Stuffed Hard-Boiled Eggs

Stuffed hard-boiled eggs are a tasty appetizer and a classic of the cuisine. Here’s how to prepare them:

Ingredients

• 6 eggs
• 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon of mustard (Dijon, if available)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sweet or smoked paprika, for garnish
• Chopped chives, for garnish (optional)
• A few drops of lemon juice (optional)

Preparation

1. Place the eggs in a pot and cover them with cold water. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat, simmering the eggs for about 9-12 minutes. This will make the eggs hard-boiled.
2. Drain the eggs and immediately immerse them in ice water for a few minutes. This step helps stop the cooking and makes it easier to remove the shell.
3. Once the eggs have cooled, carefully peel them.
4. Cut each egg in half lengthwise.
5. Remove the yolks and place them in a bowl. Set the empty egg whites aside.
6. Crumble the yolks with a fork and add the mayonnaise, mustard, salt, pepper, and, if desired, a few drops of lemon juice. Mix well to obtain a smooth mixture.
7. Taste the yolk mixture and adjust the salt, pepper, or mayonnaise if necessary.
8. Use a teaspoon or a piping bag to fill the egg halves with the yolk mixture.
9. Sprinkle with paprika and garnish with chopped chives for a touch of color and freshness.
10. Refrigerate before serving to firm up the filling.

Trivia

Stuffed hard-boiled eggs are also known as “Deviled Eggs” in many English-speaking countries. The term “deviled,” referring to the spices originally used to flavor the filling, indicated something spicy or zesty, although today the classic version is milder and can be customized with a variety of ingredients, such as aromatic herbs, crispy bacon, capers, or even truffle for a more sophisticated version.