How to Boil Eggs
Boiling eggs is a fun and easy take on one of America’s most beloved animal by products. Eggs are a delicious, high protein food that provide a healthy dose of vitamin E. Egg protein is some of the highest quality protein available and is often used as the benchmark against which other forms are compared. One problem with eggs, however, is the fact that they must be cooked prior to consumption.
Furthermore, eggs usually have to be eaten immediately after preparation and, as a general rule, do not travel well. This is not so for hard boiled eggs, however. These tasty, mobile snacks can be made in advance and taken almost anywhere provided that they can be kept cool. Because of this, they are the perfect addition to packed lunches or simply as a nutrient dense snack.
Hardboiled eggs can also be transformed into a variety of tasty dishes such as potato salad. Other options include deviled eggs, egg salad sandwiches and cob salads. These are just a few of the choices involving hardboiled eggs.
Chicken eggs are by far the most common for boiling but many farmer’s markets and health food stores also sell duck eggs which are slightly larger and vary slightly in their nutritional makeup. Duck egg yolks have a higher fat content than chicken eggs and the whites of duck eggs have more protein. Because of the higher protein content in duck eggs, it is crucial that you don’t overcook them or the negative results will be similar to overcooking a chicken egg but more pronounced. Also, duck eggs will have a richer flavor than chicken eggs. One egg variety is not better than the other and it simply comes down to a matter of personal preference in regard to flavor.
How to Make a Hard Boiled Egg
This recipe will go through the process of how to make a hard boiled egg. For this recipe you will need:
- 4 chicken eggs
- A large pot for boiling complete with lid
Step 1
Spread the eggs out evenly in the bottom of a pan without stacking them on each other. Pour enough cold water into the pot so that the eggs are covered by at least an inch of water. Bring the temperature up to a rapid boil using high heat.
Step 2
Reduce the heat so that the water is barely simmering. Put a lid on the pot and simmer for 15 minutes. When 15 minutes has passed, drain the water out of the pot.
Step 3
Run cold tap water over the eggs to help them cool. Another option is to place the eggs in a bowl of ice water until they have cooled enough that they can be handled. When they have cooled, drain the water once more.
Step 4
Place eggs in the refrigerator if you are not planning on consuming them immediately. When you are ready to eat them, peel the shells by gently tapping them on the countertop and rolling the egg between your palms. Pick away any of the loose shell that is still clinging on the edible interior.
Hard Boiling Duck Eggs
For this recipe you will need:
- 4 duck eggs
- 1 large pot for boiling complete with lid
Step 1
Place the eggs evenly in a large pot, without stacking them on top of each other. Cover them with enough cold water that they are submerged by at least an inch. Raise the temperature to a boil over high heat.
Step 2
Once the water has reached a rapid boil, immediately remove the pot from the hot burner and cover the pot with the lid. Allow the duck eggs to sit in the hot water for approximately 12 minutes if you are using large sized eggs. Leave them immersed for slightly longer if you are using jumbo eggs or for slightly less time if you are using medium sized eggs.
Step 3
After the appropriate amount of time has passed, transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water and let them cool until they can be handled without discomfort. Once they are cool, place them in the refrigerator if you are not planning on consuming them immediately. Peel the shell away by tapping them on the countertop and rolling them between your fingers.