Russian-style Eggs Benedict

Ingredients

While the original American Eggs Benedict features English muffins and Canadian bacon, our Russian-style adaptation replaces these ingredients with traditional Russian elements. We substitute the English muffins with blini, a thin pancake-like bread, and the Canadian bacon with smoked salmon. These changes infuse the dish with a distinct Russian flair, making it a unique and delicious breakfast option. We alse have the original recipe for Eggs Benedict, so you can check it out.

• 4 blini (Russian pancakes) 4 blini (Russian pancakes)
• 4 large eggs 4 large eggs
• 200g smoked salmon 200g smoked salmon
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• Fresh dill, for garnish Fresh dill, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 1g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Toast the blini in the oven for 5 minutes until warm.
3. 3.
   In a large pot, bring water to a gentle simmer and add the white vinegar.
4. 4.
   Crack each egg into a separate small bowl or ramekin.
5. 5.
   Create a gentle whirlpool in the simmering water and carefully slide each egg into the center of the whirlpool.
6. 6.
   Poach the eggs for 3-4 minutes until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny.
7. 7.
   Remove the poached eggs from the water using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel to drain excess water.
8. 8.
   Place a blini on each serving plate and top with a slice of smoked salmon.
9. 9.
   Carefully transfer a poached egg onto each blini and salmon.
10. 10.
    Drizzle the hollandaise sauce generously over the eggs.
11. 11.
    Garnish with fresh dill.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Blini — Ensure the blini are warmed through before assembling the dish to enhance their texture and flavor.
• Smoked salmon — Use high-quality smoked salmon for the best taste. Remove any skin or bones before placing it on the blini.
• Hollandaise sauce — If making hollandaise sauce from scratch, ensure the butter is melted slowly to prevent separation. Alternatively, use a store-bought hollandaise sauce for convenience.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve perfectly poached eggs, use fresh eggs and add a splash of vinegar to the simmering water.
• If blini are not available, you can substitute them with thin crepes or even toasted bread slices.
• For a richer flavor, add a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper to the hollandaise sauce.
• Serve with a side of fresh cucumber and tomato salad for a refreshing contrast.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute for hollandaise sauce.

Serving advice

Serve the Russian-style Eggs Benedict immediately while the poached eggs are still warm and the hollandaise sauce is velvety. Accompany it with a cup of freshly brewed Russian tea for a complete breakfast experience.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Russian-style Eggs Benedict on a plate with the blini as the base, topped with the smoked salmon and poached egg. Drizzle the hollandaise sauce over the eggs and garnish with fresh dill for an elegant touch. The vibrant colors and layers will make this dish visually appealing.