Jamie's Ministry of Food
By Jamie Oliver
10 mins
Not Too Tricky
serves 2
About the recipe
Perfect poached eggs are a real joy, and easier than you think to get right.
Recipe From
Ingredients
4 large free-range eggs
Method
- Half-fill a wide pan with boiling salted water, and bring it to a light simmer over a medium heat.
- Crack one of the eggs into a cup and gently pour it into the water in one fluid movement. Repeat with the rest of the eggs. You’ll see them begin to cook immediately – don’t worry if the edges look a little scruffy. Depending on the pan, a really soft poached egg should take around 2 minutes and a soft to firm one will need 4 minutes (it depends on the size of the eggs and whether you’re using them straight from the fridge).
- To check whether they’re done, remove one carefully from the pan with a slotted spoon and give it a gentle push with a teaspoon. If it feels too soft (use your instincts), put it back and give the eggs a minute or two more in the water to firm up.
- When they’re ready, remove them to some kitchen paper to dry off and serve with buttered toast and a sprinkle of sea salt and black pepper.
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