Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs.

"Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs" ... Boiling of eggs to get perfect hard boiled eggs can be tricky and each one follows their own method which I guess they either learnt from their Amma (Mom) or by the hard way of trial and errors … these days anything and everything is at finger tips and all you need to do see type in some key words and browse through net and you are in for surprise at the number of suggestions that get poured in … life has indeed turned easier with all types of facilities just a click away … however there are something’s that we prefer to follow the way we learnt to do them in perfection and perfect hard boiled eggs is one of them … while some may find this a not so required post, many out there are sure to find it helpful, as there is no harm in always learning a few more tricks, I always welcome them and so should all to make life that much easier … sharing a few tips and tricks I learned in making “Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs” … they are indeed Yummilicious ... 

** Sharing are a few halved perfect hard boiled eggs that can be relished as it is with some spices topped on or can be added to curries etc. Remember perfect hard boiled eggs are those that do not give that dark black-blue tinge outside the rim of the yolk, they are perfectly soft yellow centered and shiny, clean chipped white hardened outside ... Egg is a full source of Protein and if you are a Non-Vegetarian than see to it that you have them a few times in a week ... say about max. 3-4.

** Eggs are a boon for all especially body builders, for patients who are recovering from illness, growing children and trust me even when on diet. An egg a few times in the weeks will keep you in good healthy condition for years to come and boiled eggs are the best of all. Eggs are easy on pockets too, they are not very costly and can be afforded by almost all. There is a lot of information in net available so I will not run into more details.

** The outcome of Hard Boiled Eggs is something very Unpredictable, it actually depends upon a lot of things like freshness, variety, timings etc. So, I guess it is all a trial and practice for each one of us till we get a perfect method for ourselves. I myself despite having regular practice get hard boiled eggs that do not chip off well at times, at times that which works for me may not do so for you, so I suggest you try them till you get perfection.

** This is my way of getting Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs, My Style ... 

** Check out and see if the eggs are fresh as is one is always not sure of the same while purchasing despite assurances from the seller. On reaching home the first thing that ought to be done is wash them well, removing all dirt etc. clinging to it well before storing it in the fridge. This is a very important hygiene step that is must to be followed.

** If using within a day or two you can store them at room temperature and if any are with visible hairline cracks on them, keep them separately in bowl to prepare omelette as soon as possible. The other you can put in a closed box and store it in the lower self of the fridge, I never use the side portion given in the fridge for storing of eggs.

** Before hard boiling the eggs put them in a bowl of water, if they sink to the bottom, turns on its side and lays vertical it means they are very fresh. If the eggs sinks but slightly floats at an 40 deg angle or stands straight the eggs are a few days old. But if the eggs float on top they are not good and best no used or at least for hard boiling.

** Best to use those eggs that have sunk to the bottom horizontally for hard boiling to get perfect hard boiled eggs, though you may use slightly tiled ones too. But those that stand straight and float keep them aside, break open, check for foul smell, if not prepare omelette with the same immediately before they run too old.

** Off course there are many more method used worldwide to check out on the freshness of eggs, their safety in usage, storing methods etc. you may check out on them and carry out that which suits you the best. However, in my opinion it is always best to buy them fresh if you have a stores nearby instead of taking the trouble of all the mentioned methods above.

** In Mumbai, there is no stores at least a few ones in any given area where you do not get eggs. These sellers never stock up and go about buying in bulk only that much how much they are sure will get sold of in a few days, so we always get them fresh. Then there is also daily service of egg and bread reaching out to homes that consume them on daily basis.

** In a stainless steel thick bottomed vessel pour about 6 cups of water and add 2-4 eggs directly from the fridge into it, I never thaw it to room temperature, while some do so. See to it that the eggs are immersed in it fully if not add more water. The eggs should have at least have too inch of water above its surface for proper boiling also do not crowd them.

** Now place it on high heat and bring it to a rolling boil on high heat. You can add a pinch of salt if you wish, or a dash of vinegar which is believed to stop oozing out of egg from within if there are small invisible cracks, however I do not add them as they have never worked for me as I have always found that if there are holes they can't be stopped.

** Once the water comes to a boil, let the eggs cook in the boiling water for 3-4 minutes after which you can lower the heat to medium and continue cooking for another 6-8 minutes depending upon how you want your eggs to get hard boiled. Oh yes, again the cooking time to varies from place to place and egg varieties, so first time keep keen watch.

** Remove from fire and strain off the hot water immediately. Keep the vessel under running water (under a tap) or keep pouring cold water over the eggs and bring them to complete room temperature. This step is very important to arrest the further cooking of the eggs which will otherwise like I said form a unpleasant blackish ring on outer yolk side.

** You can also add in some ice cubes if you have to make the process speed up if you are in a hurry. Once cooked keep them in normal tepid water for some time. To peel off the outer skin, tap the eggs gently on a hard surface/ platform and then roll it on your palm gently. The outer shell comes off easily and you will get perfect hard boiled eggs. 

** "Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs" are done and ready to be used as is your desire to serve them. Slice them or cut the horizontally/ vertically into two or into slices using knife or a slicer which is easily available in store. Season the eggs with salt and coarsely ground black pepper powder. Serve with bread or any other accompaniment of your choice.

** The same hard boiled eggs can be used for Biryani/ Curries etc. You can take them while travelling too, they remain good for a few hours. In case of short coming of times, you can hard boil them and put them in fridge without peeling off the outer shell and then do so in time of need, remains good for 2 days and is boon for working people. 

** If you want soft centered eggs, then cook them only for 3 minutes, remove, shell and use, you will get thick liquid type center yolk, a little bit more cooking will give you a jam sort consistency, soft centered will be got at around 8 mins and the perfect hard boiled one may take somewhere between 12-15 minutes depending upon the eggs. 

** Again, there are methods, like poaching the eggs, omelette, scrambling, chutney forms and many more ways of cooking an eggs. I have posted quite a few of them, and will be doing so as and when I prepare, so do keep watching this space for more interesting recipes of preparing of these versatile eggs, those who love them will def. vouch by them.

** Once again, I repeat that there are many methods of Hard Boiling Egg Perfectly depending upon Quality of Eggs and that which works for me may not work for someone staying miles away or in another country. However, what I have mentioned is basic method of cooking, which you can follow, it is only the timings of cooking them which may differ.