Ingredients

• 3 large egg
• 1 oz (25g) finely grated mature cheddar cheese
• 1 oz (25g) finely grated parmesan cheese
• 1 oz (25g) finely grated gruyère cheese
• 1 heaped tablespoon finely snipped chives
• ½ oz (10 g) butter
• salt
• freshly milled black pepper

Though making a souffle proper can be a stressful experience, particularly if you've had no practice, making a souffle omelette is a doddle. It takes no more than five minutes and honestly tastes every bit as good as the oven-baked variety. This one has three cheeses, but you can make it with just one, or even four if you happen to have them hanging around.

Step by step Cook along with this step by step guide

1. First separate the egg yolks into a small bowl and whites into a squeaky-clean large bowl; it helps if you separate the whites singly into a cup first before adding them to the bowl, then if one breaks, it won't ruin the rest. Now beat the egg yolks with a fork, seasoning well with salt and pepper.
2. Next put the pan on to a low heat to warm through. While that's happening, whisk the egg whites with either an electric hand whisk or a balloon whisk, until they form soft peaks. Next add the butter to the pan and turn the heat up. Then, using a large metal spoon, quickly fold the egg yolks into the egg whites, adding the Cheddar, half the Parmesan and the chives at the same time. Then, when the butter is foaming, pile the whole lot into the pan and give it a good hefty shake to even it out.
3. Now let the omelette cook for 1 minute exactly. Then slide a palette knife round the edges to loosen it, sprinkle the grated Gruyere all over the surface and whack the omelette under the grill, about 4 inches (10 cm) from the heat. Let it cook for 1 more minute, until the cheese is melted and tinged golden. Next, remove the pan from the heat, then slide the palette knife round the edge again. Take the pan to the warmed plate, then ease one half of the omelette over the other and tilt the whole lot out on to the plate. Scatter the rest of the Parmesan all over and serve immediately.

If you want to make this omelette for two, that's okay if you double everything. Just use a 9 or 10 inch (23 or 25.5 cm) diameter pan and give each stage more time, then divide the omelette into two. Vegetarians might like to know that a vegetarian parmesan-style cheese is available from www.bookhamcheese.co.uk

Special Equipment

A non stick frying pan