About breakfast: 3 simple and hearty “restaurant-style” meals for your table

Not so long ago a cookbook from the host of numerous programs about food on the TV channel “Friday!” was published. Artyom Korolev. Immediately after the presentation of the book in the bookstore “Chitai-Gorod” the first sold out happened, all copies were sold out in less than 24 hours. We turned to Artyom with a desire to understand whether it is possible to prepare delicious and healthy breakfasts “like in a restaurant” every morning and what you need to do for this.

Instead of a preface

“Once in my life was not a very cheerful period, and even I, a man-optimist by nature, got a little sad. I decided to cook something at home using recipes from various American cooking blogs to distract myself and relieve stress. As a result, I felt what a thrill it is to be able to prepare in 30 minutes not the familiar olivier or grilled turkey, but what you order in a restaurant, only much tastier”.

– Now there are so many different interesting formats: blog, vlog, motion graphics, talk shows, why did you choose a book to tell your story?
– That’s right – there are a lot of options. And blogging, for example, really appeals to me. Perhaps I’ll come to that. However, a book is a very convenient format. And the only one you can give as a gift. It’s something physical, tangible. The smell of paper, the rubberized cover, the bright colors. You can cook with the book, you can put it on a table and make it part of the interior. I thought about that when I was creating it.

– Why is the book about breakfast and not lunch or dinner? Is breakfast really such an important part of the day for you?
– Breakfast is where your day starts. It makes sense that a lot depends on it. Even on a subconscious level. A delicious and beautiful breakfast can lift your mood for the whole day. I’m sure you can even wake up early for a good breakfast. I associate breakfast with traveling, with places where I was happy. I wanted to convey a part of my mood with the recipes I included in my book.

– Is this story about calories, proteins, fats and carbohydrates or about aesthetics and the pleasure of eating?
– Even though I watch what I eat, this book is primarily about pleasure and aesthetics. There’s a whole section on easy breakfasts, though, so everyone can find something in the book for themselves. In fact, the only time you can afford a little more is at breakfast, so why not take advantage of this opportunity?

– What ingredients are most commonly used in the book? How hard would it be to find them on the shelf at the supermarket? What is your favorite and most versatile ingredient?
– All the ingredients I use can be found at the store. There is no problem with that at all. I like to use a lot of berries and fruits, smoothies. Almond milk, eggs and cheese. Different kinds of ham.

– You travel a lot, which countries’ gastronomic traditions are closest to you? Are they reflected in your book?
– Of course! I tried many breakfasts during my travels. For example, avocado toast. I have a lot of stories about it.

– What does your ideal breakfast look like – with a glass of champagne or a cup of cappuccino?
– On weekdays, of course coffee, but on weekends a glass of champagne and good company is the perfect accompaniment to any morning meal.

– In the preface you wrote that at one time your passion for cooking saved you from depression. Do you think the process of cooking and eating really affects us that much?
– I think the process is a very powerful distraction from any thoughts we may have. It’s a great reflection and a way to lift our mood.

Recipes from Artyom Korolev

Best Scramble

Sa pead:
4 eggs
1 tbsp. butter
soola ja pipart maitse järgi.

1. Heat a skillet over moderately low heat. The temperature is very important because if the skillet is very hot, the eggs may lose their rich yellow color. Add enough oil so that the bottom is completely covered.
2. Mix the eggs and add them to the skillet when the oil barely begins to bubble. Add the mixture exactly in the center of the pan.
3. Keep an eye on the edges of your scramble. As soon as you see them start to solidify, take a spatula with a silicone tip and move the mixture from the edges to the center, in a circular motion, but without turning the clumps over. Continue doing this until the scramble is done – about 2-3 minutes. Don’t wait until the eggs are fully cooked – the perfect scramble should be slightly moist.

Tip: you can serve the resulting scramble with anything you like – ham, tomatoes, spinach. Or make the perfect sandwich with it.

Toast with smoked salmon

Sa pead:
1 ripe avocado
1 tbsp. sour cream
1 sidrun
½ radish
fresh dill
1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
rye bread (thinly sliced)
200 g smoked salmon
watercress (bundle)
corn salad leaves
olive oil
salt, freshly ground pepper.

1. Mashed potato the avocado and mix it with the sour cream. Add a little lemon juice to prevent the avocado from darkening. Add salt and pepper.
2. Slice the radishes thinly, then the dill and mix this with the apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt.
3. Spread the avocado mash over the toast, and place the salmon slices on top.
4. Then add lettuce leaves, greens and radishes, drizzle with olive oil and serve, serving with lemon.

Artem Korolev, TV presenter of the TV channel “Friday”: “There is no such thing as a lot of salmon for breakfast! As well as opportunities to combine it with various products. However, my favorite mix is salmon and avocado”.

English Muffin Pizza

Sa pead:
1 English muffin, cut in half
1 small diced tomato
1 tsp. olive oil
1-2 thin slices of diced bacon (bacon can be substituted for ham)
½ cup grated mozzarella cheese
chopped fresh basil for serving

1. Preheat the oven to 230 degrees. Place the muffin halves on a baking tray, arrange the tomatoes on top and drizzle with olive oil.
2. Sprinkle the bacon on top of the tomatoes and top with mozzarella.
3. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and starts to get a delicious crust.
4. Sprinkle with basil and serve!

More recipes in Artyom Korolev’s new book “About Breakfast”. Buy the book.