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Vegetarian, European

Portuguese style poached eggs with peas

Portuguese style poached eggs with peas is a complete dinner for 4, ready in 30 minutes, very easy to make, for €1.80 per serving. Peas simmer with onion, garlic, and cilantro, then eggs poach right in the pan. The key is runny yolks and grilled bread for dipping.

A quick, comforting dinner, peas simmered with onion and cilantro, with eggs that poach right on top.

Portuguese style poached eggs with peas
Total time
30 min
Difficulty
Very easy
Cost per person
€1.80
Calories per person
610 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach
Season
Spring, Summer
The kids
They generally like it

This dish pairs sweet, onion softened peas with a runny yolk that spreads into everything once you break it. Fresh cilantro adds a bright note that lifts the whole pan, and grilled bread is there to scoop up every last bit of sauce.

It's the kind of weeknight dinner you make when the fridge looks empty, since frozen peas and eggs are almost always on hand. Kids love dipping bread into the runny yolk, and everyone can go back for more without much effort.

The ingredients

4 people

Frozen foods

  • Frozen peas 600 g

Fruits and vegetables

  • Onion 1
  • Garlic 2 cloves
  • Fresh cilantro 1 bunch

Dairy

  • Eggs 8

Bakery

  • Country bread 8 slices

Pantry

  • Olive oiloften in the pantry 4 tbsp
  • Saltoften in the pantry 1 pinch
  • Pepperoften in the pantry 1 pinch

Allergens Eggs, Gluten

The step by step recipe

  1. Finely chop the onion and garlic and cook them gently in the olive oil until translucent. 8 min

    A well softened onion gives natural sweetness without adding sugar.

  2. Add the peas, half a glass of water, salt and pepper, and let simmer covered. 12 min

    Frozen peas need little cooking, don't overdo it if you want to keep their bright color.

  3. Meanwhile, toast the bread. 3 min

    Lightly toasted country bread holds up better when dipped into the peas.

  4. Make eight small wells in the peas and crack an egg into each one, cover and let poach. 5 min

    Take the pan off the heat as soon as the whites are set but the yolks still wobble.

  5. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve with the toasted bread.

    Keep some raw cilantro aside for freshness, cooking dulls its flavor.

Our tips to get it right

  • Use a wide skillet rather than a narrow pot, all eight eggs need their own little space to poach without running into each other.
  • Taste the peas before adding the eggs, that's your last chance to adjust the salt without risking a broken yolk.
  • If you're unsure about doneness, watch the whites, they should look fully opaque while the yolks still look a bit lighter in the center.

The variations

  • Swap the cilantro for flat leaf parsley if you're not a fan, the dish stays just as flavorful.
  • Add a few diced pieces of mild chorizo with the onion for a heartier version, best saved for the adults at the table.
  • For kids in a hurry, serve the poached eggs separately on buttered toast and keep the peas as a simple side.

What to serve it with

  • A simple green salad
  • A glass of sparkling lemon water
  • Shaved sheep's milk cheese

Storage

Cooked peas keep for 2 days in the fridge in a sealed container, but poach the eggs just before serving since they don't hold up well. Reheat the peas gently in a skillet before poaching fresh eggs in them.

Questions about this dish

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Yes, as long as they're already shelled and tender. Plan for a slightly longer cooking time so they soften before you poach the eggs in them.

How do I make sure the eggs poach well in the peas?

Shape clear wells and crack each egg into a cup before pouring it in, this keeps the whites from spreading everywhere. Cover the pan so steam cooks the tops of the eggs.

Can I make the pea base ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the onion and peas a few hours ahead and reheat gently when you're ready to poach the eggs. Add the fresh cilantro only right before serving.

Does this work for kids who don't like runny yolks?

Just let the eggs poach a minute or two longer for a firmer yolk. The rest of the recipe stays the same.

How long does it take to make Portuguese style poached eggs with peas, served with bread?

Count 30 min in total, prep and cooking included. The recipe is rated “very easy”.

How many calories are in Portuguese style poached eggs with peas, served with bread?

About 610 kcal per serving, for a recipe meant for 4 people. Calories are calculated by Kiloach, your weight coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.

How much does Portuguese style poached eggs with peas, served with bread cost?

About €1.80 per serving, or €7.20 for 4 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

This recipe contains eggs, gluten. Always check the labels of the products you buy.

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