serves 2
Vegetables and eggs are a beloved combination in the Greek kitchen, and there are endless combinations served for breakfast, lunch, or a light supper. This is one of my favorites because it’s easy but it looks stunning.
1 pound (450 g) beet greens
3 tablespoons extra-virgin Greek olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped, or 1 small leek, trimmed, thoroughly washed, and chopped
1 small fennel bulb, chopped
1 garlic clove, chopped
½ teaspoon sweet paprika
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or hot paprika
½ cup (25 g) chopped fresh mint
½ cup (85 g) chopped peeled plum tomatoes (canned is fine)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 large eggs
Crusty bread, for serving
Wash the greens thoroughly in several changes of water and spin dry or drain in a colander. Remove the stems and discard or save for another use (see Note). Coarsely chop the leaves.
In a large deep nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the onion and fennel and cook until wilted and lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic, paprika, and cayenne and cook, stirring, for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the greens, cover the pot, and cook until wilted, about 8 minutes. Stir in the mint, add the tomatoes, and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, until most of the liquid has evaporated. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
Using a wooden spoon, make four wells in the cooked greens. Carefully break an egg into each of the wells. Cook until the yolks and whites are set, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove and serve immediately, with a good piece of crusty bread.
NOTE: You can use the beet stems to make a version of tzatziki, the classic Greek yogurt–garlic dip that usually contains grated cucumbers: Chop the beet stems and blanch them briefly in boiling water, then drain. Combine the stems, 1½ cups (360 ml) Greek yogurt, 1 to 3 finely chopped garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons extra-virgin Greek olive oil, and 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar and season to taste with salt. This ad hoc beet stem tzatziki goes nicely with the Eggs in a Hole and is a good way to make use of something ordinarily discarded.