There was a time in my life when I didn't know how to scramble eggs. It was a sad time.
To scramble eggs, you need four things:
* an appropriately sized frying pan
* eggs
* butter
*a fork
That's it. You don't need anything fancy, you don't need herbs and spices. You don't even need a knife. (Well, you need a heat source. Oven. Fire. Hot plate. Whatever.)
Scrambled eggs are a great go-to meal, especially during Lent, when we're supposed to be fasting and abstaining from meat on Fridays (and Ash Wednesday, which is tomorrow). Scrambled eggs can be deliciously decadent (I've seen recipes that serve them with caviar) or monastically simplistic. I'm going to give you three versions here, all of them Lent appropriate: one basic, one sweet, and one savory.
You decided what one you want for your abstinence and fasting days. Or really, any day. I love to make scrambled eggs for lunch. They're filling and delicious and super-economical. Perfect for Lent, or any time you want something filling and healthy--and simple.
Version 1: Monastic Simplicity
- 2-3 eggs
- 1 tbsp. unsalted butter (or salted, if you have it. I usually use unsalted.)
- Salt
- Pepper
Crack the eggs into a small bowl, and add a pinch of pepper and salt. Whisk together with a whisk or a fork until the yolks are beaten up.
In a small skillet (8-9"), melt the butter over medium heat. When the butter is melted, pour in the eggs. Move the fork in a back and forth pattern through the eggs until the eggs are scrambled to your preference. Slide onto a plate and season to taste with salt and pepper.
Version 2: Savory
(Based off a Rachael Ray recipe)
2-3 eggs
Tabasco sauce (if you want it)
salt
pepper
herb and garlic cheese, such as Boursin.
1 tbsp. butter
Combine eggs, tabasco, salt, pepper, and a few chunks of the Boursin into a mixing bowl. Whisk with a whisk or a fork. Melt the butter in the skillet and proceed as above.
You could also use grated cheese in this: pepper jack, cheddar, colby, etc.
Version 3: Sweet
(Based off a Giada de Laurentiis recipe)
- 2-3 eggs
- 1 tbsp. of sugar
- dried mint flakes--anywhere from 1/4 tsp. to a full tsp. (Or even more, if you love mint)
- 1 tbsp. heavy cream
- 1 tbsp. butter
Mix eggs, sugar, mint flakes, and heavy cream as above. Proceed with preparing the pan and scrambling eggs as above. These are really good when served with strawberries.
(And if you missed it: Here's my post on fasting and abstaining during Lent.)