So it seems like the weather is finally picking up- it's getting milder and more conducive to outdoor activities, such as bbqs,picnics and gardening! At long last the weather is showing a semblance of spring/summer.
Therefore, I decided to expend all my energy today in the garden, to make the most of the mild weather and embellish my somewhat average flowerbeds!!!
Having spent the day working hard with the soil, I've built up quite the appetite! The only culinary option now is an injection of protein, to re-fuel the body, so what better than a protein-packed meal such as a bean cassoulet with poached eggs!!!
Poached Eggs with Tomato Butter Beans
Serves 4
For the tomato butter beans:
1 tablespoon
olive oil
1 teaspoon
cumin seeds
2 medium red
onions (finely sliced)
2 400g cans chopped tomatoes
1 tablespoon
tomato puree
1 tablespoon
cider or rice vinegar
1 teaspoon
smoked paprika
2 400g cans of butter beans (drained)
Sea salt (to taste)
Black pepper (to taste)
Poached eggs:
4 medium
eggs
1 tablespoon
white vinegar
Method for Beans:
Heat the
olive oil in a large saucepan.
Add the
onions and cumin seeds and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes.
Stir in the
canned tomatoes, tomato puree, cider or rice vinegar, smoked paprika and a
pinch of salt and pepper.
Cook over a
gentle heat for about 20-25 minutes.
Add the
drained butter beans to the tomato mixture and cook for a further 10 minutes,
being careful not to over-cook as the beans will go into a mush!
Set aside
while preparing the poached eggs.
Method for poached eggs:
Heat a
saucepan full of water and white vinegar.
Once the
water is boiling, create a swirl in the water with the handle of a wooden spoon
and quickly crack your egg into the swirling water.
Cook the egg
for 1-2 minutes or longer if you prefer your eggs harder boiled.
Repeat this
for your remaining eggs.
Remove egg
from water and serve immediately with your tomato beans.
Serve with
crusty bread or toast.
Nutritional Tip:
Butter beans are like an “All-Star”
food as they contain exceptional nutritional values. Like most other beans,
they are packed full of fibre, protein, vitamins and minerals. Overall, they
are excellent in aiding a healthy heart, promoting a good digestive system and
regulating your blood sugar levels.
