A vegetarian rendition of a brunch classic that you won’t want to miss, with creamy sliced avocado, sautéed spinach, and an easy blender Hollandaise sauce. Toast up whole-grain English muffins for a weekend home run that the entire family will enjoy!
A classic Eggs Benedict is a brunch staple, but if you’re looking for a lighter option or don’t eat meat, don’t worry. We’re happy to share a simple, vegetable-packed version with you today.
The base is essential for crafting a fantastic vegetable Benedict, and we’re using Dave’s Killer Bread Rockin’ Grains English muffins. They’re robust but tender, and can hold all of the toppings, eggs, and sauce.
How Do I Make a Veggie Benedict?
First up: practice your egg poaching skills! If you haven’t poached eggs before, it’s not hard; we promise. Check out our tutorial, and just know that you may mess up one or two, but they’ll still taste great.
- SIMPLY TEAM TIP! Crack your eggs into a little dish before you spoon them into your almost-boiling water to avoid the possibility of getting shells in your water.
Beyond the eggs, we love sliced avocados for their creamy texture, and sautéed spinach is a dream piled high on multigrain English muffins. Do make sure you add your avocado before the spinach to ensure your English muffins stay crispy.
Any Quick Tips for Making Great Hollandaise Sauce?
Despite its reputation for being difficult to create, Hollandaise sauce is actually quite simple. If you want to reduce your dish load, we recommend utilizing an immersion blender.
It’s important to note that hollandaise sauce is technically an emulsion, so there’s always the possibility that it will split or shatter. Slowly stream your hot butter into the mixture, and you’ll be fine.
If your sauce breaks or separates, simply add 1 to 2 tablespoons of boiling hot water and blend until the consistency is smooth.
What Other Toppings Could I Use?
Of course, while this recipe features avocado and spinach, you can get creative with your bennies! Mushrooms and sautéed leeks are wonderful or you could go a Mediterranean route with olive tapenade, sun-dried tomatoes, and arugula.
Want to celebrate fall? Try laying some cubes of roasted squash on top of your Dave’s Killer Bread English muffins instead. The choices are endless! Experiment, and share with us any versions you’re making and loving at home.
Vegetarian Eggs Benedict with Spinach and Avocado
Ingredients
For the Quick Blender Hollandaise Sauce:
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Pinch cayenne pepper
- 8 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
For the Eggs Benedict:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 5 ounces baby spinach
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Pinch salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 Dave’s Killer Bread Rockin’ Grains English muffins
- 1 avocado, thinly sliced
- Chopped scallions, for garnish, optional
Method
Add egg yolks, lemon juice, salt, and cayenne to a blender or food processor and pulse until combined. The mixture should be frothy and light yellow in color. Slowly drizzle in the butter and continue to run the blender until the sauce thickens.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and warm until shimmering. Add the spinach and sauté until it wilts and cooks down, about 2 to 3 minutes. Then add the garlic and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Keep spinach warm over very low heat until serving.
Bring a large pot with a few inches of water to a slight simmer. Add a dash of vinegar (like apple cider vinegar) to the pot.
Swirl the water with a spoon and gently roll in the cracked eggs.
Let eggs poach in not-quite-boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the whites of the eggs are set and the centers are still soft. Remove the eggs with a slotted spoon and let them drain on a few paper towels.
Toast the English muffins. Blend the hollandaise sauce one final time to smooth it out.
Top English muffins with sliced avocado, then spinach, and finally a poached egg. Right before serving, spoon hollandaise sauce over each Benedict and sprinkle with minced scallions.
Conclusion
Vegetarian Eggs Benedict with Spinach and Avocado offers a delicious and satisfying twist on the classic breakfast favorite, providing a meat-free alternative without compromising on flavor and indulgence.
The sautéed spinach and creamy avocado bring a delightful combination of textures and nutritional benefits to the dish, complemented by perfectly poached eggs and velvety hollandaise sauce. The marriage of these elements creates a harmonious and visually appealing plate that is not only suitable for vegetarians but also a delightful option for anyone seeking a lighter and more plant-based version of the traditional Eggs Benedict.
This vegetarian rendition showcases the versatility of the classic dish, proving that with thoughtful ingredient substitutions, one can create a delicious and wholesome meal that caters to different dietary preferences. Whether served for brunch or a special breakfast occasion, Vegetarian Eggs Benedict with Spinach and Avocado is a testament to the creativity and adaptability within the realm of vegetarian cuisine.
FAQ
1. What is Vegetarian Eggs Benedict with Spinach and Avocado?
- Vegetarian Eggs Benedict with Spinach and Avocado is a meat-free version of the classic Eggs Benedict dish. Instead of Canadian bacon or ham, it features sautéed spinach and slices of creamy avocado on a toasted English muffin, topped with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce.
2. How is the spinach prepared in Vegetarian Eggs Benedict?
- The spinach is typically sautéed with garlic and olive oil until wilted. This adds a savory and aromatic element to the dish, providing a flavorful and nutritious alternative to traditional meat toppings.
3. Can the eggs be poached in advance for Vegetarian Eggs Benedict?
- While it’s ideal to poach the eggs just before serving for the perfect runny yolk, you can poach them in advance and store them in cold water. When ready to serve, reheat the poached eggs in warm water for a short time, ensuring they maintain their desired consistency.
4. Can other vegetables be added to enhance the dish?
- Absolutely! Vegetarian Eggs Benedict is versatile, and additional vegetables like roasted tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or steamed asparagus can be incorporated to add more variety, flavors, and textures to the dish.
5. How can the hollandaise sauce be customized for a vegetarian version?
- The hollandaise sauce in Vegetarian Eggs Benedict can be made vegetarian by omitting the traditional meat-based stock. Instead, use vegetable stock or simply rely on the rich combination of egg yolks, lemon juice, and melted butter for a luxurious and flavorful sauce.
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