Warm Spring Salad With Poached Eggs Recipes

WARM SPINACH SALAD WITH SOFT-POACHED EGGS

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, bring 1 quart of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and the eggs and simmer over medium high heat for 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, move the eggs to a bowl of cold water and let sit for 3 to 4 minutes. Keep the pan of hot water on the stove over low heat.
• Meanwhile, put the spinach in a large bowl. In a medium skillet, combine the olive oil, sherry and balsamic vinegars, shallots and thyme, and boil for 1 minute.
• Crack the eggs all over and gently peel them under warm running water, keeping them whole. Using a slotted spoon, slip the eggs in the hot water for 30 seconds.
• Pour the warm dressing over the spinach, season with salt and pepper and toss. Mound the salad on plates, top each with an egg and serve.

WARM BREAD SALAD OF CRISPY PANCETTA, PARMESAN AND POACHED EGG

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas6.
• Leave the eggs in their shells at this point (you will need to poach them later on).
• Shave the parmesan with a vegetable peeler and put to one side.
• Peel and slice the garlic.
• Remove the crusts from the ciabatta and discard. Tear the bread into finger sized pieces.
• Put them on a baking tray and drizzle with a little olive oil and toss with the garlic and seasoning.
• Bake for 10 minutes until the bread is crisp.
• Lay the pancetta over the bread and bake for about 5 more minutes - until that's also crispy.
• Mix the lemon juice with 8 tablespoons of olive oil and season.
• Put a big pan of unsalted water on to boil.
• In a large bowl, toss the salad leaves, pancetta, bread and the dressing together.
• Divide between 4 plates.
• When the pan is simmering, gently crack the 4 eggs into the simmering water to poach.
• Simmer for 4 minutes if you like a soft egg, or to your liking.
• Place an egg on top of each salad and add the parmesan shavings.
• Serve straight away - Don't let the eggs get cold!