Also called a Western omelet, the Denver omelet is a breakfast staple across the United States that is typically made with scrambled eggs, ham, green bell peppers, onions, and cheese. Stories about the omelet's origins vary. Some culinary historians speculate that Chinese cooks working on the transcontinental railroad adapted their egg foo yung recipes to create a hearty egg and vegetable filling for sandwiches to serve the workers. When the rail line reached Utah in 1869, the now common egg dish was named in honor of the largest city in the region, Denver City (now simply Denver), and elevated from a sandwich to an omelet. Although Denver omelets are often served plain, they also are commonly served between two slices of toast, unsurprisingly called a Denver sandwich.
Recipe Servings: 2
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
- ½ cup ham, cooked and diced
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 eggs
Directions
- Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a medium-sized, heavy skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onion and cook, stirring, for about 1 minute.
- Add the green bell pepper, stirring to combine.
- Add the ham and cook until the onions are translucent.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside. Wipe pan clean and return to the heat.
- Melt the remaining butter over medium heat.
- Lightly beat the eggs and season with salt and pepper.
- Add the eggs to pan and tilt pan to coat bottom evenly. As eggs start to set, lift edges of omelet with a spatula, tilting pan to allow uncooked egg to run underneath. Continue to do this until eggs are just wet in the middle but mostly cooked.
- Using the spatula, check that eggs are not sticking to the pan in spots.
- Heap the filling onto one half of omelet. Flip other half of omelet over filling to create a half circle.
- Warm the omelet through for a few minutes, then transfer to a serving plate.
- Serve with home fries or hash browns, with a side of ketchup and hot sauce, if desired.
Notes
Sometimes ½ cup grated cheddar cheese is added to the filling ingredients.
Recipe introduction and directions © Copyright 2016-2024 World Trade Press. All rights reserved.