"Eggs Benedict" is a delicious brunch dish consisting of poached eggs, Canadian bacon, and hollandaise sauce served on an English muffin. The phonetic transcription of this word is /ɛɡz ˈbɛnədɪkt/, where the stress is on the second syllable, and the /ɡz/ sound represents the pronunciation of the letter "g" in the word "eggs". The spelling of "Benedict" comes from the name of a prominent 19th-century New York City stockbroker named Lemuel Benedict, who is said to have ordered the dish at the Waldorf Hotel.
Eggs Benedict is a traditional breakfast or brunch dish consisting of poached eggs served on top of toasted English muffins, typically accompanied by Canadian bacon or ham, and topped with Hollandaise sauce. This classic dish is believed to have originated in New York City in the late 19th century, created by a prominent Wall Street stockbroker named Lemuel Benedict.
The preparation of Eggs Benedict commonly involves several key steps. First, English muffins are toasted until golden brown. Then, Canadian bacon or ham slices are heated or lightly fried until warm. Poached eggs, cooked until the whites are firm but the yolks remain runny, are then placed on top of the Canadian bacon or ham. Finally, the dish is generously drizzled with Hollandaise sauce, a rich and creamy sauce made with egg yolks, melted butter, lemon juice, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
The combination of flavors in Eggs Benedict makes it a popular choice for breakfast or brunch. The creamy and tangy Hollandaise sauce perfectly complements the richness of the poached eggs and the savory saltiness of the Canadian bacon. The dish is often garnished with chopped parsley or chives for added freshness and visual appeal.
Eggs Benedict is considered a classic of American breakfast cuisine and has earned a place on many brunch menus worldwide. Its decadent flavors and elegant presentation make it a favorite for special occasions or leisurely weekend breakfasts.
The etymology of the term "eggs Benedict" is attributed to James Waldorf, an American stockbroker. According to popular accounts, in the late 19th century, Waldorf ordered buttered toast, poached eggs, bacon, and Hollandaise sauce at the Waldorf Hotel in New York City. The renowned maître d'hôtel, Oscar Tschirky, was reportedly impressed by this combination and added it to the hotel's menu, naming it "Eggs Benedict" after the customer. Eventually, the dish gained popularity and became a classic brunch item in American cuisine.