As the late Oliver Dragojević originally sang with Boris Dvornik, eggs can indeed be prepared in countless ways – and really, when we think about how many methods exist for preparing eggs, one wonders why we even bother with other dishes!
Nadalina from the song was clearly a true ‘egg maestro’, so here are several ways you too can achieve that perfect “egg feast”!
1. Eggs “In a Cup” – Jaja “U sorbulu”
Soft-boiled eggs, also known as eggs “in a cup” – some people don’t like them due to their runny consistency whilst others appreciate them precisely for that creaminess. Preparation tip: take the egg from the fridge so it can warm to room temperature, then put water on to heat. The moment the water boils, carefully place the egg into the boiling water using a spoon – so it doesn’t crack. After that, start timing exactly 4 minutes for a creamy soft-boiled egg, or 3 minutes for a slightly runnier version.
2. Eggs “On the Eye” – Fried with Pride – Jaja “Na joko”
Ingredients:
- 2 eggs per person
- olive oil
- salt
Preparation: This is a classic! Heat a little oil, carefully crack the eggs so the yolks don’t break. Fry until the whites set but the yolks remain runny – like tears of joy when you hear “Nadalina”!
3.Eggs “Hard and Soft” – Boiled Perfection – Jaja “U tvrdo i u meko”
For soft eggs (4-5 minutes):
- Place eggs in boiling water
- Cook for 4-5 minutes
- Transfer to cold water
For hard eggs (8-10 minutes):
- Same as soft, just cook longer
- Perfect for salads or simply with salt
4. Eggs “Thick and Thin” – Omelettes for All Occasions – Jaja “U gusto i u ritko”
Thick omelette:
- 6 eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- cheese, ham, vegetables as desired
Thin omelette:
- 4 eggs
- 4 tablespoons milk or water
- gentle whisking
5. ‘Egg Feast’ – ‘Fešta od jaj’
Eggs are used as a basic ingredient in many dishes, they form separate dishes on their own such as various salads, and there’s even a cake that looks as though it’s covered with eggs, even though eggs are only found in the batter!
Nadalina’s Tips for Perfect Eggs:
- Never rush – like a good Dalmatian song, eggs need time
- Use fresh eggs – preferably from hens that have heard Oliver on the radio
- Temperature is key – neither too hot nor too cold
- Experiment – add whatever you have in the fridge
- Cook with love – because as Oliver sang, it creates a proper “egg feast”!
Remember: regardless of how you prepare them – in a cup, on the eye, raw, hard, soft, thick or thin – what matters is that you make them with feeling. Because as our Nadalina knew, the best recipe is one made with plenty of heart!
Now then, put on “Nadalina”, stand in the kitchen and start mixing those eggs – we guarantee it’ll be a feast! https://youtu.be/95q2TIu6-FM?si=lDiNPDhSzTXLPPyi
Article written in memory of the great Oliver Dragojević (1947-2018), whose melodies continue to ‘season both our meals and our hearts’.
