The word "shirred egg" is spelled with a "sh" sound at the beginning, followed by the short "i" sound and the "r" sound pronounced together. The second half of the word, "red," is pronounced with the short "e" sound and the "d" sound at the end. The phonetic transcription of this word is /ʃɜrd ɛɡ/. A shirred egg is a type of baked egg dish that is often served in a ramekin and can be flavored with various ingredients such as cheese, herbs, and vegetables.
A shirred egg is a culinary dish prepared by baking or broiling an egg, typically in an individual-sized dish. The term "shirred" is derived from the French word "shirer," which means to fold or crumple. This cooking method involves cracking an egg into a greased or buttered baking dish, usually a small ramekin or cocotte, and then baking or broiling it until the white is set, while the yolk remains slightly runny.
The process of shirring eggs allows for controlled cooking, resulting in a smooth, delicate texture and a visually appealing presentation. The dish can be customized with various additions, such as herbs, cheese, vegetables, or meats, enhancing the flavor and adding additional texture to the final product.
Shirred eggs are commonly enjoyed for breakfast or brunch and are often served with a side of toast or accompanied by other breakfast items like bacon or sausage. This technique is cherished by food enthusiasts as it preserves the rich, creamy yolk while ensuring the white is fully cooked. The eggs can be served individually or in a larger sharing dish, making them suitable for both intimate meals and larger gatherings.
Shirred eggs are considered a versatile and elegant dish, popular for their simplicity and the ability to be customized to suit personal tastes. They are known for delivering a visual and gastronomic delight, making them a favored choice for egg lovers and breakfast connoisseurs alike.
The word shirred comes from the Middle English word shire or shyer which means bright or clear. In the context of cooking, shirring refers to the method of baking eggs in a dish rather than frying or boiling them. The term shirred egg originated in the 17th century and was used to describe eggs that were baked or roasted in a dish until the whites and yolks set. The bright and clear appearance of the cooked eggs likely influenced the choice of the word shirred.