Eggs Florentine is a classic brunch dish that is sure to please any crowd. Featuring two poached eggs standing atop creamed spinach and an English muffin, this savory meal is rich in flavor and texture.
Topped with a creamy hollandaise sauce, this dish provides the perfect balance of protein, greens, and carbs for a satisfying breakfast or lunch.
Whether you’re making it for yourself or for a crowd, Eggs Florentine is sure to be a hit!
What is Eggs Florentine?
Eggs Florentine is a classic brunch dish that features two poached eggs standing atop creamed spinach and an English muffin. Topped with a creamy hollandaise sauce, this savory meal provides the perfect balance of protein, greens, and carbs for a satisfying breakfast or lunch. With its rich flavor and texture, Eggs Florentine is sure to be a hit!
The dish originally hails from Florence, Italy. It is believed to have been created in the late 19th century as a variation on traditional eggs Benedict. The name “Florentine” was most likely taken from the city to emphasize its Italian origins. Today, Eggs Florentine is popular around the world and can be found on brunch menus everywhere.
Benefits of eggs florentine
Eggs Florentine is a nutritious and flavorful dish that offers many benefits. It is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals such as Vitamin A, Vitamin K, and magnesium. Additionally, the dish is low in calories and fat making it a healthy option for those watching their calorie intake.
The variations of the dish allow for personalization to suit different dietary needs and preferences. Eggs Florentine is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of accompaniments, such as herbal teas, fresh salads, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
Eggs
Eggs are the star of the show for Eggs Florentine. To make the dish, two poached eggs are used to top creamed spinach and an English muffin. Poaching is a gentle cooking method which produces a tender egg with a creamy center. The best way to poach eggs is to use fresh eggs in shallow boiling water seasoned with salt and vinegar. This helps the egg whites to hold their shape.
Spinach
Spinach is a key component of Eggs Florentine. For this dish, spinach is cooked with onion and garlic until tender before being blended into a creamy sauce. This sauce serves as the base for the poached eggs, English muffin, and hollandaise. Spinach is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, making it a healthy addition to any meal.
English muffin
An English muffin rounds out the dish and provides a starchy base for the poached eggs and creamy spinach. Toasted, buttery, and slightly crisp, an English muffin adds texture and flavor to Eggs Florentine.
The muffins are usually split in half before being toasted so that the top can remain soft while the bottom gets crispy. For an extra special touch, try sprinkling a bit of cheese onto the muffins before toasting them.
Hollandaise sauce
Hollandaise sauce is a classic French sauce that adds the finishing touch to Eggs Florentine. This creamy, buttery sauce is made with egg yolks, lemon juice, salt, and clarified butter. It’s important to whisk the ingredients together over low heat until they emulsify into a thick and creamy sauce. Hollandaise provides a rich flavor and creamy texture that makes Eggs Florentine irresistible.
Salt and pepper
Salt and pepper are essential to bringing out the flavor of Eggs Florentine. Both ingredients should be added when cooking the spinach, as well as during the poaching process. It’s also important to season each component before serving, including the poached eggs, creamed spinach, English muffin, and hollandaise sauce. A pinch of salt and pepper will give this classic dish the perfect balance of flavor.
Step-by-step preparation of eggs florentine
Poaching the eggs
1. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and ½ teaspoon of salt; stir until dissolved.
2. Crack two eggs into separate ramekins or small bowls, then gently tip each egg into the simmering water. The eggs will start to cook immediately.
3. Allow the eggs to cook on a low simmer for 4-5 minutes, or until the whites are firm and the yolks are still runny. If desired, use a slotted spoon to move the eggs around gently in the water while cooking.
4. Once finished cooking, carefully remove the poached eggs from the water using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towel; set aside.
Cooking the spinach
1. Heat a large saucepan over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add 1 diced onion and 1 minced garlic clove; sauté for 3 minutes until the onions are softened and fragrant.
2. Add in one 10-ounce package of frozen spinach and ½ teaspoon of salt; stir to combine. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the spinach is thawed and heated through.
3. Once cooked, transfer the spinach to a blender or food processor; blend until creamy. If desired, add 1 tablespoon of butter and an additional pinch of salt to the puree; set aside.
Toasting the English muffin
1. Preheat a toaster oven or regular oven to 350°F.
2. Cut an English muffin in half and place each half on a baking sheet.
3. Bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping the muffins over halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, you can toast the halves in a toaster.
Preparing the hollandaise sauce
1. Fill a medium saucepan with 2 inches of water and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
2. In a separate, heatproof bowl, combine 3 egg yolks, 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and 2 tablespoons of clarified butter (or regular butter). Place the bowl over the saucepan of simmering water, making sure that the bottom does not touch the water.
3. Whisk continuously until the egg mixture is thick and creamy; this should take 2-3 minutes. The sauce should be light in color and have a creamy texture.
4. Remove from heat and keep warm until ready to serve.
Assembling the dish
1. Place the toasted English muffins on a plate and top each one with creamed spinach.
2. Carefully place a poached egg on top of each muffin half; season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Spoon hollandaise sauce over the eggs and serve immediately, while still warm. Enjoy!
Nutritional value of eggs florentine
High protein content
Eggs Florentine is a high-protein dish that packs in plenty of essential nutrients. A single serving contains 17 grams of protein, which makes it an excellent choice for those looking to increase their daily intake.
The protein found in eggs helps build and repair muscle, and can also keep you feeling fuller for longer. Additionally, Eggs Florentine also contains healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to a balanced diet.
Source of essential vitamins and minerals
Eggs Florentine is not only a high-protein dish, but it is also packed with essential vitamins and minerals. The spinach in this dish is an excellent source of Vitamin A, which helps maintain healthy skin, vision, and bone growth. It is also rich in Vitamin K, which helps promote blood clotting and strong bones. Additionally, Eggs Florentine contains magnesium which helps regulate blood pressure and manage stress levels.
Low in calories and fat
Eggs Florentine is a great dish for those looking to maintain a healthy diet without sacrificing flavor. Despite being packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, this dish is low in calories and fat. A single serving of eggs Florentine contains just 205 calories and 8 grams of fat, making it the perfect choice for those watching their calorie intake. Additionally, the dish contains no added sugar and is cholesterol-free, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs.
Variations of eggs florentine
Adding smoked salmon
Adding smoked salmon to Eggs Florentine is a delicious way to elevate the dish and add more flavor. To do this, simply flake some smoked salmon into the creamed spinach before placing it onto the English muffin halves.
Alternatively, you can top each poached egg with a few pieces of smoked salmon prior to drizzling with hollandaise sauce. This variation adds more flavor and texture to the dish, making it a great option for those looking to switch up the classic recipe.
Using kale instead of spinach
Using kale instead of spinach is a great way to switch up the classic Eggs Florentine dish. Kale is a nutritional powerhouse, containing high amounts of vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and calcium.
To use kale instead of spinach, simply sauté the kale in butter until wilted before adding it to the creamed spinach mixture. This will give the dish a slightly different flavor and texture, making it a great way to switch up the classic recipe.
Switching out the hollandaise sauce for a creamy avocado sauce
Switching out the hollandaise sauce for a creamy avocado sauce is an easy way to give Eggs Florentine a delicious twist. To make this variation, simply mash ripe avocados and mix them with garlic, salt, pepper, lime juice, and olive oil.
This mixture should be light and creamy in texture. Once the avocado sauce is ready, simply pour it over the poached eggs and enjoy. This variation adds a delicious creamy flavor to the dish, making it the perfect way to switch up the classic recipe.
Serving suggestions and pairings
Beverage options
Eggs Florentine is best accompanied by a light and refreshing beverage. Sparkling water or white wine are perfect for washing down the dish’s creamy hollandaise sauce. A light, fruity wine such as Riesling or Pinot Grigio pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of Eggs Florentine. For those who prefer a non-alcoholic option, freshly brewed herbal tea such as chamomile or peppermint is a great choice.
Side dishes
Eggs Florentine is a hearty dish that can be accompanied by a variety of side dishes. Sauteed vegetables such as mushrooms, peppers, and onions are great choices that will add some extra flavor and texture to the dish. To add some crunchy texture to the meal, serve some lightly salted roasted potatoes or sweet potato fries. For a lighter option, a fresh salad or roasted asparagus are great choices.
Conclusion
Eggs Florentine is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed any time of day. It is a nutritious option for those looking for a protein-rich meal without the excess calories and fat. Adding smoked salmon, kale, or avocado sauce are great ways to switch up the classic recipe and give it an extra boost of flavor. When served with a light and refreshing beverage, such as sparkling water or white wine, and a side dish such as roasted vegetables, Eggs Florentine makes an excellent meal for any occasion.
