JOE’S
SPECIAL

SERVES 4

There are many stories about the origin of this quintessential Bay Area breakfast. A prevalent one has a 1920s jazz musician coming into a restaurant after his set late one night and asking for a spinach omelet. He asked the cook if there was anything that could make it more filling. The cook saw some leftover hamburgers. Any origin story that involves making a musician happy is good by me.

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

8 ounces ground beef

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 pound baby spinach, chopped

6 large eggs, lightly beaten

2 tablespoons milk

Hot sauce to taste, a few dashes; I would use Sriracha

¼ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

Sourdough bread, toasted, for serving

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the oil and sauté the onion and garlic until the onion softens, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef and season with salt and pepper. Sauté until the beef browns, about 8 minutes. Add the spinach and stir until wilted.

In a bowl, combine the eggs, milk, and hot sauce. Reduce the heat under the pan to medium and add the egg mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, until the eggs are set, 2 to 3 minutes. Scatter cheese over the top and serve with sourdough toast.