Hands adding ham hock to omelette in skillet

(Image credit: Ben Backhouse)

Not all omelettes are created equal. The basic recipe’s in use everywhere from Japan (where it’s served in rectangular segments) to Iran (where it’s called khagineh and made with sugar), but for one of the best-tasting versions you don’t need to look any further than across the Channel.

“The thing about a classic omelette is you shouldn’t have any colour on the outside,” says Michelin-starred chef Adam Gray, your tutor for this version française. “You want it very tender, very soft—no browning at all.” The bonus: it’s moist inside, not the rubbery frisbee you’ve been slung in service station cafés. Here’s how to make one.

Step 1: Beat it

Hands using fork to beat eggs in a stainless steel mixing bowl

Beat four eggs in a bowl with a fork until they’re thoroughly mixed—any stringy bits of albumen will mess with the final product. Add some salt, pepper and (optional) chives as you mix. Get your pan reasonably hot, and then put in a knob of butter—keep an eye on the heat because you don’t want it to brown.

Step 2: Pour it

Hands using plastic spatula to lift omelette from the skillet

Pour the egg mixture into the pan and keep whisking as it warms up – shake the pan to make sure you get as few “curds” as possible. As the omelette cooks through, tilt the pan towards one side and start to “roll” your omelette.

Step 3: Fold it

Hands using plastic spatula to fold omelette in half

Tilt the pan slightly and whack it with the edge of your hand to jolt the bottom end of the omelette out slightly, then fold it over into a neat little parcel. Before you fold, add any fillings you want, pre-cooked or otherwise. Slide it out onto a plate and eat it before it cools down.

Hands rolling omelette up and on to plate — (Image credit: Ben Backhouse)

Fillings

Keep it simple: a pinch of ground black pepper adds piperine, a compound that’s been shown to stop the formation of new fat cells. Chop in some chillies for a hit of fat-burning capsaicin.
“Add a bit of ham hock and feta cheese,” suggests Gray. You’ll add protein and calcium—bacon also works.
Before you crack an egg, chop and fry some peppers and tomatoes to toss in: the former are full of antioxidants, while lycopene in the latter protects against prostate cancer.

Adam Gray is a Michelin-starred chef who runs healthy cooking courses