Don’t Poach Eggs Directly: The Old Nanny’s Skill for Perfect Poached Eggs

Poaching eggs can be tricky, but with this simple trick, you’ll get perfect poached eggs every time. This method, often passed down through generations, involves using a small container to help shape the egg before poaching. Here’s how to do it:

Ingredients

• Fresh eggs
• Water
• 1-2 tablespoons vinegar (optional)
• Salt (optional)

Equipment

• Small bowl or ramekin
• Slotted spoon
• Saucepan

Instructions
1. Prepare the Water

1. Fill the Saucepan: Fill a saucepan with about 3-4 inches of water. The water should be deep enough to fully submerge the eggs.
2. Heat the Water: Heat the water over medium heat until it reaches a gentle simmer. Small bubbles should form on the bottom of the pan, but the water should not be boiling.
3. Add Vinegar: Add 1-2 tablespoons of vinegar to the water. This helps the egg whites coagulate more quickly, resulting in a neater poached egg. Adding vinegar is optional but recommended.

2. Prepare the Eggs

1. Crack the Egg into a Bowl: Crack each egg into a small bowl or ramekin. This helps ensure the yolk stays intact and makes it easier to slide the egg into the water.
2. Check for Freshness: Fresh eggs will hold together better. If the egg whites spread out too much, it’s a sign that the egg is not very fresh.

3. Poach the Eggs

1. Create a Whirlpool (Optional): For a more compact poached egg, use a spoon to stir the water in the saucepan to create a gentle whirlpool. This helps the egg white wrap around the yolk more tightly.
2. Slide the Egg into the Water: Carefully slide the egg from the bowl into the center of the whirlpool or directly into the simmering water if not using the whirlpool method.
3. Poach the Egg: Let the egg cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes, or until the whites are set and the yolk is done to your liking. For a runny yolk, aim for 3 minutes; for a firmer yolk, cook for 4-5 minutes.
4. Remove the Egg: Use a slotted spoon to gently lift the poached egg out of the water. Allow any excess water to drain off.