Lentils With Cucumbers Chard And Poached Egg Food

LENTILS WITH CUCUMBERS, CHARD, AND POACHED EGG

Steps:

• Bring about 2" water to a boil in a large saucepan; reduce heat so water is at a gentle simmer and add vinegar, which helps the whites coagulate. Crack an egg into a small bowl, then gently slide it into water. Repeat with remaining eggs, waiting until whites are starting to set before adding the next one (about 30 seconds apart). After about 3 minutes, whites should be set and yolks still runny. Using a slotted spoon, transfer eggs to paper towels as they are done.
• Combine lentils, scallions, dill, lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice in a medium bowl; season with salt and pepper. Toss cucumbers with 1 tablespoon za'atar and remaining 1 tablespoon lemon juice in a small bowl; season with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium. Add Swiss chard by the handful, tossing and letting it cook down a bit before adding more, and cook until tender; season with salt and pepper. Stir in garlic, if using, and set aside.
• Divide lentils among bowls and top each with some chard, cucumbers, a few dill sprigs, and a poached egg. Sprinkle with more za'atar.

WARM LENTIL SALAD WITH POACHED EGGS

Steps:

• In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, Dijon, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Slowly add oil, whisking constantly, until emulsified; set aside.
• In a saucepan, cover lentils with at least 2 inches cold water; season with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until lentils are tender but not mushy, 18 to 22 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large serving bowl.
• Meanwhile, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add carrots, celery, onion, and chard stems. Season with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender but do not develop color, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in chard leaves and continue cooking until leaves collapse and become tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to bowl with lentils. Immediately drizzle with dressing and toss to evenly coat. Let cool slightly, 10 minutes. Fold in goat cheese, almonds, and parsley. Serve warm, with eggs on top.

SPICED LENTILS AND SCRAMBLED EGGS

Steps:

• Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cumin, paprika, oregano, allspice, nutmeg, bell peppers, onion, 2 teaspoons salt and a few grinds of black pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and starting to caramelize in spots, 6 to 7 minutes. Stir in the capers and garlic and cook, stirring, until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Add the lentils and 2 cups water to the skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are just tender and the water has evaporated, 10 to 12 minutes.
• Push the lentils around the edges of the pan, making a circle in the center about 6 inches in diameter. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and heat over medium-low heat. Add the eggs and cook, gently pushing them back and forth with a rubber spatula as they begin to set, until softly scrambled, 6 to 8 minutes. (It's ok if some of the lentils get into the eggs while they are cooking. Everything is going to be combined in the end anyway!)
• Fold the lentils into the eggs along with the tomatoes and olives. Divide among bowls and garnish with basil if using. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.