Lentils with Cucumbers, Chard, and Poached Egg Recipe

Lentils with Cucumbers, Chard, and Poached Egg Recipe

  • 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups cooked black lentils, green lentils, or chickpeas (from about 1 cup uncooked)
  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh dill, plus small sprigs for serving
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, divided
  • Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
  • 2 small cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon za'atar, plus more for serving
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large bunch Swiss chard, ribs and stems removed, leaves torn into 2″ pieces
  • 1 garlic clove, finely grated (optional)
  • Za'atar is available at Middle Eastern markets and specialty foods stores, or online.
  1. Bring about 2″ water to a boil in a large saucepan; reduce heat so water is at a gentle simmer and add vinegar, which helps the whites coagulate. Crack an egg into a small bowl, then gently slide it into water. Repeat with remaining eggs, waiting until whites are starting to set before adding the next one (about 30 seconds apart). After about 3 minutes, whites should be set and yolks still runny. Using a slotted spoon, transfer eggs to paper towels as they are done.
  2. Combine lentils, scallions, dill, lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice in a medium bowl; season with salt and pepper. Toss cucumbers with 1 tablespoon za'atar and remaining 1 tablespoon lemon juice in a small bowl; season with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium. Add Swiss chard by the handful, tossing and letting it cook down a bit before adding more, and cook until tender; season with salt and pepper. Stir in garlic, if using, and set aside.
  3. Divide lentils among bowls and top each with some chard, cucumbers, a few dill sprigs, and a poached egg. Sprinkle with more za'atar.