Poached Eggs With Creamy Brussels Sprouts And Bacon

Brussels sprouts and eggs may seem like a surprising combination, but in this classy version of poached eggs on toast they make a perfect pair.

Serves 4

1 tsp. plus 2 Tbs. cider vinegar

8 slices bacon, cut crosswise ¼ inch thick

4 slices country-style white sandwich bread, halved diagonally

2 Tbs. unsalted butter, softened

1 large shallot, minced

10 oz. (4 cups) medium Brussels sprouts, trimmed and shredded (use the slicing blade on a food processor)

2/3 cup heavy cream

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

8 large eggs

Shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano, for garnish

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F. Fill a 12-inch-wide, 2- to 3-inch-deep pan with 1½ inches of water and 1 tsp. cider vinegar. Bring the water to a simmer over high heat; reduce the heat as necessary to maintain a gentle simmer.

Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat, stirring often, until browned and crisp, about 7 minutes.

While the bacon is cooking, spread one side of the bread triangles with 1 Tbs. of the butter and arrange butter side up on a small baking sheet. Toast in the oven until crisp and golden, about 10 minutes.

With a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. Pour off all but 1 Tbs. bacon fat from the skillet. Add the remaining 1 Tbs. butter and the shallot to the skillet and cook over medium heat until softened, about 2 minutes. Add 1/3 cup water and the Brussels sprouts, cream, the remaining 2 Tbs. cider vinegar, and Va tsp. each salt and pepper; cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Cover the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until the Brussels sprouts are just tender, 5 to 7 minutes.

While the Brussels sprouts cook, crack the eggs one at a time into a small bowl or teacup and then gently slide each egg into the simmering vinegar water. Poach until the whites are completely opaque but the yolks are still soft, 3 to 4 minutes. With a slotted spoon, remove the eggs from the water (in the same order they were added) and gently blot dry with a paper towel.

Put 2 toast triangles on each of 4 plates and top each toast with an egg. Season the eggs lightly with salt and pepper and spoon the Brussels sprout mixture on top. Sprinkle with the bacon and a few shavings of Parmigiano-Reggiano. Serve immediately.

 

It is a quote. Fine Cooking Magazine February / March 2011