Crispy Fried Egg with Parsley Pesto and Beans
The art of cooking perfectly crispy fried eggs is much easier than you think!
Eggs are a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can be enjoyed in countless ways, from fluffy omelettes to decadent soufflés. When paired with vibrant parsley pesto and hearty beans, crispy fried eggs create a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any time of day.
Produce Matters: Mastering The Crispy Fried Egg
The key to achieving perfectly crispy fried eggs starts with selecting the right eggs. When shopping for eggs, opt for those with uncracked shells. Fresh eggs will have a thick, viscous white and a yolk that stands tall and holds its shape when cracked open. Look for eggs that are free-range or organic, as they tend to have richer flavour and brighter yolks.
The colour of an egg yolk can vary depending on the diet of the hen that laid it. Yolks from hens that are fed a diet rich in greens, such as pasture-raised or free-range hens, tend to be deeper in colour and have a richer flavour. This is due to the higher levels of carotenoids found in the greens, which are responsible for the vibrant hue of the yolks. Yolks from hens fed a diet high in corn or grains may appear paler in colour. I used Clarence Court eggs with their deep golden yolks.
When frying your eggs, you can baste the whites with the oil in the pan to cook the yolks, or cover the pan with a lid to steam the yolks to your preferred doneness.
Beyod The Crispy Fried Egg:
If you’re never sure what to ask for at a restaurant when ordering fried eggs, here’s a quick breakdown of the different levels of doneness:
- Sunny side up: The egg is fried with the yolk up and is not flipped.
- Over easy: The egg is flipped and the yolk is still runny.
- Over medium: The egg is flipped and the yolk is only slightly runny.
- Over well: The egg is flipped and the yolk is cooked hard.
The eggs in this recipe is served sunny side up. If you like your yolks a little more done than what I have, you can simply steam the egg a little longer.
Why Beans Are Good for You
Beans are a nutrient-dense food that offers a wide range of health benefits. They are rich in protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals, making them an excellent addition to any diet.
They are also known for their ability to promote satiety, regulate blood sugar levels, and support heart health. Additionally, beans are versatile and can be incorporated into various dishes, from soups and salads to stews and casseroles.
Served with crispy fried eggs, this dish is perfect for breakfast to get you through long days or as a quick and delicious dinner with balanced flavours and textural depth.
A Quick Overview of Pesto
Pesto is a vibrant and flavourful sauce originating from Italy, traditionally made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Its name derives from the Italian word “pestare,” meaning “to crush,” reflecting the traditional method of preparing the sauce by grinding the ingredients together in a mortar and pestle. Pesto is renowned for its vibrant green colour, aromatic fragrance, and rich, nutty flavour. While basil is the classic herb used in pesto, variations can include other herbs like parsley or coriander.
Pesto is incredibly versatile and can be used as a sauce for pasta, a spread for sandwiches, a topping for grilled meats or vegetables, or a flavourful addition to soups and salads. Its fresh and bold taste adds a burst of flavour to any dish, making it a beloved staple in kitchens around the world.
In this recipe, I’ve simplified the pesto by leaving out the nuts and focusing on pantry staples like lemon zest, parmesan and olive oil. Because of its versatility, if you don’t have any herbs, you can replace it with a handful of sautèed baby spinach, chard, or kale.
Mastering Your Stainless Steel Pan
Cooking crispy eggs requires the right equipment, and a stainless steel pan is an excellent choice for achieving that perfect golden crust. Stainless steel pans are durable, non-reactive, and distribute heat evenly, allowing for precise control over the cooking process.
A simple way to test if your stainless steel pan is hot enough for cooking eggs is to sprinkle a few drops of water onto the surface. If the water evaporates immediately upon contact and forms small beads that dance across the pan, it’s ready for cooking.
Once your pan is hot, you can turn the heat down, add a small amount of oil, followed by your cheese and egg. Once your egg is done, you should be able to easily remove it from the pan with just a little wiggle of the spatula.
Mix it Up and Make it Yours
Add greens to your beans if you want to add something extra to your meals. Peas, spinach, and kale are great. Or throw in some diced fresh tomatoes for an added pop of colour and sweetness.
All fried up?
Did you try out the perfect crispy fried egg with parsley pesto and beans? I’d love to see your take on it. Please leave me a comment, rate it, and share the recipe with your friends and followers too! Remember to tag your photo with #theculinarycartel on Instagram so we can see what you come up with.
Egg-cited for other egg recipes? Try these:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of beans?
Absolutely! You can replace the butter beans with cannellini, giant butter beans, or chickpeas.
Can I use a different cheese instead of parmesan?
Yes! Experiment with other grated cheeses like cheddar or Gruyere.
What does the colour of the egg yolk mean?
Egg yolks can vary in colour from pale yellow to deep orange. The colour does not indicate nutritional value or quality, and is determined by the hen’s diet. As the colour of the yolk is related to the hen’s diet, it has little to do with the freshness of the egg.
How can I tell if my eggs are fresh?
Place your eggs in a bowl filled with cold water. Fresh eggs will sink to the bottom and lay on their sides. Eggs that are less fresh but still good will stay at the bottom but stand on their small ends. If your eggs float, they’re old.
How runny or cooked should I have the yolk?
Cook the crispy fried eggs according to your preference.
- Sunny side up eggs with a runny yolk should be cooked for about 2 – 3 minutes.
- For a slightly more set but still runny yolk, add 30 seconds to a minute.
- For a medium yolk, add 1 – 2 minutes to the initial sunny side time.
- For a hard yolk, add 2 – 3 minutes to the sunny side time.
How do I know my stainless steel pan is hot enough?
A simple way to test if your stainless steel pan is hot enough for cooking eggs is to sprinkle a few drops of water onto the surface. If the water evaporates immediately upon contact and forms small beads that dance across the pan, it’s ready for cooking.
Is the pesto optional?
Definitely. You can enjoy the crispy fried eggs just with the cheesy base and beans.
A Perfect Crispy Fried Egg with Parsley Pesto and Beans
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 portions
Description
The art of cooking perfectly crispy fried eggs is much easier than you think! When paired with vibrant parsley pesto and hearty beans, this is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients
For the eggs
- 30g grated parmesan
- 2 eggs
- 1 tbsp oil
- Small knob butter (optional)
For the beans
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 tin butter beans
- 1 cup stock (veg or chicken) or water
- Pinch of chilli flakes (optional)
- Drizzle of olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the parsley pesto
- 1 lemon (zest for pesto, 1 tbsp juice for beans)
- Handful of fresh parsley (about 15g/half a bunch)
- 20g grated parmesan for the pesto
- 3–4 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper as needed
Instructions
- Begin by zesting the lemon and set the zest aside for later.
- Heat a frying pan over medium heat with a little oil. Add a garlic clove and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Add drained and rinsed butter beans to the pan along with stock or water. Simmer until the liquid is slightly reduced and the beans are warmed through. Squeeze in lemon juice, season with salt, pepper, and add chili flakes to taste if using. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, make the parmesan lemon pesto. Finely chop fresh parsley and combine with the lemon zest (set aside earlier), grated parmesan, and olive oil. Adjust consistency with more olive oil if needed. Season to taste and set aside.
- Rinse out the pan used for cooking the beans and return it to medium heat. Heat for a few minutes.
- Once the pan is hot, add a tablespoon of olive oil and a small knob of butter.
- Scatter grated Parmesan cheese in the centre of the pan, forming a pile slightly larger than the size of your eggs. Crack eggs on top of the parmesan pile.
- Cook until the bottom of the eggs starts to crisp. Cover the pan with a lid to gently steam the yolks to the desired doneness.
- Remove eggs from the pan and set aside.
- Plate up the beans on two plates.
- Top the beans with parsley pesto and the fried eggs.
- Garnish with more parsley pesto if desired.
- Serve immediately.
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
