Sunday 25 January 2009

Kipper Kedgeree

It is a much used statement but I have to agree, breakfast is undoubtedly the most important meal of the day. I can't argue with my stomach, and it is this organ that dominates the way that I think each day, an organ that demands food on waking. I've heard of people say that they don't or can't eat breakfast and I always eye these people with suspicion. How on earth do you focus for the day on an empty stomach?

Even worse are people who shove anything down their necks in order to appease hunger. I won't even begin to tell you some of the foods that I know the children that I teach are given each day; heart breaking is not strong enough an expression. We also have the rise of the modern Western breakfast with sugary cereals that disintegrate into some soft slurry in a bowl at the mere splash of milk. My daughter knows what they are and I would be a liar if I said that I did not cave in to her demands for this artificially formed 'cereal' every now and again.

What ever happened to an imaginative start to the day? Time is often against us first thing in the morning but I do believe that you should put at least one day of the week aside to put a bit of effort into your breakfast. We all know about the classic and not to be messed with English breakfast. Muffins with crisped bacon, poached egg and hollandaise sauce takes some beating as does a pile of American pancakes, smokey bacon and a drizzle of sweet maple syrup. Porridge is my daily choice which I mix up with cinnamon, sultanas, mashed banana and honey. It sustains and energises the body and keeps you full for most of the morning.

Last words go out to a much misunderstood and classic Anglo-Indian breakfast of kedgeree, a highly spiced rice, fish and egg breakfast that is a doddle to make and one that is primed for experimenting with. Traditionally used with smoked haddock, I like to use some of our brilliant North East kippers; not too salty and just the right kick of smokiness. And with one eye on frugal times, it is also a great way of using up left over rice. This is a meal that also works for lunch or dinner which makes it even more adaptable.

So be inspired and be a little more resourceful and creative at breakfast time. It might make those dark winter mornings a little happier and I can guarantee that your body will be all the more grateful to you. Good morning my friends.

Kipper Kedgeree
Feeds 4

4 eggs, boiled for 5 minutes then left to cool in cold water
200g basmati rice, cooked and drained
4 kippers
50g butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp garam masala
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
A pinch of cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper
A handful of fresh parsley, roughly chopped
1 lemon, quartered

17 comments:

Amanda at Little Foodies said...

Kedgeree is one of my favourite breakfasts, I also love eggs benedict...

The boys are really big on breakfast and I'm trying to be a bit better... If someone did something cooked for me, just a small amount then I'd eat breakfast every day.

Take care x

Ed Bruske said...

David, my wife is just the opposite. She doesn't like to eat breakfast at all. Me, I'm not that crazy about traditional breakfasts. In fact, in our house we often prefer breakfast for dinner. In the morning you'll find me scrounging the fridge for leftovers. I'm just as happy with a bowl of lentil stew or yesterday's Mexican pozole. Sometimes its just granola on top of a bowl of our homemade yogurt.

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

Breakfast is a big deal on weekends otherwise it consists of a bowl of yogurt with walnuts and honey or a bowl of warming porridge with fruit. I do love a huge "fry up" on weekends!!!

William Leigh said...

Right I have to try this porridge and banana thing - a few people have said it so I guess it's ok...I just can't get over the wallpaper-pastey-ness of it!!

Anonymous said...

There is no way I would ever miss a decent breakfast David - skip a chance to eat some delicious food, are you joking?! If I don't get a decent breakfast I'm a nightmare by 10 o'clock! I love kedgeree to and I can't remember the last time I made it. Must whip one up soon.

Coffee and Vanilla said...

Hi David,

Thank you for your message :)

Hard boiled eggs and fish are one of our favourite breakfast cominnations... especially with smoked sardines I bring sometimes from Poland.

Have a good day, Margot

Jan said...

I'm afraid I'm one of those people who can't stomach breakfast. Even when I was a kid, my mum had her work cut out trying to get me to eat anything in a morning.

But you could serve this to me for lunch anytime, sounds scrummy.

Jacqueline Meldrum said...

Beans on toast for me at the weekend, but during the week I like a bagel or yoghurt. I am ashamed to say that sometimes I rush out the door without having had anything to eat or drink :(

Sam Sotiropoulos said...

Agreed! brekkie is the most important meal of the day. And you're quite right, "one cannot argue with their stomach, for it has no ears" (as the ancient Greeks used to say)! I completely agree with you that if people spent a little time on their morning meal they would set themselves up for a great day, but in this world of convenience driven consumerism, many people simply view breakfast as a morning delay. Truly a deplorable situation.

Saturday and Sunday mornings are our big breakfast days here at the household, and kippers with eggs sounds like something we ought to try, perhaps even next weekend! Thanks for sharing!

Navita (Gupta) Hakim said...

Hi David, first time here ...and although I don't have kids yet...I hope the tiffin I give them..does not make their teacher cringe! I am all for health...or workouts! ;p

first time here...n love tht hearty breakfast.

aforkfulofspaghetti said...

Let's have a 'bring back kedgeree' campaign! I rarely, if ever, eat it for breakfast (not that organised), but I do like it as an occasional supper time treat. Real comfort food.

Anonymous said...

Love it honey. x H

Unknown said...

I never used to eat breakfast until years ago when I realised it stopped me feeling nauseous. Usually it's fruit for me, but a special treat is avocado mixed with banana with a bit of lime juice on toast. Craster kippers in your Kedgeree if you are lucky to have access...nice.

Cynthia said...

Well said David.

Abitofafoodie said...

I adore kedgeree, though usually have it as a supper dish. I've used hot smoked salmon before to ring the changes, but like the idea of trying kippers - thanks!
I'm a real breakfast person - can't get started without it. Porridge is a real winner for me at this time of year.

Anonymous said...

Dave, how's it going? Even in this warmer climate here I'm still a porridge man every morning like yourself. Old habits die hard.
Last time I was home we made smoked haddock kedgeree, love it.
Great recipe as always.
Hope everything's great,
Gavan

amna said...

I absolutely love this recipe!! Kippers and egg, how can that not work?!

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