Poaching: A Great Way to Cook Healthy Foods for Seniors

Simple methods for cooking nutritious meals for older adults

Poaching is a cooking method which involves cooking in simmering water (which is just below the boiling point of 212 degrees Fahrenheit) and it’s great for cooking easy meals for seniors! Two of our favorite things to poach are eggs and salmon, so try out one of these poached foods in your next meal.

To Poach an Egg

1. In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of water and 1 tsp white vinegar to boil and reduce to a simmer.
2. Crack an egg in small dish.
3. Stir water in one direction until it swirls.
4. Slide the egg into the water and continue to lightly move water in one direction.
5. Cook for about 1:30-2:00 minutes or until the white is set. Cooking time will vary due to the temperature of the egg (cold or room temperature) and the exact temperature of water.
6. Remove egg with slotted spoon.

To Poach Salmon

Serves: 2 people

1. Use 2 pieces of salmon, 4 ounces each.
2. Fill a medium saucepan up to 2/3 of the way with water.
3. Add 3 slices of lemon, 12 black peppercorns and 4 sprigs parsley or dill.
4. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and add salmon.
5. Cook for 7 minutes or until opaque. Do not boil or fish will be overcooked on the outside and raw in the middle.

If you’re looking for more easy and delicious foods for seniors, try our raspberry-red cabbage smoothie recipe or our dark chocolate and cold brew tart recipe! Both are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth while providing key nutrients for healthy longevity.

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Leslie Myers

Leslie Myers is a culinary professional with over thirty years of experience including healthy eating and cooking specialist, culinary instructor, restaurant owner and operator, caterer, operations manager, pastry chef, raw foods chef and culinary instructor. She is the owner of Foodsense, Now, a Solana Beach-based company which focuses on healthy eating for athletes. She is also the Professional Chef for Home Care Assistance, where she creates delicious recipes that promote brain health and healthy longevity and are appropriate for the changing dietary needs of seniors.