🥚👩🍳 Sure, I’d be happy to explain what “Army Eggs” are, provide some historical context, detail their components, give you steps to prepare them, and estimate the time needed to make this dish.
What Are Army Eggs?
Army Eggs, also known as “Shit on a Shingle,” is a simple and budget-friendly dish that has roots in military cuisine. It consists of a creamy white sauce with chopped hard-boiled eggs, served over toast or biscuits. It’s a comfort food with a humble origin.
History:
The term “Shit on a Shingle” is believed to have originated in the U.S. military during World War II. It was a dish that could be prepared quickly and easily, using readily available ingredients. The nickname is a nod to its unappealing appearance but delicious taste, and it has been a popular comfort food ever since.
Components:
The basic components of Army Eggs include:
- Hard-boiled eggs
- White sauce (typically made from butter, flour, and milk)
- Toast or biscuits (for serving)
- Seasonings like salt, pepper, and optional additions such as parsley, chives, or even cheese for extra flavor.
Steps to Prepare Army Eggs:
Here’s how you can prepare Army Eggs:
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Boil the Eggs: Place the eggs in a saucepan, cover them with water, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for about 9-12 minutes. Then, cool the eggs in cold water, peel, and chop them.
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Make the White Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt a few tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in an equal amount of all-purpose flour to form a roux. Cook for a minute or two, then gradually whisk in milk until you have a smooth sauce. Keep stirring until it thickens, usually a few minutes.
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Combine Eggs and Sauce: Add the chopped eggs to the white sauce and mix gently. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings or herbs.
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Toast or Prepare Biscuits: Toast some bread or bake biscuits to your liking. You can use white bread, whole wheat, or any bread of your choice.
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Serve: Ladle the creamy egg mixture over the toast or biscuits. Garnish with fresh herbs or grated cheese if desired.
Preparation Time:
The time needed to prepare Army Eggs largely depends on how long it takes to boil the eggs and make the white sauce. Generally, it takes about 20-30 minutes to prepare the dish from start to finish.
So there you have it, a delicious and nostalgic dish with a rich history that can be made in a relatively short time. Enjoy your Army Eggs! 🍳🍞😋
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Army Eggs:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values):
- Serving Size: 1 serving of Army Eggs (including 2 eggs, sauce, and 2 slices of toast)
- Calories: About 350-450 calories per serving
- Protein: Approximately 15-20 grams
- Carbohydrates: Around 25-30 grams
- Fat: About 20-25 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 1-2 grams
- Sugars: 4-6 grams
- Cholesterol: Approximately 375-425 mg
- Sodium: Around 600-700 mg
Please note that these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used. It’s always a good idea to check the nutrition labels on the products you use for a more accurate assessment.
Health Information:
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Protein: Army Eggs are a good source of protein, thanks to the eggs. Protein is essential for muscle repair and overall body function.
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Moderate Calories: While the dish provides a moderate amount of calories, it can be a filling meal, making it suitable for breakfast or brunch.
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Fats: The dish contains a moderate amount of fat, largely from the eggs and the white sauce. While some fat is essential for the body, it’s essential to consume it in moderation.
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Carbohydrates: The carbohydrates mainly come from the toast or biscuits. Carbs provide energy, but it’s essential to balance your intake with your activity level.
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Cholesterol: Due to the use of eggs, Army Eggs can be relatively high in cholesterol. If you’re concerned about cholesterol, consider using egg whites or a cholesterol-free egg substitute.
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Sodium: The sodium content can vary depending on the salt added and any pre-packaged ingredients. Be cautious about the sodium intake, especially if you have hypertension or other health concerns.
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Fiber: Army Eggs typically contain a limited amount of dietary fiber. You can increase the fiber content by choosing whole-grain toast or biscuits.
As with any meal, moderation is key. If you have specific dietary requirements or health concerns, consider adjusting the recipe to suit your needs. You can make it healthier by using whole-grain bread, reducing the amount of sauce, or making other modifications to meet your dietary goals.
