Poached Eggs with Sautéed Spinach
A simple, elegant breakfast of perfectly poached eggs served on a bed of tender, garlicky sautéed spinach. A healthy and satisfying way to start your day, ready in minutes.
For 4 servings
Prepare the poaching water.
Fill a wide, deep pan with about 3-4 inches of water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, not a rolling boil. Add the white vinegar to the water.
TIPThe vinegar helps the egg whites set faster and hold their shape. Don't worry, your eggs won't taste like vinegar.Sauté the spinach.
- While the water heats, melt ghee in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add the fresh spinach in batches, tossing until it wilts down completely.
- Season with a pinch of salt and remove from heat. Cover to keep warm.
TIPDon't overcrowd the pan with spinach. Add it in handfuls, letting each batch wilt before adding the next.Prepare the eggs for poaching.
Crack each egg into a small, separate bowl or ramekin. This makes it easier to gently slide them into the water without breaking the yolk.
Poach the eggs.
- Gently stir the simmering water to create a slow vortex.
- Carefully slide one egg at a time into the center of the vortex.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes for a runny yolk and set whites.
- Using a slotted spoon, carefully lift each egg out of the water, letting excess water drain off.
TIPPoach in batches of two to avoid overcrowding the pan and lowering the water temperature.Assemble and serve.
Divide the sautéed spinach among four plates. Place two poached eggs on top of each bed of spinach. Season with a pinch of freshly ground black pepper and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use the freshest eggs you can find. The whites will be tighter and hold together better during poaching.
- 2Maintain a gentle simmer for the poaching water. A rolling boil will break the eggs apart.
- 3Don't salt the poaching water, as it can cause the egg whites to become wispy.
- 4To check for doneness, gently nudge an egg with a spoon. The white should feel firm while the yolk remains soft.
- 5If you're making this for a crowd, you can poach the eggs ahead of time and store them in a bowl of ice water. Reheat by briefly dipping them in hot water before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
Dairy free
Replace the ghee with an equal amount of olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
spicySpicy
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the spinach along with the garlic for a little kick of heat.
healthyHealthy
For extra nutrients, add a handful of chopped mushrooms or bell peppers to sauté with the spinach.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Protein
Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, and helps keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Spinach is a powerhouse of nutrients, including iron, calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, and K, supporting bone health and immune function.
Supports Eye Health
Both egg yolks and spinach contain lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that are beneficial for maintaining good vision and protecting against age-related eye diseases.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this is a very healthy dish. It's packed with protein from the eggs and loaded with vitamins and minerals like iron and Vitamin K from the spinach. It's a low-carb, nutrient-dense meal.