Network Magazine spring 2014 | Page 47

Smashed Organic Eggs with Mustardy French Dressing One of my all-time favourite foods is organic free range eggs. We always have a dozen in the fridge as they make a perfect quick and healthy meal for breakfast, lunch or even dinner. I remember my Great Aunty cooking up lots of egg dishes when I was growing up. We used to raise our own hens and grow our own veggies, so a lot of our meals were based on egg and vegetable dishes. I love to eat eggs pretty much any way, but one of my favourites is to smash them with aromatics such as fresh garden herbs and a homemade French dressing scented with a hint of Dijon mustard. These smashed organic eggs are perfect over steamed or braised green vegetables such as asparagus, kale, spinach or cabbage. They are also delicious folded through pan roasted cauliflower with a light sprinkle of crushed pistachio. I love the simplicity of these eggs and the flavours marry perfectly. What’s great about it? Eggs are a great source of complete protein which will keep you fuller for longer as well as help maintain a healthy immune system, cell growth and tissue repair. A study published in the International Journal of Obesity suggests that the inclusion of eggs in a weight management program may help increase satiety and enhance weight loss. The lecithin in egg yolks is also rich in choline, which is involved in the transport of cholesterol in the bloodstream and in fat metabolism, which can be useful in treating fat accumulation in the liver. and parsley. Combine the apple cider vinegar with the mustard and cold-pressed olive oil until smooth and emulsified in a separate bowl. Spoon the dressing into the smashed eggs and fold through. Blanch or steam asparagus for 30 seconds. Arrange asparagus onto a serving plate and spoon over the smashed eggs. Serve with a light drizzle of extra dressing and enjoy. Serves 2 Time: 30mins (includes 20mins to cook eggs) How to hard boil eggs perfectly Use room temperature eggs (not straight from the fridge). Place eggs in a small saucepan and cover completely with cold water about 2cm above the top of the eggs. Slowly bring the water to the boil over a medium heat. Once the water is boiling, simmer the eggs for 7 minutes. Cool eggs immediately under cold running water. Crack the shells on a hard surface, then peel the eggs gently. Rinse the eggs again after peeling to make sure there are no bits of shell left clinging to the egg. Store covered in the fridge until needed. Ingredients 4 organic eggs, hard boiled (see notes below on how to cook to perfection) 1 small bunch parsley, chopped 2 spring onions or 1/3 red onion, finely chopped Sea salt and pepper to taste 2 bunches asparagus, trimmed Mustardy French Dressing 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 4 tablespoons cold-pressed olive oil Chop the hard boiled eggs with a large knife on a chopping board. Place the eggs into a bowl and combine with onion, salt, pepper Inspiration While the freshest eggs are ideal for frying and poaching, eggs that are a week or so old are actually better for hard boiling. Teresa Cutter, aka The Healthy Chef, is one of Australia’s leading authorities on healthy cooking. An experienced chef, as well as a nutritionist and fitness professional, she combines her knowledge of food, diet and exercise to develop delicious recipes that maximise health and wellbeing. thehealthychef.com NETWORK SPRING 2014 | 47