With it being St David’s Day yesterday, I thought it only right to share a Welsh recipe today. This particular recipe is one my Nain (Nain is Welsh for grandmother for those who don’t know) used to make often.
My Nain, who lived on Anglesey, was a fantastic cook; we used to love visiting for the delicate scones, fruity bara brith and melt in the mouth Welsh cakes.
This recipe was a speciality and we used to eat it with crispy skinned baked potatoes. I didn’t have time for baked potatoes today, so we had it with crusty bread rolls instead to mop up the cheesy sauce.
Anyway, my Nain gave this recipe to my mum, who also used to make it often throughout our childhood. When I was desparate for a comforting, nostalgic meal one day I asked her for the recipe – and now I’m sharing it with you. It is tasty, cheap and easy, and I hope you enjoy it as much as my family has.
I just googled ‘Anglesey Eggs’ to see if it is a well-known dish, and it seems others do know of it. The recipes I found had potato in them though – that’s not how our family make it!
If you like this recipe, you may also enjoy my Welsh Style Potato Dauphinoise (Potato au Gratin) – give them a go!
This will serve 3-4 and takes around 40 minutes to make.
Anglesey Eggs FAQ
What are Anglesey Eggs?
Anglesey eggs are a Welsh vegetarian dish with boiled eggs, leeks, cheese sauce and sometimes a base of mashed potatoes. They are from the island of Anglesey, off the coast of North Wales.
Are Anglesey Eggs easy to make?
Yes! Anglesey eggs are very easy to make. They take an hour (more if using a mashed potato base) but are straightforward. They comprise of boiled eggs, leeks and a cheese sauce made from a roux.
What meal would you eat them for?
This is a very versatile dish and would work well for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Anglesey Eggs
Save This RecipeIngredients
- 3 medium leeks
- 6 eggs
- 30 g butter
- 20 g plain flour
- 1 pint milk
- 80 g cheddar cheese grated (or Caerphilly cheese, if you can get it)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to high.
- Slice the leeks and add them to a frying pan with 10g of the butter. Saute over a medium heat for 5-6 minutes until soft.
- Meanwhile, hard boil your eggs in boiling water for 6 minutes. Once they’re done, run them under the cold tap for a couple of minutes, then gently peel them.
- For the sauce, melt the remaining butter in a saucepan then stir in the flour. Cook for 2 minutes, then remove from the heat. Gradually whisk in the milk, then put it back on the heat and cook, whisking all the time, until thick. Stir in most of the grated cheese, and some salt and pepper.
- Transfer the leeks to an oven proof dish. Lay the eggs on top (keep them whole), then pour over the cheese sauce. Sprinkle over the remaining cheese and the smoked paprika, then put under the grill for 5 minutes or so until golden and boiling. Iechyd Da!
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