Soft boiled eggs with soldiers is a British child’s classic breakfast. Brits hold this near to our heart as comfort food, long into our adult years. I’ll show you how to easily make perfect soft boiled eggs and serve them with “soldiers”.
Originally published June 22, 2012
Soft boiled eggs with soldiers continue to be popular in our household, despite the “salmonella” threat of eating eggs which aren’t thoroughly cooked. It’s not that I don’t believe that one cannot contract salmonella from eating uncooked eggs, but like anything else, if common sense is entertained, it makes a world of difference.
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For one thing, we have wonderful friends who give us fresh eggs from their own chickens, from time to time, which I even allow my son to eat completely raw (I would never allow this with an egg from the store).
You’ll have to use your own judgment whether you feel certain range free, organic eggs from a store like Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods are also safe to use for “dippy” or soft boiled eggs. However, if you have any doubts, or a weakened immune system, then it’s best not to venture into “soft boiled egg country” at all.
Now as far as the “soldiers” go–if you’re from the UK, there’s no explanation needed, but for everyone else: when soft boiled eggs are served to little ones in Britain, the toast is cut into long strips which everyone calls “soldiers,” apparently because they’re so straight.
These are used to “dip-dip” in the yolk! Soft boiled eggs with soldiers holds a special place in a Brit’s food memories. If you don’t believe me, ask any Brit, (especially ex-pats) you know.
Another delicious recipe to go with that runny egg: Fried Bread.
You’ll see my blue Butter Bell crock in the photo below. I love it as I never have to “fight” spreading my toast or bread with cold butter!
Here’s how I make perfect soft boiled eggs (or hard boiled, so they aren’t rubbery.)
Perfect Soft Boiled Eggs with Soldiers
Ingredients
- fresh, organic eggs, preferably from a local farm or home
- buttered toast, cut into “soldiers”
- salt
- (pepper)
Special equipment: egg cups
Place the eggs in a pot and cover with 1″ of cold water.
Bring to a boil over medium high heat, and as soon as the water comes to a boil, Â remove from the heat, cover the pot and let stand: 1 1/2 to 2 minutes for soft boiled (I did two minutes for large eggs) less time for smaller eggs, more for larger or 12 minutes for hard boiled eggs.
For soft boiled, remove and serve immediately in an egg cup.
Cut the top off with a knife and serve with salt. Use a small spoon to eat the remaining egg that your soldiers can’t scoop out.
Yummy, dippy egg! I still love them!
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Perfect Soft Boiled Eggs with Soldiers!
A typical British breakfast for children that we all seem to enjoy far into adulthood.
Ingredients
- 2 fresh, organic eggs, preferably from a local farm or home
- 1 slice, buttered toast, cut into "soldiers"
- salt
- (pepper)
Instructions
- Place the eggs in a pot and cover with 1" of cold water.
- Bring to a boil over medium high heat, and as soon as the water comes to a boil, remove from the heat, cover the pot and let stand: 1 1/2 to 2 minutes for soft boiled (I did two minutes for large eggs) less time for smaller eggs, more for larger or 12 minutes for hard boiled eggs.
- For soft boiled, remove and serve immediately in an egg cup with soldiers and hot tea.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
2 eggsAmount Per Serving:Calories: 350 Total Fat: 25g Cholesterol: 0mg Sodium: 0mg Carbohydrates: 16g Fiber: 0g Sugar: 0g Protein: 16g
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