Open-Faced Sandwiches With Ricotta, Arugula, and Fried Egg

Absolutely wonderful! We served it on toasted seedless rye and it was great for the arugula and for the cheese to start to melt and then with the egg on it, really great! Scrumptious! Cooking Light Magazine, May 2010 publication.;)

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Yields: 4 (1 sandwich for each)

Ingredients

• 4  slices  whole-wheat  country bread (2 oz. each) or 4  slices baguette (2 oz each) or 4  slices  sub  rolls (hogie, 2 oz each) or 4  slices  rye bread (2 oz each)
•  cooking spray
• 2  cups arugula (spinned dry)
• 1  tablespoon  extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt, divided (optional, or use less)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper, divided
• 1  pinch crushed red pepper flakes
• 4  large eggs
• 3⁄4 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1⁄4 cup  grated fresh parmigiano-reggiano cheese
• 1  teaspoon  chopped fresh thyme

Directions

1. Preheat broiler.
2. Coat both sides of bread with cooking spray; broil 2 minutes on each side or until lightly toasted.
3. Combine arugula, 2 teaspoons oil, juice, 1/8 teaspoon salt (if using), 1/4 teaspoon pepper; toss gently & pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
4. Heat remaining 1 teaspoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
5. Crack eggs into pan; cook 2 minutes.
6. Cover and cook an additional 2 minutes or until whites are set.
7. Remove from heat.
8. Combine 1/4 teaspoon salt, ricotta, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and thyme; spread over bread slices.
9. Divide salad and eggs evenly over bread.
10. Sprinkle with remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt and remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper.