Are you ready for an adventure? Not the perilous kind, but a culinary journey to the Shire! This recipe recreates the hearty and delicious Second Breakfast enjoyed by our beloved hobbits in the Lord of the Rings. Forget your boring cereal; we're talking a wholesome, flavorful meal that’ll fuel your own epic day, whether you're facing a dragon or just a pile of laundry. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. It’s packed with flavor and perfect for a cozy, homemade meal.
Ingredients:
This recipe easily serves 2-3 hungry hobbits (or people!).
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup chopped cooked chicken or sausage (optional, for a heartier meal)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and mushrooms and cook until the mushrooms are tender, about 5 more minutes.
Step 2: Add the Grains and Protein
Stir in the cooked quinoa, chicken or sausage (if using), diced tomatoes, thyme, and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Make the Egg Cups
In a separate pan (or a larger pan if you're avoiding extra washing!), make four wells in the vegetable mixture. Crack one egg into each well. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese (optional).
Step 4: Cook the Eggs
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and cook until the eggs are set to your liking, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Tips for a Perfect Second Breakfast:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Go green: Include spinach or kale with the mushrooms for extra nutrients.
- Cheese please: Experiment with different cheeses—feta, goat cheese, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan would be delicious.
- Make it vegetarian: Simply omit the chicken or sausage for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Leftovers are your friend: This dish reheats beautifully, making it a great choice for meal prepping.
Variations:
- Breakfast Burrito: Wrap the finished mixture in tortillas for a quick and portable breakfast.
- Frittata: Bake the entire mixture in the oven for a larger, casserole-style dish.
Nutritional Information (per serving, without meat):
This is an approximate calculation and will vary based on ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: Approximately 15-20g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30g
Enjoy your delicious and satisfying Second Breakfast! May your adventures be filled with good food and good company. This healthy meal is sure to become a new favorite in your rotation of quick dinner ideas and best recipes. It’s a delicious dish, perfect for homemade cooking and easy recipes for any skill level.