Eggs A La Bonne Femme Recipe

Eggs A La Bonne Femme is a classic French dish that features a delightful combination of eggs, onions, and a rich and creamy sauce. This recipe dates back many years and has remained a popular choice for brunch or a light dinner. Let's dive into the history of this dish and learn some interesting facts before we explore the recipe itself.

History and Fun Facts:
1. The term "A La Bonne Femme" translates to "in the good woman style" or "in the homestyle." It is believed that this name was given to the dish to reflect the simple and comforting nature of the recipe.
2. This dish is often associated with French home cooking and has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their twist to the recipe.
3. Eggs A La Bonne Femme is known for its versatility. It can be served as a standalone dish, along with a side salad, or as a filling for quiches or savory tarts.
4. The combination of eggs and onions in this recipe creates a harmonious flavor profile that is both savory and slightly sweet.
5. The creamy sauce used in this dish is made with a roux, which is a combination of butter and flour cooked together to create a thickening agent for the sauce.

Now that we have delved into the history and fun facts about Eggs A La Bonne Femme, let's move on to the recipe itself!

Eggs A La Bonne Femme Recipe:

Ingredients:
- 1 Spanish or 2 Bermuda onions
- 2 level tablespoonfuls of butter
- 2 level tablespoonfuls of flour
- 1/2 pint of milk
- 6 eggs
- 1 teaspoonful of salt
- 1 saltspoonful of pepper
- 1/2 saltspoonful of grated nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to a hot temperature (around 400°F or 200°C).

2. Begin by preparing the onions. Peel and finely slice the Spanish or Bermuda onions.

3. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté them until they become soft, but not browned. This should take around 4-5 minutes.

4. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and butter mixture. Stir well to combine, ensuring all the onions are coated with flour.

5. Gradually pour in the milk while stirring continuously. This will help prevent any lumps from forming. Add salt, pepper, and grated nutmeg to enhance the flavors.

6. Continue stirring the mixture until it reaches the boiling point. Once it boils, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together.

7. While the sauce is simmering, separate the egg yolks from the whites. Set the whites aside.

8. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks until they become creamy and smooth.

9. Once the sauce has simmered for 10 minutes, remove it from the heat and gradually pour the beaten egg yolks into the sauce. Stir continuously to incorporate the yolks evenly.

10. In another bowl, beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. This step will add lightness and fluffiness to the dish.

11. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the sauce, being careful not to overmix. The goal is to keep as much air in the mixture as possible.

12. Transfer the mixture into a baking dish or casserole. Make sure the dish is greased or lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

13. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes or until the top becomes golden and the eggs are fully cooked.

14. Once the dish is cooked, remove it from the oven and serve immediately. Eggs A La Bonne Femme is best enjoyed hot and fresh.

Now that you have successfully prepared Eggs A La Bonne Femme, you can savor its delightful flavors and share this traditional French recipe with your friends and family.

Similar Recipe Dishes:
If you enjoyed Eggs A La Bonne Femme, you might also enjoy these similar recipe dishes:

1. Quiche Lorraine: A classic French dish that combines a savory egg custard with bacon, cheese, and onions in a buttery pastry crust.

2. Eggs Benedict: A popular American brunch dish consisting of a poached egg served on top of an English muffin, topped with ham or bacon, and drizzled with hollandaise sauce.

3. Shakshuka: A delicious North African and Middle Eastern dish made with poached eggs in a tomato and bell pepper sauce, seasoned with spices such as cumin, paprika, and chili flakes.

4. Omelette: A versatile dish that allows you to combine eggs with various fillings such as cheese, vegetables, meats, or herbs, creating a quick and flavorful meal.

Whether you choose to explore these similar recipe dishes or stick to the classic Eggs A La Bonne Femme, you are sure to enjoy the rich and satisfying flavors that these egg-based dishes have to offer.