Ham hock egg benedict

Babiche Martens

A flavoursome ham hock with spinach and a perfectly poached egg is my ideal breakfast, especially when ravenous after a morning of exercise. You can buy the bearnaise sauce, but home-made is next-level delicious, so try not to take the shortcut. If you don’t rush the process, you’ll definitely impress your grateful dining companions.

For the ham

1 large	Ham hock (Main)
½	Onions, chopped roughly

For the bearnaise sauce

2 Tbsp	White vinegar
2 Tbsp	Lemon juice
6	Black peppercorns
2	Egg yolks (Main)
½ tsp	Dijon mustard
150 g	Butter

To serve

120 g	Spinach
4	Eggs (Main)
1 loaf	Bread, cut into chunky slices for toast

Directions

1. Firstly, cook the ham hock. Place it into a large pot. Cover with water, add the onion and bring to a simmer. Cook for 1½-2 hours or until the meat starts falling from the bone. Remove and shred the meat.
2. To make the bearnaise sauce, in a small pot place the vinegar, lemon juice and peppercorns. Bring to a simmer and let it reduce by half, then strain.
3. Place the egg yolks into a small bowl over gently simmering water. Whisk in the mustard and slowly add the butter a little at a time, allowing it to thicken, then add a bit more. Once it is all added, remove from the heat and whisk through the vinegar reduction.
4. To serve, toast the bread, wilt the spinach, poach the eggs and assemble with shredded ham and a spoonful of sauce. Serve hot.

More tasty snacks from Angela

• Corn beef and mustard bagels
• Cheesy savoury scrolls