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What is an omelette Arnold Bennett and how do you make it?

Arnold Bennetts omelette

The humble omelette may be the saviour of the lazy cook, simply fry some beaten eggs and voila you have a quick  meal.

However, for those looking for something more haute cusine, tonight's Masterchief contestants will be creating the Arnold Bennett omelette, here's how to make it.

 This twist on a classic dish was created by a chef at the Savoy hotel for author Arnold Bennett
This twist on a classic dish was created by a chef at the Savoy hotel for author Arnold BennettCredit: Alamy

 

What is an omelette Arnold Bennett

The Arnold Bennett omelette is a twist on a classic dish created by cheif Jean Baptiste Virlogeux of The Savoy Hotel.

This adaptation was created for novelist Arnold Bennett who finished his book Imperial Palace, during his visit.

The writer stayed at the hotel while researching the second of two books he set in the hotel itself and it has graced the menu ever since.

As well as eggs, this omelette contains smoked Finnan haddock and when made correctly is described as light and fluffy.

How do you make it an Arnold Bennett omelette?

You will need

  • 300ml  milk
  • 200g un-dyed smoked haddock
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 10 black peppercorns
  • 4 free-range eggs
  • 40g butter
  • 15g  plain flour
  • 50g grated mature cheddar cheese
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

Although making a traditional omelette may be fairly straight forward, for this dish you want a creamy yet light consistency, to achieve this follow the method below.

Start with the milk, pour it into a shallow pan, add the haddock, bay leaves and peppercorns and bring this to a simmer.

Cook for five minutes and then lift the fish out of the pan, leave to cool, flake and then discard the skin.

Strain the milk into a new pan and beat the eggs together in a separate bowl.

Now turn on the frying pan on a medium heat, add 15g butter and the eggs and stir with a fork until they fold together.

Slide the omelette out of the pan and add the fish to it.

Next preheat the grill and meanwhile clean the omelette pan and use it to start making the sauce.

Melt the remaining butter, then add flour and cook for two minutes.

Gradually add the milk and season to your taste.

Finally pour the sauce over your omelette, cheese and grill for 3-5 minutes. This dish should be enjoyed immediately.

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