Crack the shells, leave them overnight in a dark marinade, and the peeled eggs appear veined like marble; Dammann Frères’ Smokey Lapsang Tea N°496, a smoked black tea in the Lapsang Souchong tradition, lends them a campfire note for a savory brunch.

Makes 6 · 25 min + overnight marinating

  1. Cook 6 eggs in boiling water for 8 minutes, cool them in cold water, then gently crack the shells all over with the back of a spoon without peeling them.
  2. Bring 3 cups (720 ml) of water to a boil with 3 tbsp of soy sauce, 1 tsp of sugar, 1 star anise and 1 cinnamon stick, then let it cool to 194°F (90°C).
  3. Add 3 Smokey Lapsang tea bags or 6 g of loose tea, steep for 5 minutes, then remove the bags or strain.
  4. Once the marinade is cool, add the eggs and refrigerate overnight.
  5. Peel and serve halved, with toast soldiers or as part of a savory brunch.

The star of this recipe: Smokey Lapsang Tea N°496, by Dammann Frères.

— Clipperton