Hard-boiled eggs are a fantastic and versatile ingredient that can be incorporated into a wide array of healthy and delicious recipes. Whether you're looking for a quick snack, a protein-packed breakfast, or a satisfying lunch or dinner option, hard-boiled eggs are a convenient and nutritious choice. They're also a great way to use up leftover Easter eggs! This article will explore various creative and healthy ways to enjoy hard-boiled eggs, from classic deviled eggs to innovative salads and sandwiches.
Perfecting the Hard-Boiled Egg
Before diving into recipes, let's ensure you know how to cook the perfect hard-boiled egg. For easier peeling, use eggs that are at least 7 days old or more for hard-boiling. To test how old your eggs are, do the water test. Fresh eggs have less air, so they will lay flat on the bottom of the glass of water. As the eggs age, they lose moisture, creating air pockets as the egg shrinks ever so slightly away from the membrane.
One method involves placing eggs (at room temperature) in a pot and filling with water, about ½ inch above the eggs. Pour 2 tablespoons vinegar. Let boil on a medium heat for 8 to 9 mins if using old eggs and for 12 to 14 mins if using farm fresh eggs. Remove the eggs, drain the hot water. Fill the pot with cold water and place the eggs.
Another method is to pierce a tiny hole at the top of the big end of the eggs, then lower into boiling water. Boil for 30 seconds, then reduce to the lowest stove setting for a very gentle simmer. Cover and let simmer (not rolling bubbles) for 13 minutes. Transfer eggs to an ice bath and allow to cool for at least 15 minutes. This helps to prevent the green ring from forming around the yolk and makes peeling easier.
To reduce the smell of hard-boiled eggs, add a tablespoon or two of white vinegar to the egg cooking water.
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Deviled Eggs: A Classic with a Healthy Twist
Deviled eggs are a timeless favorite, perfect as a bite-sized snack or appetizer. They are perfectly portioned and can be whipped up in less than 5 minutes. The classic recipe typically involves mixing the yolks with mayonnaise and mustard, but there are ways to make them healthier and even more flavorful.
Secretly Healthy Deviled Eggs Recipe
Here's a recipe for "Secretly Healthy Deviled Eggs" that incorporates some unexpected ingredients for a nutritional boost:
Ingredients:
- Eggs: Buy the best eggs you can afford. If possible, use pasture-raised eggs for nutrient-dense yolks.
- Veganaise: An egg-free, vegan version of mayo.
- Fermented Pickle Relish: Use a heaping tablespoon of fermented pickle relish because it contains naturally occurring probiotics (just like fermented yogurt).
- Dijon Mustard: Dijon makes them taste much more gourmet.
- Toppings: A sprinkle of paprika is traditional for that pretty red color. A very thin slice of fresh jalapeno and a few chives for a pretty appetizer and awesome flavor.
Instructions:
- Perfect easy-to-peel hard-boiled eggs: Pierce a tiny hole at the top of the big end of the eggs, then lower into boiling water. Boil for 30 seconds, then reduce to the lowest stove setting for a very gentle simmer. Cover and let simmer (not rolling bubbles) for 13 minutes. Transfer eggs to an ice bath and allow to cool for at least 15 minutes.
- While the eggs cook, prepare the filling.
- Peel cold eggs. Dry them off if needed.
- Using a sharp knife, cut a very small slice off of the long side of each side of the egg to allow them to stand up and not roll on your plate.
- Cut in half lengthwise and gently remove the yolks to the bowl of filling.
- Using a fork, mash the yolks with the other filling ingredients into a uniform mixture. Adjust seasonings if needed.
- Transfer mixture to a piping bag. Do not use a piping tip as the relish will get stuck.
- Evenly fill each egg white with about 1 1/2 teaspoons.
- Dust the tops with paprika and/or garnish with thin jalapeño slices and chives.
- Refrigerate until 15 minutes before serving.
Egg Salad: Beyond the Basics
Egg salad is another classic that can be transformed into a healthy and satisfying meal. The key is to reduce the amount of mayonnaise and incorporate fresh herbs and other flavorful ingredients.
Healthy Egg Salad Recipe
This recipe uses Greek yogurt and avocado oil mayo to lighten things up while still delivering a creamy and delicious result.
Ingredients:
- Hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- Greek yogurt (2% fat or higher)
- Avocado oil mayo
- Red onion, finely chopped
- Fresh dill, chopped
- Dijon mustard
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Gather cooked, cooled, and peeled eggs, dill, and red onion.
- Add all chopped ingredients along with yogurt, mayo, mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.
- Stir the salad and chill for a few hours or overnight for the best flavor.
Variations:
- Add celery or pickles for extra crunch and flavor.
- Incorporate more yogurt or avocado for added creaminess.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with brown rice crackers as a dip.
- In lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
- As a sandwich filling on whole-grain bread.
Arabic Inspired Egg Salad
This recipe uses labneh instead of mayo.
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Ingredients:
- 8 Eggs, chopped hard-boiled
- Labneh
- Shatta
- Olive oil
- Za'atar
- Salt and pepper to your liking
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix together the labneh, shatta, olive oil, and za'atar.
- Add the chopped boil eggs to it.
- Season with salt and pepper to your liking and stir together.
Mayo-Free Boiled Egg Salad
This recipe skips the mayo completely.
Ingredients:
- Onions
- Shallots or green onions
- Fresh herbs - coriander leaves / cilantro, chives or parsley
- Garlic
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Green chilies
- Olive oil or avocado oil
Instructions:
- Rinse and chop onions and cabbage. Add 1 tsp lemon juice and set aside until the eggs are done boiling. This step is optional. Adding lemon juice removes the pungency of onions and strong smell from cabbage.
- Add them to a mixing bowl with grated carrots and chili. Give a good mix. Cube the eggs to desired sizes. I do not chop very small, as my kids don’t like mushy yolk in this egg salad.
- Layer rest of the veggies and the eggs. Add chopped coriander leaves or parsley. Sprinkle a bit more of pepper and extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil.
- Cover the bowl and gently toss the salad. Delicious and healthy boiled egg salad is ready.
Hard-Boiled Eggs in Salads: Adding Protein and Flavor
Hard-boiled eggs are a fantastic addition to various salads, providing a boost of protein and a creamy texture.
Cobb Salad
The all American salad Cobb Salad is a personal favorite. Chicken breast, bacon, tomatoes, all the components of a classic Cobb.
Chef Salad
This Chef Salad recipe is a super basic template for a salad of crisp veggies, deli meats and cheeses, and of course, hard boiled eggs.
Niçoise Salad
This vegetarian version of the classic French Niçoise Salad is a perfect use of hard-boiled eggs, especially if you're looking for something that isn't egg salad.
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Other Salad Options
You can add hard boiled eggs to so many different salads, including breakfast salads and potato salad.
Lunch Recipes with Hard-Boiled Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are underrated when it comes to turning them into lunch meals!
Mediterranean Egg Salad
Egg salad doesn't have to be creamy and full of mayo! This Mediterranean egg salad is loaded with chickpeas, cucumbers, cabbage and fresh herbs.
Tuna Egg Salad
This is one of my favorites if I'm looking for a protein packed lunch salad. Not too much tuna, not too much egg.
Hard Boiled Egg and Avocado Bowl
It's quick and easy, plus no further cooking needed if you've already got those hard-boiled eggs.
Other Creative Uses for Hard-Boiled Eggs
- Egg Sandwiches: Layer sliced hard-boiled eggs on toast with your favorite toppings.
- Punjabi Egg Curry: Eggs are such a versatile protein. As demonstrated by this Punjabi Egg Curry from north India.
- Pasta Salad: Loaded with celery, olives, pickles and red onion, it's got all the flavors of deviled eggs, but in pasta salad form!
- Adult Lunchables: Pairing those leftover HBEs with some fingers foods to make adult lunchables.
- Potato Salad: Add a little protein (like HBEs!), and it can actually be quite a filling lunch.
Storage Tips
Hard-boiled eggs can be stored peeled or unpeeled and will last the same amount of time either way. Many sources say it’s best to leave them unpeeled until you’re about to eat them. Boiled eggs are unsafe at room temperature after 2 hours. According to The American Egg Board, it is not recommended to freeze hard-boiled eggs or egg whites because they become tough and watery when frozen.