Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsGreat Full Gardens - MIDTOWNVeggie Benedict Recipe

Veggie Benedict Recipe

Time30m
Serves2

Two Pasture Raised Eggs Over Easy | Spinach | Avocado | Tomato | English Muffin | Pesto Hollandaise

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Ingredients

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Muffins & Base

Method

Muffins & Base

  1. 1

    Toast and butter muffins

    Split the English muffins and toast halves until golden. Spread 1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter total across the muffin halves while still warm (about 30–60 seconds). Keep toasted muffins warm in a low oven (90–100°C / 200°F) or covered.

Greens & Veg

  1. 2

    Prepare tomato and avocado

    Slice the tomato into 1/4-inch rounds (about 4–6 slices) and set aside. Halve, pit, and thinly slice the avocado; toss slices with 1 tsp lemon juice to prevent browning and keep warm at room temperature.

  2. 3

    Sauté spinach

    Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 2 packed cups baby spinach and sauté, stirring, until wilted (30–45 seconds). Season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Remove from heat and keep warm.

Pesto Hollandaise

  1. 4

    Clarify butter (optional but quick)

    Melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat until fully liquid and foamy. Remove from heat and let sit 1 minute; skim any white solids if desired. Keep butter warm (not hot).

  2. 5

    Make the emulsion

    In a heatproof bowl (or the bowl of a small blender), whisk together 2 large egg yolks and 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice until slightly thickened. Place the bowl over a saucepan of barely simmering water (double-boiler) making sure the bowl doesn't touch the water. Whisk constantly and very slowly drizzle the warm melted butter into the yolks in a thin stream until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy (about 3–4 minutes). If using a blender, run on low and pour butter slowly through the lid opening.

  3. 6

    Finish sauce

    Whisk in 1 teaspoon prepared basil pesto, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/16 tsp white pepper or a pinch of cayenne. Taste and adjust seasoning. Keep the hollandaise warm (off heat) until plating; if it cools too much, briefly rewarm over the double-boiler while whisking.

Eggs

  1. 7

    Poach eggs (over-easy style alternative)

    Bring a medium saucepan of water to a gentle simmer (small bubbles). Add 1/4 tsp salt and 1 tsp white vinegar. Create a gentle whirlpool with a spoon and gently slip one egg at a time into the center. Poach for 2:45–3:15 minutes for a runny yolk with set whites (adjust ±15 seconds for desired doneness). Use a slotted spoon to lift eggs, blot on paper towel to remove excess water, and keep in warm water (off-heat) until plating. If you prefer over-easy eggs instead of poached, heat 1/2 tablespoon butter in a nonstick skillet over medium, crack eggs in, cook whites until mostly set (~2 minutes), flip gently and cook 10–20 seconds more for slightly runny yolks, then remove.

Assembly & Garnish

  1. 8

    Assemble

    Place two toasted English muffin halves (both bottoms) on each plate. On each muffin half layer: a small handful of sautéed spinach, 2–3 slices of tomato, and a few avocado slices. Gently place one poached or over-easy egg on top of each muffin stack.

  2. 9

    Sauce and finish

    Spoon 2 tablespoons of warm pesto hollandaise over each egg, letting some run down the sides. Sprinkle a pinch of extra black pepper and 1/2 tablespoon microgreens or chopped chives over the top for color and freshness.

  3. 10

    Serve

    Serve immediately while eggs are warm and hollandaise is silky. Estimated plated time: serve within 5 minutes for best texture.

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