ribbons when whisk is lifted
04

Remove the bowl from the heat. While whisking constantly, pour the warm melted butter into the yolk mixture in a slow, steady stream until fully emulsified and thick.

Look for: smooth, glossy, and thick sauce
05

Season the hollandaise with a pinch of salt and cayenne pepper to taste. Cover the bowl and set it in a warm spot, away from direct heat, to prevent the sauce from splitting.

06

In a frying pan over medium heat, cook the Canadian bacon until warmed through and lightly browned on the edges, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a warm plate.

4m
07

In the same frying pan, add the fresh spinach. Toss gently until just wilted, about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat and drain any excess liquid.

2mLook for: dark green and collapsed, but not mushy
08

Fill a medium saucepan with at least 3 inches of water, add the white vinegar, and bring to a gentle simmer at 85°C/185°F. You should see small bubbles rising, but no rolling boil.

09

Crack each egg into a small ramekin. Use a spoon to stir the simmering water in a circular motion to create a vortex. Carefully slip an egg into the center of the vortex. Cook for exactly 3 minutes for soft yolks.

3mLook for: whites are fully opaqueFeel: yolks yield gently to the touch
10

Remove the poached eggs with a slotted spoon and gently blot them dry on a paper towel.

11

Toast the English muffin halves until golden brown. Optionally spread lightly with room temperature butter.

12

Place two muffin halves on each plate. Top each half with a layer of wilted spinach, a slice of Canadian bacon, and a poached egg.

13

Generously spoon the warm hollandaise sauce over the poached eggs and serve immediately.

Chef's Notes

  • Freshness is critical for perfectly poached eggs. As eggs age, the whites thin out, which causes the feathery wisps in the water. Buy eggs specifically for this dish the day before.
  • To alleviate the stress of timing, you can poach the eggs ahead of time. Undercook them slightly, shock them in an ice bath to stop cooking, and hold them in the refrigerator. Reheat in hot water for 60 seconds just before serving.
  • Hollandaise requires a balance of fat and acid. If the sauce feels too heavy, whisk in an extra few drops of warm water or lemon juice to lighten the emulsion just before plating.

Storage

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