Mexican Eggs in Purgatory

This was a tasty dinner, but I think my pan should have been smaller so that the sauce the eggs cooked in was deeper.  Not a real problem but just to note for future.  It isn't my favorite of the baked egg dishes I have done, I think it is that I prefer the tomato based sauces for the eggs.  It isn't a pretty dish but not too bad.  Again writing a month after the fact, so hard to give too many details.  Say my mantra with me, I will catch up! and maybe it will happen;).

Mexican Eggs in Purgatory

1 pound tomatillos, husked

1 poblano or jalapeño, stemmed and seeded (see Note)

1 1/2 cups chopped cilantro leaves and stems

3 scallions, coarsely chopped, plus sliced scallions, for garnish

3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth

3 ounces thickly sliced bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 garlic clove, minced

8 large eggs

2 tablespoons grated Cotija cheese or crumbled feta, plus more for garnish

Warm corn tortillas, for serving

1. Preheat the broiler and position a rack about 8 inches from the heat source. In a blender or food processor, add the husked tomatillos, poblano, chopped cilantro, chopped scallions and chicken broth and puree until smooth.

2. In a large, shallow flameproof casserole or skillet, cook the bacon in the olive oil over high heat until the bacon is browned, about 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the tomatillo puree and cook over moderate heat until the sauce is thickened and dull green, about 15 minutes.

3. Using the back of a spoon, make 8 depressions in the tomatillo sauce. Remove the casserole from the heat and carefully crack the eggs into the depressions. Sprinkle the eggs and tomatillo sauce with the 2 tablespoons of Cotija cheese. Broil the dish until the egg whites are set but the egg yolks are still runny, about 4 minutes. Garnish with more Cotija cheese and the sliced scallions and serve right away with warm corn tortillas.

Make Ahead The green tomatillo sauce can be covered and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Bring the sauce to room temperature before adding the eggs.  For an extra-spicy dish, leave the seeds in the peppers.