Green-Pea Pesto Toasts with Soft-Cooked Eggs

RECIPE

Johnny Miller

Directions

Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Gently lower eggs into water. Turn off heat and cover; let eggs stand until whites are just set but yolks are still runny, about 6 minutes. Transfer to an ice-water bath and let cool completely.

Meanwhile, blanch fresh peas in a medium pot of salted boiling water until bright green and just tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to another ice-water bath and let cool completely. Drain. (If using frozen peas, skip this step.)

In a food processor, pulse peas, garlic, pine nuts, basil, and Parmesan until a paste forms. With machine running, slowly add oil, processing until combined. Season with salt and pepper.

Spread each piece of toast with 2 tablespoons pea pesto. Peel eggs and slice in half; divide among toasts. Season with salt and pepper, top with basil leaves, and serve.

COOK'S NOTES

Toss leftover pesto with pasta, spread it on sandwiches, or serve it as a dip for crudités.

Ingredients

4 large eggs

2 cups shelled green peas (from 2 pounds in pods), or 2 cups frozen peas, thawed

Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

1 clove garlic, coarsely chopped

2 tablespoons pine nuts, lightly toasted

1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves, plus more for serving

1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

4 slices rustic bread, toasted