Mug Omelettes

The very first topic I studied as part of my Home Economics GCSE all those years ago was eggs. I have vivid memories of my teacher at the time mentioning all through the lesson that eggs are the most wholly nutritious and accessible single food; easy to cook and versatile. At the time, I remember only equating eggs with cakes and completely failing to make the connection with omelettes or any other savoury dish. I remember going home being absolutely insistent that I wanted eggs for dinner and that omelettes were going to be on the menu despite what my mum had planned. Not long after, omelettes became a regular feature and my dad took on the responsibility of making them provided that all the fillings were all ready to add at the appropriate time. These remain happy memories in the kitchen that always provoke a smile.

My kids love cooking with eggs. I am not sure what fascinates them more; the fact that they are allowed to break them and be destructive, or how they change when you whisk them and cook them. Taking full advantage of this interest, and that they love to complete an activity by themselves without my input, Mug Omelettes are a perfect lunch or breakfast. They are made, cooked and eaten from the same mug – so minimal washing up required! We always have a selection of fillings for the kids to choose from including: chopped ham, sweetcorn, olives, herbs or tuna.

To make a Mug Omelette you will need:

  • Large mug that can go in the microwave
  • Frylight or oil to grease the mug
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tablespoons of milk
  • 2 tablespoons of cheese (although my kids use more!)
  • ¼ teaspoon of dried herbs of choice
  • Seasoning
  • Fillings of choice (ham, onion, sweetcorn, olives, tuna, peppers etc)

Method

  1. Spray the inside of the mug with the frylight or paint with oil to ensure that the egg doesn’t stick to the mug.
  2. Carefully crack the eggs into the mug and beat with a fork.
  3. Add in the milk and beat again.
  4. Add the cheese and seasonings and mix.
  5. Add additional fillings and mix again.
  6. Adult, take the mug to the microwave and microwave for 30 seconds on high. Remove it from the microwave and stir with a fork.
  7. Continue to microwave for 30 second increments, mixing in between each time, until the omelette has set.
  8. Leave to stand for a minute before giving to child to enjoy. You could even put the omelette in a fresh cup or on a plate if the mug has become very hot.

This recipe appeared in the Penguin News on 14 February 2020.