Introduction:
Boiled eggs are a simple yet versatile food. They can be enjoyed as a quick snack, added to salads, or used as a key ingredient in more complex dishes. The key to a perfect boiled egg is achieving the desired level of doneness – from a runny yolk to a firm, fully cooked yolk.
**Ingredients:**
* Eggs
* Water
**Instructions:**
1. **Place Eggs in a Pot:** Put the eggs in a saucepan in a single layer.
2. **Cover with Cold Water:** Add enough cold water to cover the eggs by about an inch.
3. **Bring to a Boil:** Bring the water to a rapid boil over medium-high heat.
4. **Turn off Heat and Cover:** Once the water is boiling, turn off the heat, cover the pot with a lid, and let the eggs sit in the hot water.
5. **Set Timer:** Set a timer for the desired cooking time, depending on how you like your eggs:
* **Soft-boiled (runny yolk):** 3-4 minutes
* **Medium-boiled (slightly soft yolk):** 6-7 minutes
* **Hard-boiled (firm yolk):** 9-12 minutes
6. **Cool the Eggs:** After the timer goes off, immediately drain the hot water and rinse the eggs under cold running water until they are cool to the touch. This stops the cooking process and makes the eggs easier to peel.
7. **Peel the Eggs:** Gently tap the egg on a hard surface to crack the shell all over. Then, start peeling from the larger end, working your way around the egg.
**Methods:**
* **Gentle Boiling:** Some people prefer to keep the water at a gentle simmer rather than a full boil to prevent the eggs from cracking.
* **Steaming:** Steaming eggs is another method that some find results in easier peeling.
**Nutrition (per large egg):**
* Calories: ~78
* Protein: ~6 grams
* Fat: ~5 grams
I hope this helps you get started with making perfect boiled eggs! If you have more questions about specific recipes using boiled eggs, feel free to ask.
