into small squares and put into individual bowls.
4. After 5 1 / 2 minutes, pour out the hot water from the pan. Immediately crack each egg by tapping and rotating it several times on the edge of the sink. Because they are hot to handle, pass them under cold running water while you gently peel.
5. Place the eggs on top of the toast squares and cut them up so the yolks spill out. Gently toss. Season with salt and pepper to taste. *
Sweet Pea & Onion Frittata
ACTUAL WORK TIME: 15 minutes | TOTAL TIME: 30 minutes | SERVES: 4
You can get creative here without fear. Use any vegetable you have in your fridge: just add to the cooked onions and then cook until tender; chopped spinach and zucchini work well. While you’re at it, throw in a chopped fresh herb.
1 large yellow onion
2 T. e.v. olive oil
1 tsp. kosher salt ( 1 / 2 tsp. + 1 / 2 tsp.)
8 large eggs
1 / 4 c. grated Parmesan, plus more for sprinkling
1 / 4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1 c. frozen peas
Tools needed: cutting board, chef’s knife, medium ovenproof skillet, measuring cups and spoons, tongs, whisk or fork, medium bowl, cheese grater (if grating it yourself), strainer, kitchen timer.
* How-to:
Slice an onion
Don’t Panic: Yes, you are using both the stovetop and the oven. You are also going to multitask, but it’s manageable.
1. Heat the oven (with the oven rack in the middle) to 350°F.
2. Thinly slice the onion into half-moons. *
3. Place your medium ovenproof skillet on the stove and turn the heat to medium. Measure and pour in the oil and heat until it shimmers (1 to 2 minutes). Add the onion and 1 / 2 tsp. of the salt and cook , turning often with tongs, until light golden brown and tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and spread the onion evenly over the bottom of the skillet.
4. While the onion cooks, crack the eggs into a medium bowl. Using a whisk or a fork, beat together until they are an even yellow. Mix in the Parmesan, pepper (about 12 turns on a pepper mill), and the remaining 1 / 2 tsp. salt.
5. To thaw the peas, place them in a strainer and pass under warm water, about 1 minute.
6. Pour the egg mixture over the onion and scatter the peas over the eggs. Sprinkle a small handful of extra Parmesan over the top and transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake until the middle is just set, 15 to 20 minutes.
Huevos Rancheros
ACTUAL WORK TIME: 20 minutes | TOTAL TIME: 20 minutes | SERVES: 4
Do me a favor? Make this. Please use a hearty, rich, high-quality salsa. Thank you.
4 corn tortillas
1 T. e.v. olive oil
1 small head romaine lettuce
1 can (15.5-oz.) black or pinto refried beans
2 c. of your favorite salsa
4 large eggs
Tools needed: rimmed sheet pan, small bowl, pastry brush, cutting board, chef’s knife, salad spinner, can opener, spoon, measuring cups and spoons, small saucepan, medium skillet with lid, kitchen timer.
Don’t Panic: There are a few things going on at once, but it’s all timed out for you. Cooking the egg in salsa may be a new thing, but you’ll find there’s really nothing to it.
1. Heat the oven (with the oven rack in the middle) to 400°F. Place the tortillas on a rimmed sheet pan. Pour the oil into a small bowl, then brush each side of the tortillas with the oil (if you don’t have a brush, wing it with a paper towel). Bake until golden brown and crisp, 10 to 12 minutes.
2. While the tortillas bake, tear off and discard any discolored outer leaves from the head of lettuce. Then, starting at the leafy end, thinly slice it crosswise until you get about 2 c. of shredded lettuce. Or just tear it. Place in a salad spinner, wash , and spin dry.
3. Place a small saucepan on the stove and add the beans. Turn the heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
4. While the beans heat, place a medium skillet on the stove and add the salsa. Turn the heat to medium.