By United Supermarkets Dietitian Team
What makes eggs so eggs-cellent? Eggs provide us with quality protein and nutrients, and can be used in many different dishes and recipes! One egg provides about 6 grams of protein. Eggs are a good source of choline, biotin, vitamin A, vitamin E, fat, and antioxidants. The fat in eggs are great for absorbing fat soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E, and K, which means adding eggs to certain meals can improve the absorption of nutrients.
As we know it, eggs are typically used as a main dish during breakfast time. Sometimes eggs are used in the process of making baked goods. In some cultures, eggs are eaten alongside dinner. Some of these cooking styles of eggs may be familiar:
- Soft/Hard boiled
- Scrambled
- Omelets
- Quiche
- Sunny side up
- Poached
- Coddled
Did you know eggs can be used in other ways?
Eggs can be used as an emulsifier, which helps mix two substances that typically separate once combined such as oil and water. A fun way to use eggs as an emulsifier is by making homemade mayonnaise!
We all know eggs are typically used in the batters and doughs of baked goods, but did you know eggs can be used for glazing desserts? All you have to do is lightly brush a beaten egg or egg wash over the top of bread or a dessert before they go into an oven. This creates a golden brown finish on the outside of the food and enhances the flavor of the food.
Eggs have the ability to make the consistency of foods thicker. Using eggs as a thickening agent can be beneficial when improving the texture and quality of foods. Some foods that use eggs as thickeners include custards, sauces, and soups. Using eggs as a thickening agent is a great way to achieve a creamy consistency in dishes.
When pan frying or baking foods, some people prefer a crunch to their meal. Eggs can be used as a binder to help bind ingredients together. Similar to acting like glue, eggs can be used to ensure things like bread crumbs stick to your foods before the frying or baking process. One can also use them for binding other foods together like hamburgers, meatballs, and black bean patties.
Eggs are truly eggs-cellent not just because of their nutritional content but also due to their many different abilities to make your food look, function, and taste better!
Eggs in Purgatory
What You Need
2 eggs
1 c. Sticks and Bones pasta sauce
Sprinkle of manchego cheese
Salt and pepper as desired
How It’s Made
1. Pour sauce into a small pan and let it come to a warm temperature.
2. Crack in eggs and cover with lid for 6-8 minutes.
3. Great with bread, vegetables, over rice, etc.
