Traditional Parisian Omelet Recipes

FRENCH OMELET

Steps:

• Combine the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl and mix very well with a fork or a whisk.
• Set a plate by the stove. Heat a small (about 6 inches) seasoned omelet pan or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. When the pan is warm, add the butter (it should sizzle gently). Swirl the pan to distribute the butter as it melts. When the butter stops sizzling and the foam subsides add the eggs. Pause to let the eggs heat slightly and then stir vigorously, with a heatproof spatula, making sure you include the sides of the egg mixture occasionally so the omelet cooks evenly. Once the eggs are just set, bang the pan gently on the burner to release the omelet from the pan. Check to see that it is not sticking to the sides or bottom of the pan, if so release the omelet with a heat proof spatula. Hold the pan at a 45-degree angle to the stove and carefully fold the omelet like a business letter. Cook just until the desired degree of doneness lifting the pan or reducing the heat to prevent browning. (A classic omelet doesn't have any browning on it.) Transfer to a warm plate and serve.
• Omelet Filling Suggestions: There are many omelet fillings, both raw and cooked, sweet and savory. Here is a starting point, but feel free to improvise. Once the eggs are set add any of these ingredients before folding. An alternative method, to use with delicate fillings, like creme fraiche and herbs, fresh fruits or caviar; is it to roll the omelet and then slice the top open, as you would a baked potato, and then fill it.
• - 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh herbs, like Italian parsley, basil, dill, tarragon, chives, thyme, and chervil. Use the herbs alone or in combination, like the classic combination fine herbs (equal parts parsley, chervil, chives and tarragon.) Brush the finished omelet with butter and sprinkle with additional herbs. Herbs can also be added to the omelet mixture to flavor the eggs more fully.
• - 2 to 3 tablespoons cooked vegetables like, chopped asparagus, spinach or other greens, zucchini, mushrooms, eggplant or peppers
• - 2 tablespoons diced fresh tomato or avocado
• - 2 tablespoons grated cheese, like Gruyere, Goat cheese, Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gouda, Feta
• - 1 tablespoon currant jelly, then dust omelet with confectioner's sugar
• - 2 tablespoons chopped proscuitto or other ham, crumbled cooked bacon or other cured meat
• - 1 to 2 tablespoons chopped smoked salmon or trout, with a tablespoon sour cream, cream cheese or creme fraiche
• - 1 tablespoon honey with 1 tablespoon ricotta cheese
• - 2 to 3 tablespoons sliced apples, pears or strawberries, alone or with a complimentary cheese

A CLASSIC FRENCH OMELET

Steps:

• Gather the ingredients.
• Add the olive oil to a skillet and heat it over medium-high heat - do not overheat the oil, if it is too hot the egg will set immediately after it hits the pan and then will be too hard.
• Whisk the eggs until they are frothy - it is important to not add salt or pepper at this stage of the recipe.
• Stir half of the cold butter into the eggs.
• Add the remaining butter to the skillet and swirl it with the oil until it melts and becomes cloudy and bubbly.
• Pour the eggs into the hot skillet and cook, moving a fork quickly through the eggs in small circles and zigzags until the eggs are approximately 80% cooked through.
• Smooth down the top surface of the eggs with the back of a large spoon or a small offset spatula.
• Season the eggs with salt and pepper to taste.
• Sprinkle the shredded cheese and chopped herbs on the eggs and cover with a lid.
• Turn off the heat and allow the omelet to continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes, depending on how firm you want your eggs.
• Tilt the skillet to the side a bit and, using a rubber spatula, carefully ease the omelet out of the pan and onto a warmed serving plate.
• Gently roll the omelet into the traditional tube shape. Serve with a fresh green salad lightly dressed with French dressing.

ULTIMATE FRENCH OMELETTE

Steps:

• Get everything ready. Warm a 20cm (measured across the top) non-stick frying pan on a medium heat. Crack the eggs into a bowl and beat them with a fork so they break up and mix, but not as completely as you would for scrambled egg. With the heat on medium-hot, drop one knob of butter into the pan. It should bubble and sizzle, but not brown. Season the eggs with the parmesan and a little salt and pepper, and pour into the pan.
• Let the eggs bubble slightly for a couple of seconds, then take a wooden fork or spatula and gently draw the mixture in from the sides of the pan a few times, so it gathers in folds in the centre. Leave for a few seconds, then stir again to lightly combine uncooked egg with cooked. Leave briefly again, and when partly cooked, stir a bit faster, stopping while there's some barely cooked egg left. With the pan flat on the heat, shake it back and forth a few times to settle the mixture. It should slide easily in the pan and look soft and moist on top. A quick burst of heat will brown the underside.
• Grip the handle underneath. Tilt the pan down away from you and let the omelette fall to the edge. Fold the side nearest to you over by a third with your fork, and keep it rolling over, so the omelette tips onto a plate - or fold it in half, if that's easier. For a neat finish, cover the omelette with a piece of kitchen paper and plump it up a bit with your fingers. Rub the other knob of butter over to glaze. Serve immediately.

TRADITIONAL PARISIAN OMELET

Steps:

• Place a saute pan over medium heat.
• Using a fork, mix your eggs together with salt and pepper in a bowl and then add the herbs. Make sure your eggs are well mixed, with no long strands of egg white hanging off of the fork.
• When the pan is hot, add the butter and swirl it around until it's melted and has evenly coated the pan. Add all of your egg mixture and using a fork, continue to scramble the eggs in the pan, breaking up any large lumps that want to form as the eggs set. This will take about 30 seconds. Next, shake out the pan slightly so the eggs settle into an even layer with small curds. Lower the heat to medium-low and continue to cook for another 30 seconds until just set. Begin to loosen the sides and roll the omelet on to itself then flip out on to a plate. Serve immediately and enjoy!

TRADITIONAL SPANISH OMELETTE

Steps:

• Wash and peel potatoes, cut into quarters and slice thinly.
• Place in a large bowl.
• Slice the onion and cut capsicum into thick slices and add to the potatoes.
• Add some salt to taste and mix.
• Heat oil in a deep pan and fry the potato, onion and capsicum together until potatoes are soft.
• Remove and drain on paper towel.
• Set aside.
• Beat eggs in another bowl and add the potato mixture.
• Add a salt to taste and pepper, finely chopped garlic and mix inches.
• Mixture should appear as though it is just coating the potato. If mixture is too dry, add another egg.
• On a medium heat, in a non-stick pan, spray with a little oil and add the mixture.
• Cook the mixture until egg looks cooked on bottom-- enough to be able flip over onto a plate and then sliding the mixture back into the pan to cook the other side. Do not overcook egg as it will then become dry. This is a recipe that needs practice until it is just right.
• Serve while hot with a salad and crusty bread or cut into 2 inch squares for appetisers.
• Can also be served cold.