Duck And Dumplings With Poached Eggs Recipes

POACHED DUCK EGG WITH HOT SMOKED SALMON & MUSTARD HOLLANDAISE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Clarify the butter for the hollandaise by melting it in a small saucepan over a low heat. Spoon off any white froth that comes to the surface, then carefully pour the melted butter into a jug, leaving behind any milky solids at the bottom of the pan.
• To make a reduction for the hollandaise, gently simmer the wine and vinegar in a small saucepan until reduced to a glaze (it should be around 1-2 tsp), then pour in the double cream and briefly whisk with a balloon whisk. Tip the cream into a small heatproof bowl. Bring two large saucepans of water to a simmer (one for the hollandaise, the other to poach the eggs). Whisk in the egg yolks, then set the bowl over one of the pans of simmering water, making sure the water doesn't come in contact with the bottom of the bowl. Keep whisking for 2-3 mins until thick and aerated. Ladle the clarified butter into the bowl, whisking as you pour. If your mixture looks a bit greasy, or is thickening too much, add a splash of water. Once all the butter has been incorporated, add the chives, mustard and lemon juice, and keep warm.
• Put the salmon on a baking tray in the oven to gently warm through while you poach the eggs. Add a splash of vinegar to the pan of simmering water, give a little swirl, crack the eggs into a cup, then tip into the water, one at a time. Poach the eggs for 3-4 mins. Lift them from the water with a slotted spoon, drain on kitchen paper and season.
• To serve, dress the watercress in a little rapeseed oil and put on each half of the toasted muffin. Flake over the warm salmon. Lay the poached eggs on top, then spoon over the hollandaise sauce (add a splash of water if it's thickened).

SPINACH AND EGG DUMPLINGS

Steps:

• Bring a medium pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the spinach and cook for 30 seconds, until it turns a vivid green, then, using a slotted spoon, transfer it to a bowl of ice water. Chill thoroughly and drain. Wrap the spinach in a clean cheesecloth or tea towel to wring out excess moisture, then roughly chop it and set it aside.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and ¼ teaspoon of the salt and set aside. In a medium nonstick skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-low heat until a few drops of water added to the pan sizzle and evaporate. Pour in the egg mixture and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 minutes, just until the eggs form fluffy curds but have not fully set; they should still be slightly runny. Remove from the heat and let cool in a medium bowl.
• Use your hands to gently fold the eggs, sesame oil, oyster sauce, remaining 1¼ teaspoons of salt, and pepper together until fully combined. Gently fold in the spinach and mix until fully incorporated.
• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Meanwhile, make the dumplings. Holding a wrapper in your palm, use a fork to add about 1 tablespoon of the filling to the center of the wrapper, then lightly pat down the filling with the fork to get rid of any air bubbles.
• Fold the dumpling into the round yuan bao shape: Cradle the wrapper in your hands and fold the edge closest to you over the filling. Lightly squeeze the dumpling to push out any air bubbles. Clasp one end of the dumpling between your thumb and index finger to pinch it shut; repeat on the other side of the dumpling. Cradle the dumpling in your palms, clasping the sealed edge between your thumbs and index fingers, and squeeze it shut while pushing inward, making sure to squeeze out any air bubbles. The dumpling's belly should form a teardrop shape between your thumbs, which will create the yuan bao shape. Inspect the dumpling for any fissures that could rupture during cooking and pinch them shut. Repeat with the rest of the wrappers.
• Working in batches, add the dumplings to the pot, 6 at a time. Boil for 2 minutes on high, then reduce the heat to medium-high and cook for 1 minute, then reduce the heat again to medium and cook for 2 more minutes. The dumplings are ready a minute or so after they rise to the surface; their skins will turn puffy. Using a slotted spoon, gently transfer the dumplings to a plate and serve immediately. Bring the water back to a boil over high heat and repeat with the remaining dumplings.