Harissa Tomato Eggs en Cocotte

My Cellar

Serves 6

1 tbsp (15 ml) unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing

¼ cup (60 ml) finely minced shallots

2 garlic cloves, smashed and minced

1 cup (250 ml) tomato passata (Puréed strained tomatoes. Available at most grocery stores.)

⅓ cup (75 ml) cream

2 tsp (10 ml) harissa paste, or to taste

¼ tsp (1 ml) sea salt

1 pinch brown sugar

1 x 14 oz (398 ml) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

splash balsamic vinegar

1½ cups (375 ml) loosely packed baby spinach leaves, slivered

1 tbsp (15 ml) extra-virgin olive oil

¾ cup (175 ml) mixed fresh mushrooms, finely chopped or ½ oz (15 g) dried mixed mushrooms, soaked, drained and chopped

2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh dill, plus extra for garnish

6 large organic eggs (Organic eggs offer extra-yellow yolks.)

⅓ cup (75 ml) full-fat plain yogurt

black pepper, to taste

crispy fried shallots or onions, for garnish (optional) - Make at home, or available at specialty grocery stores.

toasted sourdough, for serving

Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Place rack in centre of oven. Arrange six ¾-cup (175 ml) ramekins on a baking sheet. Lightly grease the inside of each with butter. Set aside.
In a medium skillet, heat 1 tbsp (15 ml) butter over medium heat. Add shallot and sauté for a couple minutes to soften. Add garlic and gently sauté a minute longer until soft. Stir in passata, cream, harissa, salt and brown sugar. Fold in beans and a splash of balsamic. Add a little more harissa to taste, if desired. Fold in spinach until slightly wilted and divide mixture among ramekins. Set aside.
Add olive oil and mushrooms to skillet and gently stir-fry over medium heat until golden brown, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat and fold in dill. Scatter half the mushroom-dill mixture into the ramekins.
Crack an egg into each ramekin and scatter with remaining mushroom-dill mixture. Spoon about 1 tbsp (15 ml) yogurt alongside each egg. Sprinkle with a little pepper.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until piping hot and eggs are set and firmness is as desired.
Remove and sprinkle with a little dill. Serve garnished with a sprinkling of crispy fried shallots or onions, if using, and toasted sourdough for dipping.