2 days ago
King Charles' breakfast recipe which includes 'nutrient powerhouse'
A breakfast recipe shared by Clarence House has been a hit with the Royal Family for years - and it's a great way to start your day with a delicious and nutritious meal
Have you ever wondered what the Royal Family actually eat? Many people might envision roasted pheasant, caviar, or elaborate feasts within Buckingham Palace.
However, a recipe shared by Clarence House reveals that Royal dining isn't always so opulent or intricate. In fact, there's a straightforward dish favoured by King Charles that you can easily make in your own kitchen.
The morning meal, known as 'Cheesy Baked Eggs', was made public in 2020 when our King was still the Prince of Wales. The team behind Clarence House's Instagram account claimed it could be made with an assortment of cheeses and just six additional ingredients, reports Surrey Live.
"One thing that undoubtedly brings many of us great comfort is good food," the future King said during the peak of the Coronavirus pandemic. He continued: "It is, therefore, deeply troubling to learn that this crisis risks destroying one of the most wonderful joys in life – British cheese!"
For those eager to try their hand at regal gastronomy, Clarence House recommends gathering these ingredients:
One cherry tomato or sundried tomatoes
Wilted spinach, 100g
Soft cheese (for instance, Tunworth, Gold Cenarth or other strong soft cheese), 35g
Hard grated cheese (for example, Old Winchester), 15g
One egg
Double cream, 80ml
Torn basil leaves
Optional: charcuterie/cold-cut meats
Begin by greasing a small ovenproof dish, then line it with wilted spinach and either chopped fresh tomatoes or sundried tomatoes. Arrange these ingredients around the dish's perimeter, creating a 'small well' in the middle.
Next, heap the soft cheese and shredded basil leaves on top of the tomato-spinach wall. At this point, you may also introduce some cold-cut meats, although this step is optional.
Once the wall is constructed, crack a single egg into the centre of the well. Pour 80ml of double cream over the egg, and finish with a generous sprinkle of grated hard cheese.
"Place in a hot oven (180C) for eight to 10 minutes," says Clarence House. "Let it stand for a few minutes before eating."
Spinach shines as an outstandingly healthy component of this dish, boasting the title of a 'powerhouse' of nutrients with multiple health benefits. Helen Bell, a nutritionist at Help and Advice, has previously highlighted its benefits to the Express, saying: "Spinach is indeed known for its potential benefits in managing high blood pressure. It is rich in nitrates, which can help dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow and reducing blood pressure.
"I have often recommended incorporating spinach into diets for individuals looking to manage their blood pressure naturally. Aside from this, spinach is a powerhouse of nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium. Its antioxidant properties make it beneficial for overall health and well-being."
Research states that consuming spinach may be connected to a lower risk of cancer. A study conducted in 2007 revealed "some evidence that the risk of aggressive prostate cancer decreased with increasing spinach consumption".
However, further studies are needed to confirm the benefits of spinach. Additionally, it's essential to consume cheesy baked eggs in moderation, as cheese, while rich in protein and calcium, is often high in salt and saturated fat, which can increase the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, according to the British Heart Foundation.
"You don't have to cut cheese out of your diet, but if you have high cholesterol or blood pressure, use high-fat cheeses sparingly," the foundation advises. "A 30g portion of cheese provides seven per cent of your daily calories and there can be more salt in a portion of cheddar than in a packet of crisps."
King Charles is not the only Royal fan of baked eggs. Queen Camilla's son, Tom Parker Bowles, also enjoys a similar recipe, which was a staple of his childhood.
In his book, Cooking and The Crown, he wrote: "Baked eggs, also known as Oeufs en Cocotte, have long been a staple of the royal table, from Queen Victoria to the present day."
He added: "This was also a favourite dish from my childhood, usually devoured when we returned home from our holidays, when the fridge and larder were bare. My mother would use eggs from our chickens."
Tom's book 'Cooking and The Crown' boasts more than 100 recipes spanning from Queen Victoria's reign to King Charles III. It includes some lavish dishes like 'Pommes Elizabeth' and 'Pudding au Pain et aux Cerises', but also offers a variety of simpler recipes for home cooking.
