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Fried Eggs on Rye with Soft Cheese and Pea Shoots

Crisp-edged fried eggs with runny yolks on dark rye toast spread with light soft cheese and a tangle of fresh pea shoots. 21g of protein and ready in 15 minutes, a simple, satisfying breakfast.

Breakfast

15

Serves 2 (2 slices each)

Two sunny-side-up fried eggs with golden runny yolks and cracked black pepper on dark rye toast spread with soft cheese and pea shoots

Ingredients

  • 4 medium eggs (US large)
  • 4 thin slices dark rye or wholegrain bread (about 35g/1¼oz each)
  • 60g/2oz/¼ cup light soft cheese (light cream cheese; most are vegetarian, but check the label)
  • 2 tsp (10ml) olive or rapeseed (canola) oil
  • 20g/a large handful pea shoots or watercress
  • Freshly ground black pepper, a pinch of salt and a pinch of chilli flakes (optional)

Method

  1. Toast the bread until crisp, then spread each slice with the soft cheese and top with the pea shoots.
  2. Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan over a medium to medium-high heat. Crack in the eggs, leaving space between them, and cook for 2 minutes until the edges turn crisp and golden.
  3. Cover the pan with a lid (or a large plate) and cook for 1 to 2 minutes more, until the whites are completely set, with no clear, runny white left around the yolk. For a firm yolk, cook for 2 to 3 minutes longer.
  4. Lift one egg onto each slice of toast. Season with black pepper, a small pinch of salt and the chilli flakes, if using, and eat straight away, 2 slices each.
  5. In the UK, runny yolks are considered safe for pregnant women, young children and older people only with British Lion eggs; elsewhere, use pasteurised eggs or cook until the yolk is firm.

Why it works

Two slices give you about 21g of protein for 403 calories. The protein comes mostly from the eggs, and dark rye bread adds fibre and a slower release of energy than white bread.

How to get crispy edges and a runny yolk. Use a medium to medium-high heat: hot enough for the edges to turn lacy and golden, but not so fierce that the base burns before the white sets. A lid traps the steam so the top of the white sets without flipping the egg.

Why rye. Dark rye bread usually contains more fibre than white or standard brown bread, and its dense texture holds up well under a soft yolk. Wholegrain sourdough works too.

Pea shoots. These tender young pea plants add a fresh, sweet crunch and some vitamin C. Peppery watercress or rocket make good alternatives.

Not tagged for blood sugar, because the bread brings most of the 32g of carbohydrate. Contains egg, milk and gluten (rye, and usually wheat). For other egg breakfasts, try the cottage cheese scrambled eggs on rye or the avocado toast with jammy egg.