Ottolenghi's Slow-Cooked Chickpeas on Toast with Poached Egg

Yotam Ottolenghi is one of the most inspirational chefs of our time. He creates the most exotic dishes, full of unique textures and flavors, causing us to think outside of the box and be more creative in our own kitchens. I recently received a copy of his book, Plenty More , and was instantly drawn to his recipe for Slow-Cooked Chickpeas on Toast with Poached Egg. As a lover of chickpeas, this dish begged to be made first.

Weekday mornings are a struggle.  Breakfast needs to be quick.  This recipe is the answer to those mornings. A spicy mix of chickpeas, slow-cooked to perfection, served over a crisp slice of toast topped off with a very inviting poached egg that is oozing with glorious egg yolk. I'm pretty sure this is the perfect way to start a random weekday morning. Make this over the weekend and pop it in the fridge. In the morning all you'll need to do is reheat the chickpeas while you make some toast and an egg, and you're all set! A special and inspiring way to start your day before you head out the door.

Slow-Cooked Chickpeas on Toast with Poached Egg

Adapted from Plenty More

by Yotam Ottolenghi

Serves 4

Rounded 1 cup chickpeas, soaked in water overnight with 2 teaspoons baking soda

1 tablespoon olive oil, plus 1 tablespoon to finish

1 medium onion, coarsely chopped (1 cup)

3 cloves garlic, crushed

1-1/2 teaspoons tomato paste

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

2 medium red peppers, cut into1/4 inch dice

1 beefsteak tomato, peeled and coarsely chopped

1/2 teaspoon superfine sugar

4 slices sourdough bread, brushed with olive oil and grilled on both sides

4 eggs, freshly poached

2 teaspoons za'tar

salt and black pepper, to taste

Drain and rinse the chickpeas and place them in a large saucepan with plenty of water. Place over high  heat, bring to a boil, skim the surface, and boil for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Place the oil, onion, garlic, tomato paste, cayenne, paprika, red peppers, 1 teaspoon salt, and some black pepper in a food processor and blitz to form a paste.

Wipe out the chickpea saucepan, return it to the stove over medium heat, and add the paste. Fry for 5 minutes (there's enough oil there to allow for this), stirring occasionally, before adding the tomato, sugar, chickpeas, and a scant 1 cup water.  Bring to a low simmer, cover the pan, and cook over very low heat for 4 hours, stirring from time to time and adding more water when needed to retain a sauce-like consistency. Remove the lid and cook for a final hour; the sauce needs to thicken without the chickpeas becoming dry.

Place a piece of warm grilled bread on each plate and spoon the chickpeas over the bread. Lay a poached egg on top, followed by a sprinkle of za'tar and a drizzle of oil. Serve at once.

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While on the subject of chickpeas, Ottolenghi's Hummus Schwarma with Lemon Sauce is hands down one of the best recipes I've shared on my blog.  Smooth and creamy hummus with crispy chunks of savory lamb, buttered and toasted pine nuts, and a bright zingy lemon sauce. It should be called Heavenly Hummus.