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Cooking for beginners: How to make the perfect omelet?
An omelet – so simple, but how do you make it perfect?
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If you want to cook well, you have to start with the basics. Like with an omelet. How does this work? In our new series “Simply Cooking” we dedicate ourselves to the little ABC in the kitchen – and reveal tips and tricks on how to cook dishes effortlessly.
Cooking can often be intimidating for beginners, but with a few basic skills, the kitchen will quickly become a place for creativity – and the joy of cooking. In our “Simply Cooking” series, you will learn how recipes work, what kitchen equipment is needed – and how best to proceed to make the dish a success. We provide advice that will help every novice cook develop confidence and skills in the kitchen.
For me personally, omelettes are the supreme discipline in the kitchen – supposedly simple until you turn them. Then the omelette tends to fall apart, stick in the middle or simply cannot be removed from the pan. You don’t have to be a professional to make this classic dish – but you do have to practice a little. Here are instructions on how even novice cooks can make a delicious omelette.
Kitchen equipment: what do you need?
- non-stick pan: A medium-sized (approx. 20-25 cm diameter) non-stick pan is ideal to prevent the eggs from sticking to the pan.
- Whisk or fork: For beating the eggs.
- Bowl: To mix the eggs and spices.
- spatula: A plastic or silicone spatula is best for folding the omelette without damaging the pan.
Ingredients for the omelet:
- 3 fresh eggs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp butter or oil
Directions:
Preparation
- Prepare eggs: First, beat the eggs together with salt and pepper in a bowl until the mixture is homogeneous and slightly foamy. The frothier the eggs, the airier the texture of the omelette.
Cooking process
- Heat pan: Heat the non-stick pan over medium heat and add butter or cooking oil. When it comes to butter, keep in mind that it should melt but not brown.
- Add eggs: Pour the egg mixture into the pan, agitate it slightly or stir the eggs gently with a spatula so that they cook evenly. Pour the egg mixture into the pan. Move the pan slightly or use a spatula to stir the eggs for a few seconds to ensure they cook evenly.
- Fold the omelet: As soon as the egg mixture is almost completely set, carefully lift one side of the omelette with a spatula and fold it into the middle.
- Finish cooking: Leave the omelette in the pan for another 1-2 minutes so that it can cook through.
- Serve: Now carefully slide the finished omelette onto a plate. It can be served hot.
Tips and Tricks:
- Perfect consistency: For a fluffy omelet, add a tablespoon of milk or water to the eggs before beating them.
- Avoid overheating: Keep the heat moderate to prevent the omelet from cooking too quickly and becoming dry or rubbery on the outside.
- Taste varies: Experiment with different herbs and spices such as chives, parsley or paprika.
- To fill: If you prefer the omelette filled, add cheese, vegetables or ham before folding.