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Saturday, May 8, 2010

Organic Eggs & Tasty Tings!



















I haven't done a remedy or a health & wellness post for a while, Dearies. This was making me feel a bit guilty. So while I was making the snack below, my post topic seemed to almost jump out at me: Eggs!

Eggs are a staple of most homes (except for vegan lovely homes). Even vegetarians often prize them for their protein and B Vitamins, and most everyone knows that eggs are almost invaluable when it comes to great cakes, casseroles, and souffles. Breakfast often isn't the same without them for many elvin tribes, and I personally love them boiled and tossed through an organic salad.

We all have our almost daily uses for eggs, which is why it is so important to buy fresh, healthy eggs. You may think the eggs you buy are healthy. However, due to the quick and often careless farming methods of today, you may be wrong if you are buying conventional eggs. If you don't think so, consider an article by Eating Healthy Politics quotes multiple studies which show that in comparison to conventional eggs, organic and free range eggs have the following attributes:

*2/3 more Vitamin A
*4-6 times more Vitamin D
*3 times more Vitamin E
*7 times more Beta Carotene
*Double the amount of Omega 3 Fatty Acids
*Up to 70% more B12
*1/3 less cholesterol
*1/4 less saturated fat

The numbers here are typical and can be quite disturbing if you let yourself think about why conventional eggs have less nutrients, so I won't even go there! And I haven't touched on the fat soluble toxins that often plague conventional animal products. What I will expand on is that organic and free range eggs are so much more flavorful and delicious than their conventional counterparts. So by spending a little extra on this staple, you will notice a major difference in both health and taste!

This Algerian omelet is a snack I learned from one of my favorite Algerian chefs and family members. It is delicious to say the least, and, to me, is what mac and cheese is to some in the realm of comfort food!

Algerian Omelet
4 Organic Eggs
2-3 Tbsp. Milk
1 medium red/white potato (grated)
1-2 Garlic Cloves (chopped)
2 Tbsp. Green Pepper (optional)
1/4 Tsp Onion Powder
Salt & Pepper to taste
Olive Oil (for pan)
Harissa for garnish

Thoroughly spray an omelet pan with Pam and also drizzle about a tsp. of olive oil in the center-bring to medium low heat. While heating, whisk the eggs with the milk & add salt to your liking.
Sprinkle the grated potato with the onion powder. Place the potatoes in the pan and cook for about 5-6 minutes or until golden-be sure to stir intermittently. Toss in the garlic and allow to cook for at least 30 seconds. Pour the egg mixture over the potatoes & garlic and allow to cook for about 2-3 minutes before turning. Turn and allow to cook another minute or so...
Serve hot with harissa, salsa, cilantro, peppers, cheese, etc!

Oh, and please check out both Denise at Quickies on the Dinner Table and Lazaro's Blogs. They are holding a contest! I have already figured out my submission (smile)...

50 comments:

  1. Thank you for this informative and great post Stella! I love how versatile eggs are and how easy they are to cook even for a klutz like me. Speaking of which, one time I was pan frying eggs for breakfast and accidentally dripped some soy sauce in the pan. Let's just say from that day on I've been pan frying my eggs with a bit of soy sauce every time. I like my eggs overeasy but always break them, so adding a bit of soy sauce and putting the lid on allows me to cook my eggs perfectly without flipping them. One of the best kitchen mistakes I've ever made ;-)
    Your omelette sounds fantastic. I like how there's no meat in it as I'm not much of a meat fan. Hope you have a wonderful weekend Stella :-D

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  2. Stella Star,
    You may think I jest, but I have exactly the right ingredients in my cupboard for this dish AND was wondering what to make for the boys tomorrow morning. Problem solved!
    Big, blooming warmth for bringing to light the benefits of free range eggs! So many millions of American birds live miserable lives and never even see the light of day, so your post makes my heart glow! (perhaps you have cast a spell on my house!?)

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  3. Wonderful post, Stella! I never knew there was SUCH a huge difference in nutritional value. I will most certainly be paying more attention to what kind of eggs I'm purchasing from now on. Eggs are so magical, no?! I mean - what can't an egg accomplish? :) This omelet looks especially yummy.

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  4. I only ever eat eggs in baking, and there are so many alternatives to baking with eggs that I've stopped consuming them completely. The organic, free-range ones are expensive and the non-organic ones are rubbish with guilt attached, so I'm sticking with my flax egg. I'm grateful that eggs have never appealed me. Otherwise I'd be sad to give them up. XD Your omelet is still gorgeous, though! So are the eggs themselves, actually. You never see pretty eggs in the supermarket. ;)

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  5. I completely agree with you about free-range and organic eggs, the yolks are richer and more nutritious than conventional. The omlet looks delicious!

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  6. We call this a fritata, and this is what I will be having tomorrow morning for mothers day, my kids load it up with potatoes and peppers, that exactly the way I love it, and your picture is outstanding, I will thinking of you in the morning while I am eating this! yum yum great info on the wonderful incredible egg!

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  7. Organic eggs are an important issue to me, and I'm happy that you took the time to share some knowledge with us. I was just at the farm picking up eggs this morning. My farmer friend and I were discussing how much better the fresh eggs taste, and how the yolks differ from conventional eggs. It's great to see the nutrition facts in your post. Oh, and your omelet looks scrumptious!

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  8. I definitely get the organic and omega 3 enhanced eggs. The omelet looks so good, I love all the ingredients!

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  9. Yummy omelette! I wish organic eggs are widely available, I only get to buy conventional ones :(

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  10. OH Stella great post eggs are superstars at our house, they serve so many craving- breakfast, lunch and even dinner..my girls love eggs and I make sure to buy great egss for them..I would love to wake up to this omelet..
    congrats on your giftcard win..

    sweetlife
    cauldron boy is from Texas, I knew there was something sweet about you..hugs

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  11. If you can find a farmers market that sells eggs that were in the chicken the day before, you are truly blessed.

    Organic-cage free eggs are the only ones to buy. Great job with the omelete.

    Thank you for all your support, it means more to me than I can properly articulate.

    I feel fortunate to have met you.

    Cheers!

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  12. Hi Stella, you said "Eggs are a staple of most homes". I think this omelet qualifies as my staples of my home- just got to get someone to cook it for me every morning. Hahaha.

    I will not hesitate to gobble down that egg and harissa. Delish!

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  13. Organic eggs taste better :) Lovely omelette!

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  14. Hi Stella,
    HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!! *hugz*
    I just spent my entire weekend making macarons. 4 batches were unsuccessful and 2 turned out alright. I feel like I've wasted a lot of "lives". Anyhow, I'll definitely have to rethink about getting organic/free range eggs. I shop at a mega-mart type place and actually never think of it, but will have to be more conscious of doing so.

    Funny, my Bob just made me a tomatoe and mushroom omelette the other night. Yours looks delicioso. Hope you're having a vunderbar day :)

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  15. That omelette looks so good, especially at 9am!

    Thanks for all the information. I had no idea how powerful (organic) eggs are. I remember my godmother in France had chickens and when I was little, I would cry when she took the eggs away from the hen because we were eating her children. A little bit of guilt still lingers but eggs are too delicious to pass up. Thank you for sharing that wonderful recipe! :)

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  16. Stella, that omelet looks delicious! I could go for a breakfast like that instead of eggos.

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  17. I love eggs...great post dearie! Omelet looks scrumptious!

    Visit me on facebook...Pam Striker

    xoxo

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  18. Looks delicious, Stella. I can never make a perfect looking omelette.

    Nice photos. The 2nd photo has a very pleasing composition. :)

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  19. Mmm, so tasty. I'll never forget the first time I had a farm-fresh organic egg, from a woman who raised her own chickens. The yolk was a mind numbing yellow, unlike any I had seen before, and the flavor so incredible. It's hard to go back to eating conventional eggs now! Beautiful recipe!

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  20. I'm with you.. organic eggs and dairy make for a better end product in all foods. The deep yellow high yolks are just beautiful ! I have a friend who lives in Algeria. I plan on making some algerian dessert on my blog soon..still looking fore the perfect one. :) Boussa!

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  21. I am so glad you mention this because to me the organic eggs are way better; I remember the eggs I ate (and the cake) from a friend who had a chicken coop in her yard and what a difference! Unbelievable! In Lebanese villages, one buys the eggs that still have some feathers and dirt attached to them, it is funny, but so much better!
    Love your Algerian omelette! Beats plain any day!
    Happy Mother's day to you dear!

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  22. An omelette for dinner is my perfect comfort food, thanks for sharing your recipe.

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  23. We were at our village house this weekend and our neighbor gave us some eggs right out of the hen house! They were gorgeous. Everything is better local and fresher. I almost want to get some chickens myself!!! Thanks for sharing :)

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  24. Eggs are one of my favorite go-to meals! They are just so incredibly delicious and full of good nutrients!

    This omelet looks delicious!

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  25. You are so right! Organic eggs DO taste better as well as being better for you. Super informative post, Stella!

    And I love your potato/egg pancake/omelet. (How do you like my name?) Your recipe combines the best of both dishes!

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  26. I love eggs..mmmm...so good. I must say my house never run out of eggs. Eggs are so versatile. My best is soft boiled eggs or sunny side up but omelette is also my favourite. Love your Algerian omelette.

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  27. Thanks for reminding everyone about the benefits of eating organic! You can see if the size and color of organic and free-range eggs that they come from happier chickens and are better for you. I have not had an omelet in a long time and this one sounds good. I just got some Himalayan pink salt and organic peppercorns from Sustainable Sourcing https://secure.sustainablesourcing.com for Mother's Day and I think I'll use them in this recipe. Thanks for sharing!

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  28. Hi Stella!

    Thanks for your comment on my blog :) I'm going to keep going with the job hunt until I eventually land something!

    This omelet looks yum, I feel like making one for breakfast!

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  29. Your Algerian omelette looks divine! And I appreciate that you pointed out the benefits of using fresh, organic eggs. There's nothing like the real thing, newly laid by happy hens!

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  30. Stella, how yummy is this? feed me now, please!
    I agree, organic free range is the way to go.
    Pam

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  31. If I had a choice, it will be organic or free range too but those are so expensive here cos' they are all imported! I wish to pick my organic or free range eggs in Trader Joes or Whole Foods now!

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  32. Hey Stella, I just wanted to let you know that my email pam101360@gmail.com has been hacked so I can't open or use it. My new email is: rawfood60@gmail.com.

    Have a wonderful day dearie!

    xoxo

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  33. Those Algerian eggs look amazing - I adore harissa!!! YUMMY!

    We are lucky to be able to get local, organic eggs from pasBture raised hens here. You can totally tell the difference, not only in taste, but in the color of the yolk, and the way it stays in its shape, instead of getting all runny, when you crack it open. I guess that is why we eat eggs for breakfast everyday!

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  34. its frightening to think of all that we don't get from the eggs in the store while we marvel that their only .99 cents. We switched some time ago to free range chickens and even though they're slightly more give an extra richness to anything we use them for. great post!

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  35. You can never go hungry with eggs in your fridge. Thanks for the reminder. The recipe looks outstanding!

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  36. I can't think of a life without eggs. And no Sunday breakfast is possible without eggs! I'm a big fan of eggs and luckily we buy it from a villager here. He has hens in his village, so we can eat organic ones. The omelet here sounds great, I will try it this weekend :)

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  37. We, too, are fortunate to be able to get organic, free range eggs. What a difference! Thanks for the reminder of just how healthy they are as well. I have some leftover roasted potatoes, carrots, parsnips and asparagus. How good does that sound to go into an omelette for tonight's dinner. I really enjoy your postings!

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  38. I had no idea there was such a huge difference in nutritional content between organic and nonorganic eggs. Quite shocking actually. I've never bought organic eggs before. I'll have to give them a try, now that I'm in the know :)

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  39. Free range is the way to go. GREG

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  40. I love eggs but never think to eat them, how strange! your omelette with a Moroccan twist is delightful!

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  41. I like organic eggs and would buy them once a while!

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  42. Oh it looks delicious! I am a enormous fan of eggs. I feel like they provide me with the boost I need to make it until lunch! I'm going to make this very soon and let you know how it goes.

    You know how much I love your site and wanted to say thanks for coming by on my SITS day and making it so memorable. Your time and words mean the world to me.

    Lots of yummy love,
    Alex aka Ma What's For Dinner
    www.mawhats4dinner.com

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  43. Organic eggs are expensive, but purchasing them is similar to dining at a fine restaurant. Usually, I compromise by purchasing cage/hormone free eggs. The egg recipe with the harissa looks delicious. It's a great recipe, for it has inspired a cooking idea.

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  44. Hi Stella! Great post. I am vegetarian (not vegan) and I absolutely love eggs. They provide so much essential protein that I wouldn't otherwise be able to get. Great recipe. It reminds me of a frittata.

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  45. I love the Harissa taste but never quite know where to use it. That's a great recipe.

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  46. I'll be honest Stella - I've gone off eating eggs because the eggs I get today are a pathetic shadow of the eggs I ate when I was a child.

    That should say volumes about how chickens were raised then and how they are NOW. I ate organic eggs all the time when growing up as chickens were running around where I grew up and I often took them, somtimes, still warm, from under the hens or from the hens' "secret" hiding places, when I wanted one. Even the eggs in the market were pretty darned decent.

    We didn't realise then that one day "organic" and "free range" would be fancy and off puttingly expensive for larger families *SIGH* Eggs were beautiful things before, now I don't want to go there :(

    Anyway your omelette is beautiful and I would gladly eat it, knowing what you lovingly made it with :)

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  47. When I was a teenager we raised ducks, geese, and chickens. We fed them well, and every morning it was an egg hunt in our back yard. I can tell you those eggs were so much better in flavor and texture than store bought. Even now, decades later, I sometimes buy "factory fresh" eggs and miss those REAL eggs...especially the duck eggs!

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  48. Hey Denise, thanks for such a sweet, thoughtful comment. By the way, I saw a picture of you last night that I had never seen before-very cute (I think I saw it on Amazon).

    Hey James & Denise, Me too! My grandmother had chickens, so eggs were such a wonderful thing back then. It is really too bad that conventional eggs aren't created with higher standards. Come to think of it, organic eggs aren't as good as backyard-you guys know that!

    Duck eggs, James? Ooh, I've never had one, but I'm sure I'd love it...

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  49. Yummy omelette cutie allwas doing great job
    looks delicious

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  50. OH my I LOVE your blog and your wonderful, healthy food! you commented on my blog several months ago, and i've been busy making my other blog... a photography blog...that i've neglected my food blog. i just saw your egg post and had to laugh. take a look at my preaching healthy eggs post from yesterday! Like minds think alike! http://thetastyrevel.wordpress.com/

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