Main Entree

Herbed Ricotta and Poached Egg Tartine

Ingredients:

Herbed Ricotta
½ cup (125 mL) ricotta
1 Tbsp (15 mL) each finely chopped fresh parsley, basil and chives
1 clove garlic, minced
¼ tsp (1.25 mL)   each salt and pepper

Tartine*
2 tsp (10 mL) white vinegar
4 eggs
4 slices rustic French or Italian bread (about 1/2-inch/1 cm thick slices), toasted
1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and sliced
8 cherry tomatoes, quartered
4 tsp (20 mL) extra-virgin olive oil
¼ tsp (1.25 mL) flaked sea salt

Instructions:

Herbed Ricotta

Stir together ricotta, parsley, basil, chives, garlic, salt and pepper. Set aside.

Tartine

Fill saucepan with enough water to come 3 inches (8 cm) up side; heat to gentle simmer. Stir in vinegar. Break cold egg into small dish or saucer; holding dish just above simmering water, gently slip into water. Repeat with remaining eggs. Cook in barely simmering water until whites are set and yolks are cooked as desired, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove eggs with slotted spoon. Drain well on paper towel.

Meanwhile, spread Herbed Ricotta over toasted bread. Top with avocado and tomatoes. Arrange poached eggs over top. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.

Notes:

Substitute your favourite herbs in the ricotta; try tarragon, cilantro or mint.

If desired, substitute fried eggs for poached eggs.

*Tartine sounds fancy but simply means “open-faced sandwich” in French. The key to these popular toasted versions is to use a good-quality rustic bread for best flavour and crunch.

Makes 4 servings

Prep time: 15 min, Cook time: 5 min

Nutrients per serving:
Calories: 360
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Sodium: 200 mg
Sugars: 1 g
Protein: 15 g
Fibre: 3 g
Carbohydrate: 29 g