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West Coasters know what's in a Joe's Special. The hearty and homey one-skillet dish was served at an Italian restaurant called Original Joe's in San Francisco (and other subsequent Joe's restaurants in California) and consists of ground beef, mushrooms, spinach, onions and garlic, all scrambled with eggs.

The mixture is piled atop slices of garlicky toasted sourdough bread, but it can be served over pasta or by itself.

Adapted from Beth Hensperger's "Not Your Mother's Weeknight Cooking" (Harvard Common Press, 2008).

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Ingredients

measuring cup

Servings: 4

Directions

  • Step 1

    Crush 3 garlic cloves. Place 2 of them in a microwave-safe cup and add 2 tablespoons of the oil. Cook on LOW in the microwave just until the oil is warm.

  • Step 2

    Toast 4 slices of sourdough bread. Brush the top side of each slice with the warmed garlic oil; place the slices on a plate and cover loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm.

  • Step 3

    Squeeze as much liquid as possible from the defrosted spinach. Mince the shallots or onion. Stem the mushrooms, then cut into thin slices.

  • Step 4

    Melt the butter and the remaining tablespoon of oil in a large skillet, preferably nonstick, over medium heat. Add the shallots or onion and the mushrooms; cook, stirring, for 1 minute, until the mushrooms have softened. Add the dried tarragon or thyme, then the ground turkey; use a spoon or spatula to break up clumps. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 6 to 8 minutes, until no pink remains.

  • Step 5

    Add the remaining crushed garlic clove and cook for 1 minute, stirring and crushing it further to break it up, then add the spinach and stir to incorporate evenly; cook for 3 minutes. The mixture will be crumbly.

  • Step 6

    Crack the eggs into a liquid measuring cup and beat lightly, then pour over the mixture in the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the eggs have set. Sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese. Taste the mixture; season with salt and pepper to taste.

  • Step 7

    Place the garlic toast on individual plates; top with the hot mixture from the skillet. Serve immediately,

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    Nutritional Facts

    Per serving

    • Calories

      512

    • Fat

      28 g

    • Saturated Fat

      9 g

    • Carbohydrates

      27 g

    • Sodium

      604 mg

    • Cholesterol

      316 mg

    • Protein

      37 g

    • Fiber

      4 g

    This analysis is an estimate based on available ingredients and this preparation. It should not substitute for a dietitian’s or nutritionist’s advice.

    Adapted from Beth Hensperger's "Not Your Mother's Weeknight Cooking" (Harvard Common Press, 2008).

    Tested by Bonnie S. Benwick.

    Published October 21, 2008

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