Pesto eggs, a delightful combination of classic Italian flavors and breakfast essentials, are here to revolutionize your morning meals. This simple yet decadent dish, brought to the limelight by Amy Wilichowski on TikTok, has been making waves among food enthusiasts worldwide for its rich flavors and simplistic preparation.
A Culinary Crossover: What are Pesto Eggs?
Pesto eggs are a delightful fusion of two beloved food components: eggs and pesto. The novelty lies in its simplicity. You take a spoon or two of pesto, heat it in a pan, and then add the eggs. The eggs cook in the fragrant basil and pine nut-infused oil, absorbing all the delightful flavors that pesto has to offer.
The Pesto Eggs Phenomenon on TikTok
The popularity of pesto eggs skyrocketed when Amy Wilichowski shared her favorite egg-preparation method on TikTok. The simplicity and flavor-packed method quickly went viral, introducing food enthusiasts worldwide to the magic of pesto eggs.
The Taste Profile: What to Expect?
For those who appreciate the unique flavors of pesto, pesto eggs are a treat to the palate. The dish offers a refreshing burst of basil, the robust taste of garlic, the cheesy goodness of parmesan, the richness of olive oil, and the nutty undertones of toasted pine nuts. When these flavors fuse with the creaminess of a well-cooked egg, topped off with a sprinkle of sea salt and chili flakes, you get a breakfast dish that is nothing short of heavenly.
Essential Ingredients for Pesto Eggs
The core ingredients of pesto eggs are, as the name suggests, pesto and eggs. But if you wish to elevate the dish, consider serving it on a toasted slice of sourdough bread, topped with ricotta and avocado. Finish it off with a drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of chili flakes, and sea salt for the perfect breakfast plate.
Purchasing Pesto: Where to Look?
Pesto can typically be found in the refrigerated section of your local grocery store, near the fresh pasta. However, if it’s not available, fear not. Making fresh pesto at home is relatively straightforward and, in many cases, far more flavorful.
Making Fresh Pesto: A Quick Guide
Here’s a simple guide to making fresh pesto at home:
- 1 large bunch of basil
- 2-3 cloves of garlic
- 1/3 cup toasted pine nuts
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pulse the basil, garlic, pine nuts, and parmesan in a food processor. Gradually stream in the olive oil until the pesto is well-blended. Taste and season with salt and pepper as required. Once prepared, the pesto can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
How to Cook Pesto Eggs
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to cooking pesto eggs:
- Heat a couple of tablespoons of pesto in a non-stick skillet, allowing the oil to heat up.
- Crack an egg or two into the hot pesto.
- Allow the egg to cook at a low heat until it reaches your preferred level of doneness. Be careful not to turn the heat too high, as it can cause the pesto to burn.
- Serve the eggs sprinkled with chili flakes and flaky sea salt. Enjoy!
Perfecting Sunny Side Up Eggs
If you prefer sunny side up eggs, controlling the temperature is key. Allow the eggs to reach room temperature before cooking. Crack the egg into a small bowl to keep the yolk intact. Heat a pan over medium heat and add some oil. Once the oil is hot, gently pour the egg into the pan. The egg whites should turn opaque immediately. Turn down the heat and let the egg whites solidify before transferring the egg onto a plate.
Tips for the Best Pesto Eggs
Here are a few tips to maximize your pesto eggs experience:
- Keep the heat low to prevent the pesto from burning.
- Homemade pesto, if you have the time, can elevate the flavor of the dish significantly.
- Try scrambled eggs instead of sunny side up for a different texture.
Serving Suggestions
Pesto eggs can be served in several ways:
- As a standalone dish
- On toast
- In breakfast sandwiches
- In breakfast bowls
- On pasta
- On instant noodles
- With rice
- In a tortilla
More Pesto Delights
If you’re a fan of pesto, here are some other pesto-inspired dishes to try:
- Homemade macadamia pesto penne
- Everything bagel pesto udon
- Pesto cauliflower gnocchi
Nutrition Facts
Here is a quick overview of the nutritional content of pesto eggs per serving:
- Calories: 130 (Calories from Fat: 98)
- Fat: 10.9g (17% of Daily Value)
- Saturated Fat: 2.6g (16% of Daily Value)
- Cholesterol: 167mg (56% of Daily Value)
- Sodium: 157mg (7% of Daily Value)
- Potassium: 59mg (2% of Daily Value)
- Carbohydrates: 1.3g (0% of Daily Value)
- Fiber: 0.3g (1% of Daily Value)
- Sugar: 1.3g (1% of Daily Value)
- Protein: 7g (14% of Daily Value)
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.