Sautéed Escarole with Toasted Pearl Couscous and Poached Eggs

By ROBandSEAN

Ingredients

• 1 cup pearl couscous or fregola sarda*
• 5 About 5 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 3/4 About 3/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided
• 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 2 large heads (1 1/4 lbs. total) escarole, stem ends trimmed, leaves rinsed and drained (leave some water on leaves)
• 1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 About 1/2 tsp. pepper
• 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
• 4 large chicken or duck* eggs
• 1/2 About 1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese

Preparation

Step 1

1. Toast couscous in 1 tbsp. oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until mostly golden, 7 to 8 minutes (if using fregola, omit oil and toasting). Add 1/4 tsp. salt and 2 cups water (and fregola, if using); bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer until barely tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain.
2. Cook garlic in remaining 1/4 cup oil in a large frying pan over medium heat until softened but still pale, 2 to 3 minutes. Add escarole and cook until it begins to wilt, 2 to 3 minutes. Add couscous and stir to coat, then add broth and 1/2 tsp. pepper and cook 2 to 3 minutes more. Season with about 1/4 tsp. salt and pepper to taste and keep warm.
3. Fill saucepan used for couscous three-quarters full of water, add vinegar, and cook over high heat until bubbles barely break the surface. Reduce heat to medium-low. Crack eggs into water and give water a gentle stir to ensure eggs aren't sticking to pan. Cook 3 minutes for runny yolks. With a slotted spoon, transfer eggs to paper towels. Sprinkle with about 1/4 tsp. salt and pepper to taste.
4. Divide escarole mixture among 4 soup plates and set an egg on each. Drizzle with more oil and sprinkle with parmesan.
*Buy fregola sarda from markethallfoods.com or at gourmet grocery stores. Look for duck eggs at Asian and farmers' markets.