Monday, October 26, 2009

The Best Seasoning For Scrambled Eggs

Scrambled eggs are a healthy option of any meal of the day.


Scrambled eggs are a versatile dish with many possible variations. You can season scrambled eggs with herbs, peppers, meats and cheeses to create a meal that is perfect for breakfast or any other time of day. Eggs are packed with healthy protein and are low in fat, so a serving of scrambled eggs makes a great entree for breakfast, lunch or dinner.


Seasoning Eggs with Peppers


Salsa is an excellent garnish for scrambled eggs and can add just a touch of heat to the dish.


Scrambled eggs taste great when given a spicy kick, and the best way to do so is with peppers. Cayenne pepper, or red pepper, is a good option for the spice lover. Cayenne pepper is found in the spice aisle of the grocery store, and it is typically inexpensive. Sprinkle a small amount in the eggs while they are cooking in the pan, or sprinkle on top of the finished eggs on the plate. Remember that cayenne pepper is very strong, and just a half-teaspoon adds a lot of spice. Another pepper that is commonly used to spice eggs is ground black pepper. Paired with a dash of salt, fresh ground black pepper adds an earthy taste to scrambled eggs. For other spicy options, try diced jalapeño peppers or a tablespoon of salsa on the side of scrambled eggs.


Herbs in Scrambled Eggs


Fresh or jarred herbs are excellent options for seasoning scrambled eggs. Using herbs from similar families ensures success when seasoning any food, including eggs. For example, thyme and oregano complement each other well for an Italian kick. Rosemary and ginger work perfectly together and add an Asian flair, with a hint or bitterness and a hint of sweetness. Fresh or ground basil is also an excellent seasoning for scrambled eggs. Mix in the herb with the eggs while they cook, or garnish the top or side of the finished eggs with chopped basil. When using basil, sliced or diced tomatoes complement the strong taste and add a bit of sweetness.


Meat and Cheese in Scrambled Eggs


Adding cheeses provides enhanced flavor and texture to scrambled eggs.


Many people prefer to season their scrambled eggs with various meats and cheeses. Choose breakfast meats such as chopped bacon, sausage or ham to spice up scrambled eggs and add even more protein. Remember that breakfast meats tend to be high in sodium, so extra salt may not be necessary when adding meats to scrambled eggs. Similarly, cheeses add a salty punch to scrambled eggs, and a melted texture that is pleasing to the tongue. Try shredded cheeses such as mozzarella, cheddar or asiago, or sliced American cheese, which melts easily in scrambled eggs and omelets. Like meats, cheeses also contain sodium, so taste before adding salt to the eggs to avoid over-seasoning.








Seasoning with Fresh Vegetables


Create a healthy dish full of fiber and protein by seasoning scrambled eggs with fresh vegetables. Chopped bell peppers, onions and mushrooms are good options to create a garden dish full of color and healthy antioxidants. Spinach is another vegetable that works well in omelets and scrambled eggs. Saute or steam the spinach first, then scramble it in with the eggs for a delicious and colorful entree. Fresh tomatoes diced in small squares add a sweet taste to eggs, and are delicious when paired with earthy herbs. Some cooks even like to mix a fresh salsa into the pan while scrambling eggs to add both vegetables and spice to the mix without having to prep too many ingredients.

Tags: scrambled eggs, scrambled eggs, eggs with, meats cheeses, scrambled eggs with, seasoning scrambled eggs, black pepper