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A Small Savoury Omelet

A historical recipe from The Skilful Cook A Practical Manual of Modern Experience, by Mary Harrison (1905).

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A historical recipe

The Skilful Cook A Practical Manual of Modern Experience, by Mary Harrison (1905). Project Gutenberg eBook #29007.

From an old book: a historical recipe, not current advice. Its methods, additives and storage may be unsafe by today's standards.

Ingredients 3 ingredients

  1. 1 dessertspoonful of finely-chopped parsley
  2. 1 oz. of butter
  3. 3 eggs

Possible health benefits

General information, not medical advice.

  1. Parsley High in vitamin A · High in vitamin K · High in vitamin C · +5

    High in vitamin A · 421 µg per 100 g, 53% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Vitamin A contributes to normal iron metabolism.
    • Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal mucous membranes.
    • Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal skin.
    3 more authorised claims
    • Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal vision.
    • Vitamin A contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
    • Vitamin A has a role in the process of cell specialisation.

    Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in many foods. Vitamin A is important for normal vision, the immune system, reproduction, and growth and development. NIH fact sheet

    High in vitamin K · 1640 µg per 100 g, 2187% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Vitamin K contributes to normal blood clotting.
    • Vitamin K contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.

    Vitamin K is a nutrient that the body needs to stay healthy. It’s important for blood clotting and healthy bones and also has other functions in the body. NIH fact sheet

    High in vitamin C · 133 mg per 100 g, 166% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of blood vessels.
    • Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of bones.
    • Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of cartilage.
    11 more authorised claims
    • Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of gums.
    • Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin.
    • Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of teeth.
    • Vitamin C contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
    • Vitamin C contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system.
    • Vitamin C contributes to normal psychological function.
    • Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
    • Vitamin C contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
    • Vitamin C contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
    • Vitamin C contributes to the regeneration of the reduced form of vitamin E.
    • Vitamin C increases iron absorption.

    Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble nutrient found in some foods. In the body, it acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals. NIH fact sheet

    High in folate · 152 µg per 100 g, 76% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Folate contributes to maternal tissue growth during pregnancy.
    • Folate contributes to normal amino acid synthesis.
    • Folate contributes to normal blood formation.
    5 more authorised claims
    • Folate contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism.
    • Folate contributes to normal psychological function.
    • Folate contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
    • Folate contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
    • Folate has a role in the process of cell division.

    Folate is a B-vitamin that is naturally present in many foods. Your body needs folate to make DNA and other genetic material. NIH fact sheet

    High in iron · 6.2 mg per 100 g, 44% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Iron contributes to normal cognitive function.
    • Iron contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
    • Iron contributes to normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin.
    4 more authorised claims
    • Iron contributes to normal oxygen transport in the body.
    • Iron contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
    • Iron contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
    • Iron has a role in the process of cell division.

    Iron is a mineral that the body needs for growth and development. Your body uses iron to make hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body, and myoglobin, a protein that provides oxygen to muscles. NIH fact sheet

    High in protein · 3.0 g per 100 g, 33% of the energy from protein

    • Protein contributes to a growth in muscle mass.
    • Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass.
    • Protein contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.

    Source of potassium · 554 mg per 100 g, 28% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Potassium contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system.
    • Potassium contributes to normal muscle function.
    • Potassium contributes to the maintenance of normal blood pressure.

    Potassium is a mineral found in many foods. Your body needs potassium for almost everything it does, including proper kidney and heart function, muscle contraction, and nerve transmission. NIH fact sheet

    Source of calcium · 138 mg per 100 g, 17% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Calcium contributes to normal blood clotting.
    • Calcium contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
    • Calcium contributes to normal muscle function.
    5 more authorised claims
    • Calcium contributes to normal neurotransmission.
    • Calcium contributes to the normal function of digestive enzymes.
    • Calcium has a role in the process of cell division and specialisation.
    • Calcium is needed for the maintenance of normal bones.
    • Calcium is needed for the maintenance of normal teeth.

    Calcium is a mineral your body needs to build and maintain strong bones and to carry out many important functions. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body. NIH fact sheet

    Nutrients per 100 g of “Parsley, fresh”, USDA FoodData Central.

  2. Chicken egg High in vitamin D · High in riboflavin · High in vitamin B12 · +9

    High in vitamin D · 2.0 µg per 100 g, 40% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Vitamin D contributes to normal absorption/utilisation of calcium and phosphorus.
    • Vitamin D contributes to normal blood calcium levels.
    • Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.
    4 more authorised claims
    • Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal muscle function.
    • Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal teeth.
    • Vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
    • Vitamin D has a role in the process of cell division.

    Vitamin D is a nutrient you need for good health. It helps your body absorb calcium, one of the main building blocks for strong bones. NIH fact sheet

    High in riboflavin · 0.5 mg per 100 g, 33% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Riboflavin contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
    • Riboflavin contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system.
    • Riboflavin contributes to the maintenance of normal mucous membranes.
    6 more authorised claims
    • Riboflavin contributes to the maintenance of normal red blood cells.
    • Riboflavin contributes to the maintenance of normal skin.
    • Riboflavin contributes to the maintenance of normal vision.
    • Riboflavin contributes to the normal metabolism of iron.
    • Riboflavin contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
    • Riboflavin contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.

    Riboflavin (also called vitamin B2) is important for the growth, development, and function of the cells in your body. It also helps turn the food you eat into the energy you need. NIH fact sheet

    High in vitamin B12 · 0.9 µg per 100 g, 36% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Vitamin B12 contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
    • Vitamin B12 contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system.
    • Vitamin B12 contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism.
    5 more authorised claims
    • Vitamin B12 contributes to normal psychological function.
    • Vitamin B12 contributes to normal red blood cell formation.
    • Vitamin B12 contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
    • Vitamin B12 contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
    • Vitamin B12 has a role in the process of cell division.

    Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that helps keep your body’s blood and nerve cells healthy and helps make DNA, the genetic material in all of your cells. NIH fact sheet

    High in selenium · 31 µg per 100 g, 56% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Selenium contributes to normal spermatogenesis.
    • Selenium contributes to the maintenance of normal hair.
    • Selenium contributes to the maintenance of normal nails.
    3 more authorised claims
    • Selenium contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
    • Selenium contributes to the normal thyroid function.
    • Selenium contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.

    Selenium is a nutrient that the body needs to stay healthy. Your thyroid gland needs selenium to produce hormones and function properly. NIH fact sheet

    High in protein · 13 g per 100 g, 35% of the energy from protein

    • Protein contributes to a growth in muscle mass.
    • Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass.
    • Protein contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.

    Source of vitamin A · 160 µg per 100 g, 20% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Vitamin A contributes to normal iron metabolism.
    • Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal mucous membranes.
    • Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal skin.
    3 more authorised claims
    • Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal vision.
    • Vitamin A contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
    • Vitamin A has a role in the process of cell specialisation.

    Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in many foods. Vitamin A is important for normal vision, the immune system, reproduction, and growth and development. NIH fact sheet

    Source of folate · 47 µg per 100 g, 24% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Folate contributes to maternal tissue growth during pregnancy.
    • Folate contributes to normal amino acid synthesis.
    • Folate contributes to normal blood formation.
    5 more authorised claims
    • Folate contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism.
    • Folate contributes to normal psychological function.
    • Folate contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
    • Folate contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
    • Folate has a role in the process of cell division.

    Folate is a B-vitamin that is naturally present in many foods. Your body needs folate to make DNA and other genetic material. NIH fact sheet

    Source of pantothenic acid · 1.5 mg per 100 g, 26% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Pantothenic acid contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
    • Pantothenic acid contributes to normal mental performance.
    • Pantothenic acid contributes to normal synthesis and metabolism of steroid hormones, vitamin D and some neurotransmitters.
    1 more authorised claims
    • Pantothenic acid contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.

    Pantothenic acid (also called vitamin B5) helps turn the food you eat into the energy you need. It’s important for many functions in the body, especially making and breaking down fats. NIH fact sheet

    Source of phosphorus · 198 mg per 100 g, 28% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Phosphorus contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
    • Phosphorus contributes to normal function of cell membranes.
    • Phosphorus contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.
    1 more authorised claims
    • Phosphorus contributes to the maintenance of normal teeth.

    Phosphorus is a mineral contained in each cell in our body. Most phosphorus is in the bones and teeth, and some is in your genes. NIH fact sheet

    Source of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) · 58 mg per 100 g, at least 40 mg per 100 g and per 100 kcal

    • EPA and DHA contribute to the normal function of the heart. The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 250 mg of EPA and DHA.

    The three main omega-3 fatty acids are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). ALA is found mainly in plant oils such as flaxseed, soybean, and canola oils. NIH fact sheet

    Contains DHA · 58 mg per 100 g, at least 40 mg per 100 g and per 100 kcal

    • DHA contributes to maintenance of normal brain function. The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 250 mg of DHA.
    • DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal vision. The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 250 mg of DHA.

    The three main omega-3 fatty acids are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). ALA is found mainly in plant oils such as flaxseed, soybean, and canola oils. NIH fact sheet

    Contains choline · 294 mg per 100 g, at least 82.5 mg per 100 g

    • Choline contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism.
    • Choline contributes to normal lipid metabolism.
    • Choline contributes to the maintenance of normal liver function.

    Choline is a nutrient that is found in many foods. Your brain and nervous system need it to regulate memory, mood, muscle control, and other functions. NIH fact sheet

    Nutrients per 100 g of “Egg, whole, raw, fresh”, USDA FoodData Central.

Claims: EU Register of health claims (Regulation (EU) No 432/2012, © European Union, CC BY 4.0), shown only where the ingredient meets the claim's conditions (Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006). Nutrients: USDA FoodData Central (CC0). Facts: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (public domain).

Cook safely

Keep children and pets away from the hob and the oven, and keep oven gloves and a lid within reach.

  • Hot oil. Never put water on an oil fire: turn off the heat and cover the pan with a lid or a damp tea towel. Pat food dry before it goes into hot oil, and lower it in gently, away from you.
  • Sharp knives. Cut on a board that doesn't slip (a damp cloth under it helps), and curl the fingers of the hand that holds the food.

Method

  1. Ingredients--2 or 3 eggs.
  2. 1 dessertspoonful of finely-chopped parsley.
  3. 1 oz.
  4. of butter.
  5. Pepper and salt.
  6. Method.--Break the eggs into a basin.
  7. Add to them the parsley, pepper, and salt.
  8. Melt the butter in a small omelet-pan.
  9. Beat the eggs very lightly, and pour them into the pan.
  10. Shake and stir the mixture vigorously until it begins to set.
  11. When some of the egg is set and the other still liquid, tilt the pan, and draw the egg quickly to the one side of it.
  12. Leave it there to set for two or three seconds;
  13. then tilt the pan again and fold the omelet, quickly drawing it to the other side of the pan.
  14. As soon as the outside is set, turn it on a hot dish and serve immediately.
  15. To make an omelet successfully, a very quick fire is necessary;
  16. an omelet should not take more than three minutes to cook.
  17. Larger omelets are made by using more eggs and butter and parsley in proportion.
  18. Chopped cooked ham and kidney may be added to a savoury omelet;
  19. also mushrooms and shalots.
  20. The latter should be finely chopped, and fried in a little butter before they are used.
  21. A cheese omelet is made by adding grated Parmesan or other cheese to the mixture.

Plating

Cookware for this recipe

  • Frying pan
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Grater
  • Wooden spoon
  • Spatula
Source Public domain in the USA
Credit

From The Skilful Cook A Practical Manual of Modern Experience, by Mary Harrison (1905). Digitised by Project Gutenberg, eBook #29007 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/29007). Public domain in the USA; its status may differ elsewhere.

What was changed: As printed, from the book's text; Project Gutenberg's header and licence removed. Ingredient lines were read out of the text by a program. A historical recipe, not current advice.