Egg Chops Recipe

Egg Chops are a delicious and unique dish that combines the creaminess of hard-boiled eggs with the savory flavors of chopped ham. This recipe has been enjoyed for many years and is a wonderful option for brunch, lunch, or even dinner. Let's dive into the step-by-step process of making these delectable Egg Chops.

First, let's take a look at the ingredients you'll need:
- 6 hard-boiled eggs
- 1/2 pint of finely chopped cooked ham
- 1/2 pint of milk
- 2 level tablespoonfuls of butter
- 4 level tablespoonfuls of flour
- 1 tablespoonful of chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoonful of onion juice
- 1/2 teaspoonful of salt
- 1 dash of cayenne
- 1 dash of white pepper
- Egg beaten with a tablespoonful of water
- Bread crumbs
- Deep hot fat for frying
- Tomato or brown sauce

To start, chop the hard-boiled eggs very finely and mix them together with the finely chopped cooked ham in a bowl. Next, add the chopped parsley, onion juice, and a dash of both cayenne and white pepper to the egg and ham mixture. This will add some additional flavors and enhance the overall taste of the Egg Chops.

Now, let's move on to the sauce. In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat and gradually mix in the flour to make a roux. Stir this mixture continuously until it becomes smooth and starts to thicken. Slowly add the milk and continue stirring until you achieve a thick, creamy sauce. Once the sauce has reached the desired consistency, add the salt and mix well.

Gradually incorporate the sauce into the egg, ham, and seasoning mixture. Be sure to mix everything together thoroughly, ensuring that all the ingredients are well combined. Allow the mixture to cool before moving on to the next step. This will help the Egg Chops hold their shape better during frying.

Once the mixture is cooled, it's time to form the Egg Chops. Take a portion of the mixture and mold it into a chop-like shape, similar to an ordinary mutton chop. Repeat this process with the rest of the mixture until you have several Egg Chops ready to be cooked.

Prepare a dredging station by placing beaten egg mixed with water in one shallow dish, and bread crumbs in another. Dip each Egg Chop first in the egg mixture, coating it completely, and then carefully coat it with bread crumbs. The bread crumbs will give the Egg Chops a delightful crispy exterior when fried.

Now, it's time to fry the Egg Chops. Heat the deep hot fat in a pan or deep fryer until it reaches the desired frying temperature. Carefully place the Egg Chops into the hot fat and fry them until golden brown and crispy on all sides. It's important to fry them in small batches to ensure they cook evenly.

Once the Egg Chops are fried to perfection, remove them from the hot fat and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. This will help keep the Egg Chops light and crispy.

To serve, there are a few options for sauce. You can accompany the Egg Chops with either a tangy tomato sauce or a rich brown sauce. Both options complement the flavors of the Egg Chops and add an extra layer of taste. Choose your favorite sauce or serve both for variety.

Now that you've learned how to make Egg Chops, let's explore some fun facts and additional information related to this unique dish.

Egg Chops are believed to have originated during the Victorian era in England. During this time, eggs were a staple in most households, and different ways of incorporating them into meals were explored. The combination of eggs and ham in the form of Egg Chops was an inventive and delicious way to enjoy these ingredients.

Egg Chops can be customized according to personal preferences and dietary restrictions. If you're a fan of spicy food, you can add extra cayenne pepper or even chopped chili peppers to give the Egg Chops a kick. For those who prefer a milder flavor profile, you can omit the cayenne and adjust the seasonings accordingly.

In addition, you can experiment with different types of meat or even vegetarian proteins to make Egg Chops. Some popular alternatives to ham include chopped bacon, cooked sausage, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian version. These variations can add exciting flavors and textures to the dish.

Egg Chops can be served as a main course with side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. They can also be enjoyed as a finger food at parties or brunch gatherings. The versatility of this dish makes it a crowd-pleaser and a great option for various occasions.

If you enjoy Egg Chops, you might also like similar recipes such as Scotch eggs or deviled eggs. Scotch eggs are made by wrapping hard-boiled eggs in sausage meat, coating them in breadcrumbs, and frying until golden brown. Deviled eggs involve slicing hard-boiled eggs in half, removing the yolks, mixing them with various seasonings, and refilling the egg whites. Both of these recipes share similarities with Egg Chops in terms of the use of hard-boiled eggs and creative combinations of flavors.

Now that you have the recipe and some fun information about Egg Chops, it's time to gather the ingredients and start cooking. Enjoy the process and savor the delightful taste of these crispy and flavorful Egg Chops.