Caviar Egg Salad Appetizer
Description
A splendidly extravagant way to bring the year to a close and to welcome the New Year with elegance and flavor! This recipe harks back to New Year 2011, when stuffed eggs were crafted with wasabi caviar. In this rendition, beautifully peeled hard-boiled eggs are mixed with minimal mayonnaise and a touch of horseradish mustard, offering a luxurious taste profile that’s perfect for any festive gathering.
Recipe Category
Spreads
Keywords
- Christmas
- < 30 Minutes
- For Large Groups
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons red caviar
- 4 tablespoons black caviar
- 8 hard-boiled eggs
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 122
- Fat Content: 8.9g
- Saturated Fat Content: 1.9g
- Cholesterol Content: 179.6mg
- Sodium Content: 322.6mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 4.1g
- Fiber Content: 0.1g
- Sugar Content: 1.3g
- Protein Content: 6.8g
Ratings
- Aggregated Rating: 5 stars
- Review Count: 5
Servings and Yield
- Recipe Servings: 16
- Recipe Yield: 1 appetizer shared by many
Instructions
-
Preparation:
Begin by finely chopping one onion and setting it aside. Hard-boil eight eggs, allow them to cool, and peel them meticulously. -
Mixing:
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the chopped onion, mayonnaise, and a pinch of pepper with the yolks of the hard-boiled eggs. Mash the mixture until it achieves a creamy consistency. -
Mounding:
Arrange the mixture onto a festive plate, forming a mound in the center. This will serve as the base for your caviar presentation. -
Caviar Topping:
Carefully spread the red caviar over one half of the mound and the black caviar over the other half, creating a visually striking contrast that will delight your guests. -
Serving:
Surround the mound with an array of toast points, ensuring there are enough for all guests. Present with a plastic or porcelain spreader, as metals should not come into contact with the caviar to avoid any adverse reactions. -
Final Touch:
Serve immediately, allowing guests to savor the luxurious flavors of the caviar egg salad.
Additional Tips and Variations
1. Ingredient Substitutions:
- Mayonnaise Alternatives: For a lighter version, substitute with Greek yogurt or a mixture of yogurt and low-fat mayonnaise.
- Horseradish Mustard: If unavailable, combine regular mustard with a dash of horseradish sauce to taste.
2. Presentation Enhancements:
- Garnishes: Add a sprinkle of finely chopped chives or dill for added color and flavor.
- Edible Flowers: Decorate the plate with edible flowers to elevate the visual appeal.
3. Flavor Adjustments:
- Spices: Introduce a dash of paprika or a few drops of hot sauce to the egg mixture for a subtle kick.
- Additional Veggies: Incorporate finely diced bell peppers or celery for added crunch and freshness.
4. Serving Suggestions:
- Crackers: Offer an assortment of crackers as an alternative to toast points.
- Champagne Pairing: Serve with a chilled bottle of champagne or sparkling wine to complement the richness of the caviar.
Historical and Cultural Context
1. The Luxurious Appeal of Caviar:
Caviar, known for its association with luxury and indulgence, has been enjoyed for centuries by royalty and the elite. Its inclusion in this appetizer not only elevates the dish but also pays homage to a time-honored tradition of opulent dining.
2. Celebratory Occasions:
This recipe is particularly well-suited for festive occasions such as New Year’s Eve, where it can be served as a sophisticated starter, setting the tone for an evening of celebration and refinement.
3. Culinary Techniques:
The technique of combining finely chopped ingredients with creamy elements (like mayonnaise) and topping with high-end ingredients (such as caviar) exemplifies the blend of texture and flavor that is characteristic of gourmet spreads and appetizers.
Detailed Nutritional Analysis
1. Balanced Profile:
This caviar egg salad appetizer offers a balanced nutritional profile, with a moderate calorie count and a good mix of proteins and fats, making it a satiating option that doesn’t overwhelm the palate.
2. Health Considerations:
- Cholesterol: While the cholesterol content is high due to the eggs, this dish can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- Sodium: The sodium content, primarily from the caviar and mayonnaise, should be considered, especially for those monitoring their salt intake.
3. Dietary Adjustments:
- Low-Fat Options: Use low-fat or fat-free mayonnaise to reduce the fat content.
- Vegan Adaptations: For a vegan version, use tofu or chickpeas as a base for the mixture and vegan caviar made from seaweed.
Culinary Inspiration and Pairings
1. Complementary Dishes:
- Salads: Pair with a fresh, crisp salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette.
- Seafood Platters: Serve alongside a seafood platter with shrimp, smoked salmon, and oysters for an indulgent spread.
2. Beverage Pairings:
- Champagne: The bubbles and acidity of champagne pair beautifully with the rich flavors of the caviar and egg salad.
- White Wine: A crisp, dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay complements the dish without overpowering it.
3. Dessert Ideas:
- Light and Refreshing: Follow with a light dessert, such as a fruit sorbet or a delicate lemon tart, to cleanse the palate.
Culinary Techniques and Skills
1. Perfect Boiled Eggs:
- Boiling Method: Start eggs in cold water, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to cool before peeling.
- Peeling Tips: Crack the eggs gently all over and peel under running water to help remove the shells more easily.
2. Mixing and Mounding:
- Creamy Mixture: Ensure the egg yolk mixture is smooth and well-blended, adjusting mayonnaise quantities to achieve the desired consistency.
- Aesthetic Presentation: Use a small, round bowl as a mold for the egg mixture to create a neat, uniform mound on the serving plate.
3. Handling Caviar:
- Gentle Touch: Handle caviar gently to maintain the integrity of the delicate eggs.
- Serving Utensils: Always use non-metallic utensils to preserve the caviar’s flavor and quality.
Recipe Variations
1. Deviled Egg Style:
- Variation: Hollow out the egg whites and pipe the yolk mixture back into them, topping each with a small dollop of caviar for an elegant twist on traditional deviled eggs.
2. Caviar Blinis:
- Alternative Serving: Serve the egg mixture on mini blinis or potato pancakes, topped with caviar for a canapé-style appetizer.
3. Smoked Salmon Addition:
- Enhancement: Add finely chopped smoked salmon to the egg mixture for a rich, smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the caviar.
Conclusion
The Caviar Egg Salad Appetizer is a delightful blend of rich flavors and elegant presentation, making it a standout dish for any celebratory occasion. With its luxurious ingredients and sophisticated appearance, it promises to impress guests and elevate your dining experience. Whether you’re marking the end of the year or toasting to new beginnings, this appetizer embodies the essence of festive indulgence and culinary excellence.
