Omlettes

[cardboard]

Anyone know how to make really good omlettes?

[woofgang]

Basic plain omlette

2 eggs

a lump of butter

salt and pepper if you wish

You will need a frying pan that doesn't stick about 8 inches in diameter and a pallette knife or similar tool that you can use in the pan.

Start the butter melting while you whisk the eggs together and season if you wish. Have a warm serving plate ready.

When the butter is bubbling, pour in the eggs and as the edges set, push them into the middle with your knife so that raw egg flows out to the edges and the omlette wrinkles up. If you like your omlette "baveuse"', when the top is still wet but the egg doesn't run around the pan, slide the omlette out of the side of the pan until it is half in the plate and then push the omelette so it folds as it slips onto the plate. If you like a dry omlette then cook a little longer or sit the pan very briefly under a hot grill to set it

For an unusual variation, add a little caster sugar and vanilla to the whisked eggs instead of salt and pepper and put a little warmed jam into the omlette before you serve it. probably best nto to serve this one with bacon and baked beans though

[andy hughes]

Excellent response - my only addition is the use of a proper omlette pan, which is thicker than a standard frying pan. You need a thicker base on your pan because you are cooking at high temperatures, and this will give you even heat, and prevent sticking.

[woofgang]

Dead right Andy, I forgot to mention the heavy base on the pan because both of my frying pans have heavy bases!!

[corganiser]

The methods described above are spot on. My personal favourite is a veggie omlette. I finely chop onions peppers mushrooms and tomatoes. Soften the onions in the oil/butter first, then add the other veggies for a minute or two before pouring the egg mix in. Fantastic filling and healthy meal.

[El D]

They key is to have a very hot pan before you start. You can get omellete pans which cause the mixture to pool in the centre which helps. Cook until just setting then dump a load of grated cheese in and fold over, push down and cook for another minute. simple yet delicious

[crisgal]

i was worried that there would be ridiculously complicated ways of this fab easy dish.

I agree with woofgang totally.

Just out of interest, I was taught how to make an omelette in Italy. There they tend to just break the yolks and mix gently - ie. not whisk them together. This means you get a lovely omelette with white and dark yellow patches. I don't know why but it does seem to make a difference to the flavour! Worth a try?

[purplefish]

i haven't tried it but delia smith suggests mixing a spoonful or two of cottage cheese into your eggs.