Uova alla coque

Soft-boiled eggs are a simple and classic dish for breakfast or a light appetizer.

Ingredients

  • Eggs (the number depends on the diners)
  • Water (enough to cover the eggs)

Preparation

  1. Bring a pot of water to a boil, enough to cover the eggs.
  2. Once the water is boiling, using a spoon, gently place the eggs in the water.
  3. Let the eggs cook for 3-4 minutes for soft-boiled eggs with a still liquid yolk. If you prefer a firmer yolk, you can leave them for an extra minute or two, but be careful not to exceed 6 minutes to maintain the characteristic of soft-boiled eggs.
  4. Once the desired cooking time is reached, remove the eggs from the water with a spoon and place them immediately in an egg cup or holder.
  5. Crack the top of the egg with a pointed knife or an egg topper and serve immediately.

Soft-boiled eggs are typically accompanied by mouillettes, which are buttered strips of toasted bread for dipping into the soft yolk.

Curiosity

“Coque” comes from French and means shell, and indeed “uova alla coque” refers to those served in their own shell after a very brief cooking. It is a beloved breakfast dish in many parts of Europe, especially in France and the United Kingdom.