Another Spring-like endeavor! And I think that Pea Pesto might be my favorite new type of pesto. It is light and refreshing and can be used cold as a spread as in this application, or used on pasta in a warm dish. This open-faced sandwich can be dressed up with the addition of cherry tomatoes too. Yum!
Ingredients
for the eggs
4 large free-range eggs
for the pea pesto
1 (10-ounce) package frozen peas, defrosted
6 or so basil leaves
1 garlic clove
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus extra for seasoning
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus extra for seasoning
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1/3 cup olive oil
for the baguette
1/2 baguette (or a whole small baguette), sliced horizontally
1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup fresh peas, blanched and shocked to cool
a few handfuls baby arugula
a handful other micro greens
1/4 cup olive oil
coarse salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
Directions
Fill a small pot about 3 inches deep and bring to a boil. Slide the eggs carefully in and turn the heat down and boil for 8 minutes. Run under cool water to stop the cooking once they’re done. Let the eggs sit in the cold water while you prepare the rest of the sandwich.
Heat oven to 350F. Slice the baguette lengthwise. Yes, it will be long, but you will likely cut the baguette into individual servings to plate later. Brush the inside of the baguette with the olive oil and place cut side up on a baking sheet. Toast for about 6-8 minutes, until lightly browned. Remove from the oven and let cool.
To make the pesto, pulse together the peas, basil leaves, garlic, Parmesan, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper and cayenne in a food processor. With the machine running, slowly add the olive oil until well combined, about 1 to 2 minutes. Season with additional salt and pepper, if needed. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.
Peel eggs and slice in half. Smear a layer of the pea pesto on each half of the bread. Sprinkle the baby arugula and micro greens over the pea puree baguettes. Place egg halves at regular intervals on each baguette half and top with garnish more greens and the fresh peas. Drizzle with olive oil and season with coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper.
