Braised Eggs with Leeks and Za’atar

Recipe adapted from: Ottolenghi Simple, by Yotam Ottolenghi

ingredients

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
all the leeks from your box, trimmed and thinly sliced
kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
1-1/4 cups low sodium vegetable broth
1/2 small preserved lemon, seeds discarded, skin and flesh finely chopped
1 teaspoon cumin seeds, lightly toasted and crushed
7 oz. baby spinach leaves
6 large eggs
3 1/4 oz. feta cheese, crumbled into 3/4 inch pieces (1 generous cup)
1 tablespoon za’atar
Asparagus from your box, tough ends trimmed and sliced thinly on the diagonal

instructions

Heat the butter and 1 tablespoon oil into a large sauté pan with a lid and place over medium high heat. Once the butter starts to foam, add the leeks, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and plenty of pepper. Fry, stirring frequently, until the leeks are soft, about 3 minutes. Add the vegetable broth, lemon, and cumin. Bring to a boil and cook until most of the broth has evaporated, 4 - 5 minutes. Add the spinach and asparagus and fold in until the spinach is wilted, about 1 minute. Reduce the heat to medium. Use a large spoon to make 6 indentations in the mixture. Break 1 egg into each space. Sprinkle the eggs with a pinch of salt, dot the feta around the eggs, then cover the pan. Simmer until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still runny, 4 - 5 minutes. Meanwhile, mis the za’atar with the remaining tablespoon oil. Brush the za’atar over the eggs. Serve at once, straight from the pan.