Parsley is a versatile herb that can complement many dishes, including egg dishes. With its fresh, herbaceous flavor, parsley can add brightness and complexity to scrambled eggs, omelets, frittatas, and more. In this article, we’ll explore whether parsley goes well with eggs and how best to use it.
The flavor of parsley
Parsley has a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that is reminiscent of anise and citrus. The two main varieties are curly leaf parsley and Italian flat leaf parsley. Curly leaf parsley is more decorative and often used as a garnish. Italian parsley has a stronger, more robust flavor that stands up well to cooking. It’s the variety most called for in recipes.
Parsley contains high amounts of vitamin C and vitamin K. It has a bright, crisp flavor when raw and becomes more mellow when cooked. Parsley helps balance rich or fatty flavors in foods. It also complements foods with earthy flavors like mushrooms and root vegetables.
Ways parsley complements eggs
Here are some of the specific ways fresh parsley can enhance egg dishes:
- Adds color and freshness – The green flecks of parsley add vibrancy and appeal to egg dishes. The fresh flavor livens up scrambled eggs, omelets, and egg salads.
- Balances egg richness – Eggs have a high fat content. Parsley helps cut through the richness with its bright flavors.
- Provides texture – Chopped parsley gives a pleasant crunch and texture contrast to creamy scrambled eggs and omelet fillings.
- Boosts nutrition – Parsley contains high levels of vitamin C, vitamin K, and several other nutrients. It can boost the nutritional value of eggs.
- Complements other ingredients – In an omelet or egg bake, parsley pairs well with ingredients like ham, cheese, mushrooms, onions, peppers, and spinach.
What egg dishes can benefit from parsley?
Here are some classic egg dishes that get a flavor boost from fresh parsley:
Scrambled eggs
Chopped fresh parsley is an easy way to spice up ordinary scrambled eggs. Stir 1-2 tablespoons of chopped parsley into beaten eggs before scrambling them. Or top freshly cooked scrambled eggs with a sprinkling of parsley.
Omelets
Parsley is an ideal addition to filled omelets. Mix some minced parsley into the egg mixture. You can also use parsley in the omelet filling – try combinations like sautéed mushrooms with parsley or spinach and feta with parsley.
Frittatas
In a frittata, parsley adds color and flavor to the egg mixture. It also complements other common frittata ingredients like onions, potatoes, and cheese.
Egg salad
Add chopped fresh parsley to egg salad for a pop of color and flavor. Just stir a few tablespoons of chopped parsley into the finished egg salad.
Deviled eggs
Parsley can replace some of the paprika as a garnish for deviled eggs. Or stir a little minced parsley into the egg yolk filling for extra flavor.
Breakfast tacos and burritos
In breakfast tacos or burritos with scrambled eggs, a sprinkle of parsley brightens up the filling. Try combinations like eggs with salsa and parsley or bacon, egg and cheese with parsley.
Complementary flavors and ingredients
Certain ingredients and flavors naturally pair well with parsley in egg dishes. Here are some tasty combinations to try:
- Vegetables: mushrooms, roasted red peppers, sautéed onions, spinach, tomato
- Cheeses: cheddar, feta, goat cheese, Parmesan
- Herbs: chives, dill, tarragon, oregano
- Meats: bacon, breakfast sausage, ham
- Spices: garlic powder, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika
How to add parsley to egg recipes
Here are some quick tips for adding parsley to different types of egg dishes:
Scrambled eggs and omelets
Add 1-2 tablespoons chopped parsley to the whisked eggs before cooking. For omelets, you can also sprinkle some parsley into the filling.
Frittatas and strata
Stir 2-3 tablespoons chopped parsley into the egg mixture before baking.
Egg salads and deviled eggs
Gently fold in 1-2 tablespoons minced parsley after mixing the basic egg salad or deviled egg filling.
Garnish
Use fresh parsley sprigs or chopped parsley to garnish any egg dish right before serving.
How to store parsley for egg recipes
To keep parsley fresh for egg recipes, follow these storage tips:
- Store unwashed parsley loosely rolled in paper towels inside a plastic bag in the refrigerator crisper drawer. It will keep for up to 1 week.
- Wash and dry parsley just before using it. Drying it well prevents excessive moisture from diluting the flavor of recipes.
- Chopped parsley can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
- To freeze parsley, chop it finely, spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to an airtight freezer container or bag.
Dried vs. fresh parsley in eggs
Using fresh parsley will provide the best flavor in cooked egg dishes. Dried parsley has a faded, grassy taste. If substituting dried for fresh, use only 1/3 of the amount called for in the recipe since the flavors are more concentrated in dried parsley.
However, dried parsley can be used as a garnish for egg dishes. A light sprinkling on top will provide a pop of color and herbal flavor.
Conclusion
With its vibrant green color and crisp, fresh flavor, parsley is an excellent match for rich and creamy egg dishes. It complements the flavors of eggs and brings nutrition and appeal to recipes like omelets, frittatas, egg salad, and scrambled eggs. Curly and Italian parsley can both enhance egg recipes, whether used cooked in the dish or as a fresh garnish on top. With a host of options for pairing parsley with other herbs, vegetables, cheeses and meats in egg dishes, it’s a versatile herb that every cook should keep on hand.