Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something elegant yet surprisingly simple to make? Then look no further! This easy egg soufflé recipe is your answer. It's a perfect blend of light and fluffy texture with a rich, savory flavor, making it an impressive dish for any occasion – from a weeknight dinner to a special gathering. This healthy meal is ready in under 30 minutes, making it one of the best recipes for busy weeknights. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones!
Ingredients:
- 6 large eggs, separated
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated cheese (cheddar, Gruyere, or Parmesan) for added flavor
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a 1-quart soufflé dish or oven-safe ramekins with butter. This is crucial for a perfect rise!
Prepare the Batter:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, flour, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth. If using cheese, stir it in now. Ensure there are no lumps; a smooth batter is key for a light soufflé.
Whip the Egg Whites:
- In a clean, grease-free bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. This takes a little muscle, but it's worth the effort! The stiffer the peaks, the higher your soufflé will rise.
Combine and Bake:
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Gently fold about one-third of the whipped egg whites into the yolk mixture to lighten it. Then, carefully fold in the remaining egg whites in two additions, being careful not to deflate the mixture. Use a gentle folding motion rather than stirring.
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Pour the batter into the prepared soufflé dish. Place the dish in a larger baking pan and pour enough hot water into the pan to come halfway up the sides of the soufflé dish (this creates a humid environment for even cooking).
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Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the soufflé is puffed and golden brown. Avoid opening the oven door during baking as this can cause the soufflé to collapse.
Serve Immediately:
- Remove the soufflé from the oven and serve immediately. This dish is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, while it's still light and airy.
Cooking Tips for a Perfect Soufflé:
- Room temperature eggs: Using room temperature eggs helps create a better volume when whipping the egg whites.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the batter can deflate the egg whites, resulting in a dense soufflé.
- Gentle folding: Fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture gently to avoid deflating them.
- Careful handling: Handle the soufflé dish carefully to prevent the soufflé from collapsing.
Variations:
- Savory variations: Add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or asparagus to the batter for a more substantial meal. Ham or bacon pieces also make a delicious addition.
- Sweet variations: For a sweet treat, add a pinch of sugar and vanilla extract to the batter and serve with fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
This easy egg soufflé recipe is a delicious and impressive dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It's a great example of how homemade cooking can create healthy meals that are both quick dinner ideas and delicious dishes. Give it a try and enjoy!