Elegant Egg and Watercress Tea Sandwiches
Delight in these charming egg and watercress tea sandwiches reminiscent of the exquisite offerings found at Harrods. Made with tender hard-boiled eggs and fresh watercress, these delicate bites are enriched with a creamy, zesty mayonnaise. The use of flavorful herbs like chives and parsley elevates the filling while the choice of artisanal breads, be it classic white, nutty wholemeal, or even bold pumpernickel, adds character. Finish with an edible flower garnish for a stunning presentation. Perfect for afternoon tea, bridal showers, or any elegant gathering, these sandwiches are sure to impress your guests with their delightful taste and visual appeal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
hard-boiled eggs
6 (peeled and chopped)
mayonnaise
1/3-1/2 cup (best quality or homemade)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Tabasco sauce
to taste
watercress
2 bunches (washed, stems removed)
fresh chives
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
fresh bread
16 slices (very fresh, sliced very thin (white or wholemeal))
fresh parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
Begin by removing the crusts from the bread slices to achieve a neat appearance.
2
In a large mixing bowl, chop the hard-boiled eggs into small pieces. Gently fold in the washed and chopped watercress and finely chopped chives.
3
Add enough mayonnaise to create a creamy filling, mixing until the ingredients are lightly combined. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and a dash of Tabasco sauce to taste.
4
Evenly spread the egg and watercress mixture over half of the bread slices, then top with the remaining slices to create sandwiches.
5
Lightly coat the outer edges of each sandwich with mayonnaise, then dip the edges into the chopped parsley for a fresh, herbal finish.
6
Carefully slice each sandwich into four triangles, ensuring clean cuts for a beautiful presentation.
7
To serve, arrange the sandwiches artfully on a platter. Garnish with the remaining watercress and, if desired, add edible flowers such as pansies or nasturtiums for a pop of color and elegance.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recipe for Elegant Egg and Watercress Tea Sandwiches?
This recipe creates delicate afternoon tea sandwiches made with hard-boiled eggs, fresh watercress, and herbs on thin-sliced bread.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
You will need 6 hard-boiled eggs, which should be peeled and chopped into small pieces.
What type of mayonnaise should be used for the filling?
The recipe recommends using 1/3 to 1/2 cup of the best quality or homemade mayonnaise for the creamiest result.
How is the watercress prepared for the sandwiches?
The watercress should be washed with the stems removed and then chopped before being folded into the egg mixture.
Which herbs are included in the sandwich filling?
The filling is flavored with 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh chives, and the edges are finished with chopped fresh parsley.
What is used to garnish the edges of the sandwiches?
The outer edges are lightly coated with mayonnaise and then dipped into 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley for a fresh herbal finish.
How should the bread be prepared initially?
You should begin by removing the crusts from the bread slices to achieve a neat and elegant appearance.
What kind of bread works best for these tea sandwiches?
Very fresh, thinly sliced bread such as white, wholemeal, or even bold pumpernickel is recommended.
How are the sandwiches sliced for serving?
Each assembled sandwich is carefully sliced into four triangles to ensure a beautiful and professional presentation.
Is there a spicy element included in the recipe?
Yes, a dash of Tabasco sauce is added to the egg and watercress mixture to provide a zesty kick to the flavor profile.
What are some recommended edible flowers for garnishing the platter?
You can use edible flowers such as pansies or nasturtiums to add a pop of color and extra elegance to the serving platter.
How many slices of bread are needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 16 slices of very fresh, thinly sliced bread.
What is the primary seasoning used for the egg filling?
The mixture is seasoned with salt and pepper to taste, alongside a dash of Tabasco sauce.
For what occasions are these sandwiches suitable?
They are perfect for afternoon tea, bridal showers, elegant gatherings, brunches, or as sophisticated snacks.
What style do these sandwiches mimic?
These sandwiches are reminiscent of the exquisite tea offerings found at Harrods in London.
How should the egg filling be mixed?
In a large mixing bowl, chop the eggs and fold in watercress and chives, then add mayonnaise until lightly combined and creamy.
How much watercress is needed?
The recipe requires two bunches of watercress, washed and with stems removed.
What is the first step in the assembly process?
The first step is to remove the crusts from the bread slices before adding the filling.
Can these be served as finger food?
Yes, they are specifically designed as finger foods and appetizers for parties and social events.
How do I ensure the sandwiches look professional?
Use a sharp knife for clean cuts when slicing into triangles and ensure the crusts are fully removed for a uniform look.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these are vegetarian-friendly sandwiches as they focus on eggs, herbs, and watercress.
What is the texture of the ideal bread for this recipe?
The bread should be very fresh and sliced very thin to maintain the delicate nature of a traditional tea sandwich.
How much fresh chives should be used?
The recipe specifies 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh chives for the filling.
What role does mayonnaise play besides the filling?
Mayonnaise is used both as a creamy binder for the filling and as a light coating on the edges to help the parsley adhere.
When should the final garnishes be added?
The edible flowers and remaining watercress should be added just before serving when arranging the sandwiches on a platter.
How many individual sandwich triangles does this recipe yield?
With 16 slices making 8 sandwiches, each cut into four pieces, the recipe yields 32 small tea sandwich triangles.
Can I use wholemeal bread for this recipe?
Yes, nutty wholemeal bread is suggested as an excellent option to add character and flavor.
What is the purpose of dipping the edges in parsley?
Dipping the mayonnaise-coated edges in chopped parsley provides a fresh, herbal finish and an elegant visual touch.
Should the eggs be chopped finely or coarsely?
The eggs should be chopped into small pieces to ensure a smooth and even distribution throughout the creamy filling.
Are these sandwiches considered elegant appetizers?
Yes, they are specifically described as elegant appetizers sure to impress guests with their taste and visual appeal.