These are dippy eggs… and then some more! This breakfast is just what you need on one of those days where you wake up hungry! This is perfect for keeping you full until lunch!
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Where did the name come from?
Dippy eggs and soldiers are a breakfast which has been around me since before I can remember. Have you ever wondered why the term ‘soldiers’ was used in describing the toast? After researching, wikipedia has defined it for me:
A British term that refers to a piece of toast cut into thin strips reminiscent of the formation of soldiers on parade. The toast is sliced in this manner so that it can be dipped into the opening of a soft boiled egg that has had the top of its shell removed. Another belief for the origin of the name is from the childhood rhyme “Humpty Dumpty”. The bread refers to the soldiers who went to rescue Humpty Dumpty when he had his “great fall.”
Getting the perfect egg
There’s nothing worse than craving dippy eggs & soldiers, spending time boiling the egg, cracking it open only to then discover that your egg is hard boiled. Getting the timing right is absolutely essential! I find that for the perfect soft boiled egg, 5 minutes is the perfect amount of time. Then, I usually put my eggs straight into a bath of cool water. We do this so that the eggs no longer cook inside the shell, causing it to over cook before you eat it! Plus, we’ve all been in the position where we’re trying to peel our eggs and it burning our fingers!
Another thing that infuriates me when boiling eggs, is the shell cracking when you put it into the water! A way to avoid this is to just dip them into the water first, rather than plunging them in. This means that the egg can adjust to the temperature of the water easier, making them less likely to crack.
Egg cups
I think having the cutest egg cups has always been part of what makes the meal for me. The ones that I use in this recipe are from here.
Did you know, that using egg cups are a predominantly English tradition? In fact, the American’s barely use them! I do have to wonder how they eat boiled eggs, if this is the case?
Did you know egg cups aren’t a relatively new invention either? Interestingly, a silver egg cup was found in the ruins in Pompeii. It somehow survived under the ash and lava from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius way back in 79 A.D.
During the 1600’s the Elizabethans also used egg cups. The rich and wealthy would use silver egg cups, whereas the poorer class would use egg cups made out of wood.
More great breakfasts:
If you decide to make this recipe, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page letting me know what you think! Why not take a snap and tag me in it on Instagram? @thesliceofjess
*Calorific value may change depending on brand of food used*
Details
1 serving
2 minutes
6 minutes
524
Print
Ingredients
2 Eggs
2 Slices of Wholemeal Bread
1/2 tin Baked beans
100g Mushrooms
2 Vine Tomatoes
Low calorie spray oil
Directions
- Boil your eggs in a pan for 5-6 minutes.
- While the eggs are boiling, spray a pan with spray oil. Chop your mushrooms and half the tomatoes and cook them in the pan until softened.
- Once the eggs are cooked, submerge them in a bath of cool water.
- Toast your bread and put the beans in a microwaveable bowl & microwave for 1 – 2 minutes until hot.
- Serve all your food on a plate, cutting the toast into soldiers and enjoy!
Last updated: 4th November 2021
