Brunch is a pretty big deal at my house on the weekends. Coffee, farm fresh eggs straight outta our CSA box and veggies. Lots + lots of veggies. I’m realizing now as I type this, that I don’t have many brunch recipes on my blog. This should change, because brunch is my favorite meal. Like hands down, my favorite.
I’m finding, the older I get {and the less I have to bartend} that mornings have a special place in my heart. There’s something so super magical about morning stillness. On Saturdays + Sundays I get up as early as I possibly can – I know that sounds weird. Yes I wake up as early as I can on the weekends. I creep downstairs, my husband + cat still totally conked out.
I cook and create and there’s no one there to bother me. It’s one of the only times of the whole week that I feel perfectly at peace. No street sounds, no construction noises or jack-hammering, no one knocking on my apartment door, no texts, calls or emails. The city streets are asleep, my loved ones are asleep. Soon they’ll awake, but for now I relish their inactivity.
Just me in my kitchen, cooking for the man I love. This is my heaven on Earth.
I put the kettle on and I make a fresh batch of coffee in my french press. This week I have the pleasure of sipping on some of the best coffee I’ve ever had and I don’t use that phrase lightly. If you hear me say something like “best coffee ever”, I mean it. My friends over at Puro Fairtrade Coffee sent me some beans to try and it is one amazing cup of joe.
Puro is dedicated to the social responsibility of harvesting + producing shade grown, fair trade, organic coffee. To find out more about Puro, check out their film series. To win a bag of Puro coffee, jump to the bottom of the post for instructions.
Back to brunch – as I rummage my way around my kitchen, planning my brunch menu with intent just kinda flows out naturally. Usually something is roasted, a veggie or potato and typically something will be sauteed, some greens or some beans; but always eggs, sunny side-up are our favorite.
As I fumble through my CSA goodies, a bunch of green beans and beet greens catch my eye. Have you ever eaten beet greens? They’re they effing bomb. Not at all bitter, like some would suggest. They taste similar to swiss chard. And yes, you can eat the whole thing. You can eat that whole leaf and stem baby. If you’re tossing this part away, STOP and make this recipe at once. You will NOT regret it, I promise.
Garlicky Beet Green + Green Bean Open-faced Egg Sandwiches
Takes about 20 minutes to assemble + makes 4 open-faced sandwiches.
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch of beet green stems
- 1 pound {or so} green beans
- 5 cloves of garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of filtered water
- heavy pinch of sea salt
- 4 slices of bread, I used gluten-free bread from my local bakery
- 4 farm fresh eggs
- fresh oregano
- ground pepper to taste
Wash and dry your beet greens + green beans. Snip the ends of the beans. Trim the ends of the beet greens {using the leaves is optional, I chose not too, but you totally can and it would be delicious} and cut stalks in half, they should measure about the same length as the beans.
Heat a large saute pan over low-medium heat. Add in the garlic, green beans, beat greens filtered water and pinch of salt. Cover and cook for about 5 minutes. Release the lid and add in the olive oil, finish sauteing until the beans and greens are tender and vibrant.
While the beans + greens are cooking, toast your bread and cook your eggs, whichever style you like them.
To assemble, layer the beans and greens over the bread. Top with an egg + finish with coarse ground pepper and oregano.
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This post is in partnership with Puro Fairtrade Coffee; all opinions are my own.
Kelly @ Nosh and Nourish says
I don’t know of this morning stillness you speak of, lol!!!!!!!!! Oh wait, that’s because I have a three year old :) Enjoy the quiet!!!
Sherrie says
I’m trying to soak in every quiet moment while I still can!! XO
Ziggy says
I like the taste and warmth of coffee in the morning when i’m still half asleep. I also like it in an enema.
Heather says
Following on Pinterest. When it comes to coffee, there are so many things to love. It brings people together, it conjures up old, wonderful memories, the simple act of smelling its aroma puts a smile on your face…
Kate says
Funny enough I never drank coffee until I entered my degree in holistic nutrition! And for me. Aside from how much I now adore my Americano with a touch of steamed almond milk, it’s more about the experience. I can wholeheartedly say that some of my most precious moments … Deep heart talks with friends, family and my man, great laughs, new friendships and that stillness you speak of, has all been over a cup of coffee. A long explanation I know, but it’s quite possibly my favourite moment if every day!
Susan spooner says
I love the smell of coffee. Can’t imagine a morning without it
Kat says
I love when I am with family and I wake up to the smell of coffee. I quickly jump out of bed and stumble to the living room so we (mostly mom, dad, and sister) can have quiet conversations before the hustle of the day starts. Thanks for all you do Sherrie. You are amazing, my friend!
Kim P says
coffee is always my quite before the storm – it’s my grounding ritual
Jen Wagner says
I love the serenity of coffee. My family knows, when I have a cup of coffee in my hands, they are to leave me alone! LOL :) *already following on Pinterest*
Carolyn says
Followed you on Pinterest! What DON’T I love about coffee? I love the taste, the smell, the energy, the ritual…
Leigh Miller says
Coffee is my daily ritual for myself!
Allison Grech says
I love the ritual of coffee, perhaps even more than coffee itself. I love going to a coffee store that knows your name and order, with a barista who smiles at you as they hand it over. But most of all I love making coffee for my family. I love the moment when the milk first hits the crema, and slowly tilting the cup to let the milk flow as I experiment with patterns. And then the smell of coffee in our small lounge room on a crisp Sunday morning, as we sip slowly, savouring the taste and speaking about our plans for the week.
Kelly @ Nosh and Nourish says
I love coffee and the start of my day. It just makes me happy… and, I’ve recently switched to drinking it black, so having a high quality coffee bean is so important!!! No covering it up with gallons of sugary creamer!
Chelsea says
Living in Seattle coffee is part of life. It’s the aroma of gathering with friends on grey broody days & happy, heading to the sunny shore days. It’s morning rituals & late night study groups. It spans all of the coziest memories from Christmas to camping. What’s not to love. It’s also the ongoing adventure of finding the best & least known outposts of coffee divinity everywhere I go. Coffee is amazing. The end!
Natasha says
I actually can’t drink coffee, but my sister is a coffee connoisseur so I’d love to give it to her!
Lisa B says
I love the experience…from grinding the beans, to the aroma (ooooh that aroma :), and that first sip yum! I have a stovetop coffee/espresso maker, considering getting a french press. Love trying out new beans to get that perfect cup!
Joanna says
I like coffee because it is richer that tea and doesnt need to be sweetened to be delicious. Coffee ice cream has been my favorite flavor since i was 4 years old!
Cm Leonard says
After the aroma of the beans grinding and the water hitting the beans, my favorite thing about coffee is the first sip and the time to enjoy talking with my husband..
Sheryll Ziemer says
I love GOOD coffee. That first cup in the morning is wonderful and I have to have it in my Polish Pottery giant mug (about 2 cups worth). I’d love to try the beans you say are the best coffee you’ve ever had.
Thanks for the offer!
Your brunch looks lovely!
Lynell says
My favorite thing about coffee might actually be the ritual of making it and pouring the cup almost more than drinking it. There’s something about the process that is calming and signifies the beginning of a new day.
deneen says
I love the way coffee tastes – rich, strong, dark coffee – seems like the obvious reason to love it, right? but like so many other comments here, it’s the ritual that’s associated that makes it such a favorite. The Mr & I share coffee every single morning (usually in the garage, strange I know but it’s his happy place) and we talk. A lot. About everything. It’s how we stay connected, grounded & in tune with each other. It’s a really sacred time.
Kelsey says
Your writing is beautiful! Makes me want to get up early (just kidding, the dog already wakes us up before 6 every morning!!).
Which is where coffee comes in. My mornings don’t feel right without a warm mug of coffee and a generous splash of almond milk, sprinkle of Ceylon cinnamon, and a little dash of raw cacao powder!
My favorite part of coffee is fresh-grinding and then sticking my nose almost in the grounds. Can’t get enough of that delicious smell!!!
Shelby says
I love that coffee is my “me time” in the morning!!! A time to remember that food is nourishment! And plan my way of conquering the day, BAM!
Mary Anne says
I love that coffee always tastes better with friends!
Anna Derrer says
I love the smell of coffee and my favorite is to enjoy a big cup on my day off and make it a special treat.
Karen kipp says
I love how grounded I feel when I drink coffee. It’s bitterness and full body warm me and nourish me in a deep way that transcends the physical aspect. For me, it is usually a mid-morning treat to myself when there is time, not a daily ritual.
kristin says
What I love about coffee is the variety of flavors and styles you can brew it. Each method of brew come with their own unique taste. Coffee is the only drink that I never tire of.
april says
I love the smell of freshly ground beans and then the smell of the freshly brewed coffee. Love a good dark roast with a splash of cream. It’s my little oasis in a busy day, a moment for myself before the chaos begins. :)
(Following on Pinterest, http://www.pinterest.com/amkj2002/)
Maria says
Followed your Pinterest!
Followed your Instagram!
I love the smell of the freshly brewed coffee, it is calming and it keeps my sanity for the day :) I have a 4 y/o and I absolutely love the effect of a good cup of coffee on me–I become a super fun and friendly mom :)
Jules B. says
Coffee is one of my favorite scents and by far my favorite taste. I love to drink it, cook with it, and bake with it.
Grace @ Earthy Feast says
Beautiful styling and photography Sherrie! And man, I could eat this sandwich situation every single day and be oh so happy!
Sherrie says
Awe thanks Grace :)) XO!!
Sherrie says
Thanks Grace :)) XO!!
Kristi Rimkus says
What a wonderful use for beet greens. I usually just saute with garlic. I’ve pinned this for future greens!
Jeannie says
This recipe looks so yummy! Coffee, in the morning…sitting on my deck, watching the birds @ the feeder, before anyone gets up. A way to commune with nature and enjoy my morning. When camping, the first cup, at first light…heavenly,
Nicole Daniels says
That sandwich makes me hungry though I just ate!! I have to eat one as soon as possible, with a large cup of black coffee. The smell of coffee on an early foggy morning, sitting on the porch listening to the birds, nothing better!
Amelia says
Coffee picks me up when I think I am down and out!
Britt Janz says
Im actually just starting to drink coffee :) I turn 30 this year and have 3 children under 4. Coffee is filling this new need of feeling older (in a good way!) and needing a pick me up! BRING IT!
Heather says
Why do I love coffee? Two words:
Night shift.
Julia says
How beautiful! I’m bad about using beet greens – I need to do so more often! I love how healthful and fresh these open-facers are! I can easily see myself enjoying a big cup of coffee and a couple of these during the weekend!
Carol says
Beautiful post and recipe, have a great 4th of July weekend!
Sherrie says
Thank you Carol!! Wishing you a beautiful Fourth of July :))
Renee (will frolic for food) says
I LOVE THIS and I love that the #soletspigout potluck is bringing us together! I’m stoked to be in such great company. This collab is gonna ROCK. <3 new friends!