Feeling tired of the same old breakfast routine? Are you seeking a delightful twist on the classic "egg in a basket" recipe? Look no further! In this blog post, we'll introduce you to a unique twist on the classic "egg in a basket" recipe that will leave you craving more. Get ready to elevate your breakfast game with the delightful combination of shredded potato and carrot egg in a basket.
If you've never heard of egg in a basket before, it's a delightful dish that combines a perfectly cooked egg nestled within a slice of bread. Countless generations have savored this timeless recipe. But this recipe is taking traditional favorites to a whole new level of culinary brilliance by introducing shredded potato and carrots into the mix. Imagine a crispy, golden brown shredded potato and carrot enveloping a perfectly cooked egg in the center. The flavors and textures come together to create a delightful breakfast dish that will impress your taste buds and your family, especially kids!
In this post below, we will show you how to make delicious eggs in a basket. Not only does this dish deliver on taste and aesthetics, but it also provides a wholesome and balanced meal. This simple breakfast recipe may just become one of your all-time favorite breakfast recipes.
Veggie Egg In A Basket Recipe
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Rest Time
0 minutes
Total Time
20 minutes
Ingredients
Directions
1. Peel the potato and carrot, then use a grater to shred them into fine strips. Take the shredded potato and carrot, wrap them in a fresh kitchen towel, and gently press to remove any remaining moisture.
2. Place the shredded potato in a bowl and soak it in cold water for about 10 minutes to remove excess starch. An optional step but recommended. When your potato time is up, drain the water, rinse, and pad the shredded potato dry with a towel.
3. Transfer the shredded potato and carrot to a bowl. Season with potato starch, salt, and pepper, and toss the mixture to distribute the seasoning evenly.
4. Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and incorporate a small quantity of cooking oil or butter. Take a handful of the shredded mixture and shape it into a circular nest-like shape, creating a well in the center for the egg.
5. Carefully transfer the shaped baskets onto the heated skillet. Allow the baskets to cook for approximately 2-3 minutes until the underside achieves a delightful light golden brown and crisp texture. Utilize a spatula to flip the baskets and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the opposite side attains the same golden brown and crispy perfection.
6. Once the baskets are cooked and crispy, crack an egg into the well of each basket. Season each egg with a dash of salt and pepper for added flavor.
7. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and place a lid over the skillet. Let the eggs cook undisturbed for approximately 3-4 minutes until the egg whites are fully cooked, but the yolks retain a slightly runny consistency. If you prefer your eggs more well-done, extend the cooking time by an extra minute or two.
8. Gently lift the potato and carrot egg baskets from the skillet using a spatula, ensuring not to break them, and transfer them to individual serving plates.
Tips & Notes
Squeeze out excess moisture: After shredding the potato and carrot, it's essential to remove any excess moisture regardless if you are soaking the potato or not. This step prevents the mixture from becoming soggy when cooked. Thoroughly remove excess moisture by firmly squeezing the ingredients using a clean kitchen towel.
Shape the baskets firmly: When shaping the shredded mixture into baskets, make sure to press them firmly together. This helps the ingredients bind and hold their shape during cooking.
Adjust heat as needed: Monitor the heat carefully during the cooking process of the baskets to avoid potential burning on the outer surface while the inside remains undercooked. Adjust the heat as necessary to attain a desirable golden brown hue and achieve a delightfully crispy texture.
Nutritional Facts
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2
Calories
168
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 4.4g
6%
Saturated Fat 1.4g
7%
Cholesterol 164mg
55%
Sodium 86mg
4%
Total Carbohydrate 26.9g
10%
Dietary Fiber 2.4g
9%
Total Sugars 3.6g
Protein 7.8g
Vitamin D 15mcg
77%
Calcium 45mg
3%
Iron 1mg
8%
Potassium 174mg
4%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Use a lid for even cooking: Covering the skillet with a lid while cooking the eggs helps ensure even heat distribution, resulting in properly cooked eggs. The trapped heat gently cooks the egg whites while leaving the yolks slightly runny.
What Are Eggs In A Basket?
"Eggs in a basket" is a simple and delicious breakfast dish known as an egg cooked inside a hole cut in a slice of bread. It is also known by various other names like "egg in a hole," "egg in a nest," "toad in the hole," or "one-eyed jack." The dish is believed to have originated in the United States and has become a popular breakfast option worldwide.
Eggs in a basket are typically toasted bread slices with a runny egg in the center. It is made with a bread slice with a hole in the center. Cut a hole either by using a cookie cutter or a biscuit cutter. It is then placed in a skillet and cracked an egg into the hole. As you fry the eggs, the bread slices will toast. Within minutes, you will have an egg in a basket breakfast dish ready to be served.
What Ingredients Do You Need To Make Eggs in a Basket
Potato
The potato serves as the base for the shredded mixture, providing texture and structure to the baskets. It adds a pleasant earthy flavor and becomes crispy when cooked. If a potato is not available, you can substitute it with other starchy vegetables like sweet potato or parsnip.
Carrot
Incorporating carrots into the dish imparts a subtle sweetness and adds a lively burst of color. They also provide moisture and texture to the shredded mixture, facilitating the formation of the baskets. If carrots are unavailable, you can substitute them with zucchini or beetroot for an alternative flavor profile and vibrant hue.
Eggs
Eggs are the star of the recipe, providing protein, essential nutrients, and a creamy texture. They bind the shredded mixture together and cook to perfection inside the baskets. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, you can use alternative egg substitutes like flaxseed or chia eggs, which are made by combining ground flaxseed or chia seeds with water.
Potato Starch
Potato starch helps absorb excess moisture from the shredded mixture, allowing the baskets to hold their shape better during cooking. It creates a cohesive texture and prevents the mixture from becoming too wet, resulting in crispier and more structurally sound baskets. If you don't have access to potato starch, you can opt for alternatives such as cornstarch, arrowroot powder, or all-purpose flour.
Salt and pepper
These seasonings play a crucial role in elevating the flavors of the dish. Salt contributes depth and balance, while pepper imparts a gentle heat and subtle spiciness. Don't hesitate to explore additional seasonings and spices such as garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs to personalize the taste and cater to your individual preferences.
Cooking oil or butter
Cooking oil or butter prevents the baskets from sticking to the skillet and adds richness and flavor. Feel free to select your preferred cooking oil, whether it be avocado oil, olive oil, or coconut oil. Butter adds a lovely buttery taste to the dish. Choose based on your personal preference or dietary needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen shredded potato and carrot?
Yes, you can use frozen shredded potato and carrot, but not recommended. Ensure that the ingredients are completely thawed and thoroughly squeeze out any excess moisture before incorporating them into the recipe. Frozen vegetables tend to retain more moisture, which can affect the texture of the baskets.
How do I prevent the eggs from overcooking or undercooking?
The cooking times may differ based on individual preferences and the selected heat level. If you prefer runny yolks, keep the heat low and cook the eggs for a shorter time, usually around 3-4 minutes. Extend the cooking time by one or two minutes to achieve fully cooked yolks. You can also cover the skillet with a lid to help retain heat and ensure even cooking.
How do I achieve crispy baskets?
To achieve crispy baskets, ensure that you squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the shredded potato and carrot. This will help remove excess water content, allowing the mixture to crisp up nicely. Cooking the baskets on medium heat until golden brown on both sides will also contribute to their crispiness.
Can I add other vegetables or ingredients to the mixture?
Certainly! Don't hesitate to unleash your creativity and incorporate additional vegetables or ingredients into the shredded potato and carrot mixture. Chopped bell peppers, onions, or spinach can add extra flavor and nutrition. Additionally, you can include grated cheese, herbs, or spices to personalize the flavor according to your preferences.
How do I prevent the shredded potato and carrot from sticking to the skillet?
To avoid any sticking, ensure that you utilize a non-stick skillet or a properly seasoned cast-iron skillet. Additionally, you can add sufficient cooking oil or butter to the skillet before shaping the baskets. The oil or butter acts as a barrier between the mixture and the pan, reducing the chances of sticking.
