Parsley, Olive, Egg and Ricotta Sandwiches

4 large eggs

¼ teaspoon fine sea salt

¼ cup packed, finely chopped flat-leaf parsley

4 slices bread from a crusty, country-style loaf (may substitute half of a baguette, halved crosswise, then lengthwise, for a total of 4 pieces)

2 teaspoons olive oil, plus more for brushing the bread

¼ cup whole-milk ricotta cheese

Salad

¼ cup packed, sliced flat-leaf parsley leaves

¼ cup pitted, chopped green olives, such as Castelvetrano, Lucques, Picholine or other green olives, alone or in combination

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon olive oil

Freshly ground black pepper (optional)

For the eggs and sandwiches: Crack 2 eggs each into two bowls, and use a fork to beat well. Divide the salt and parsley evenly between the bowls.

Brush each side of the sliced bread with a little oil; toast until just barely golden.

Meanwhile, heat an 8-inch skillet over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon of the oil and swirl to coat the surface. Once the oil is hot, pour in half of the egg-parsley mixture (one bowl’s worth), which should begin to bubble immediately. Tilt the skillet as needed so the eggs cook in an even, thin layer; use a spatula to gently lift the outer edges of the egg so any uncooked parts can flow underneath. Once the egg has set, use a wide spatula to gently flip it over. Cook for just a few seconds, until set on the second side.

(Alternatively, eggs cooked in a heatproof skillet can be slipped under a broiler for a few seconds to set.)

Transfer to a plate; repeat with the remaining teaspoon of oil and the remaining egg mixture.

For the salad: Just before assembling the sandwiches, combine the sliced parsley with the olives, squeeze over 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, drizzle with the oil and toss to combine.

Cut the egg into pieces or strips that will roughly cover the bread slices in two layers. Spread the ricotta on the bottom piece of bread for each sandwich and top equally with the egg pieces or strips. Spoon the parsley-olive salad equally over each portion of the egg. Sprinkle a few grinds of black pepper over the salad, if desired, then top each sandwich with its remaining slice of bread.

Serves two.

Cook’s note: You can omit the bread altogether and serve the omelets folded over or rolled up around dollops of ricotta, with the parsley salad spooned over the top.

Nutrition values per serving: 450 calories, 23 g fat (7 g saturated), 38 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber, 2 g sugar 23 g protein, 440 mg cholesterol, 980 mg sodium.

Emily Horton for The Washington Post