LENTILS WITH CUCUMBERS, CHARD, AND POACHED EGG

Lentils with Cucumbers, Chard, and Poached Egg image

Provided by Alison Roman

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

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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.

Steps:

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.
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.
Divide lentils among bowls and top each with some chard, cucumbers, a few dill sprigs, and a poached egg. Sprinkle with more za'atar.