Serves4 (first course)
                    
                
                
                    
                        
                            - Active Time:15 min
 
                        
                            - Start to Finish:25 min
 
                        
                    
                
             
            
            
                
                
                
    
      
          
          
          
              
              
              
          
          
          
          
          
              
              
              January 2007
            
          
          
      
  
                
                
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
                
                    
                    
                    
                        
                            
                            
                            
                                
                                    
                                        - 
                                            3/4
                                            pound
                                            green beans (preferably organic)
                                            
                                        
 
                                    
                                        - 
                                            1
                                            tablespoon
                                            distilled white vinegar
                                            
                                        
 
                                    
                                        - 
                                            1
                                            teaspoon
                                            salt
                                            
                                        
 
                                    
                                        - 
                                            4
                                            
                                            large eggs (preferably organic)
                                            
                                        
 
                                    
                                
                            
                         
                    
                 
            
            
            
            
            
                
            
            
            
            
                
                    
                    
                    
                        
                            
                                
                                
                                
                                    
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Cook beans in a large pot of boiling salted water (use 1 to 2 tablespoons salt for every 4 quarts water), uncovered, until just tender, 3 to 6 minutes, then drain in a colander.
                                         
                                    
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Meanwhile, fill a wide 3- to 4-quart pot halfway with water and stir in vinegar and salt, then bring to a simmer. Break 1 egg into a cup and slide egg into water. Repeat with remaining eggs, 1 at a time, spacing them evenly in pan. Poach eggs at a bare simmer until whites are firm but yolks are still runny, 2 to 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer poached eggs to paper towels to drain briefly.
                                         
                                    
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Divide warm beans among shallow bowls, then place eggs on top of beans. Drizzle extra-virgin olive oil over eggs and sprinkle with sea salt, pepper, and cheese. Serve immediately.
                                         
                                    
                                
                             
                        
                    
                    Cooks' note: The eggs in this recipe are not fully cooked, which may be of concern if salmonella is a problem in your area. You can substitute pasteurized eggs (in the shell) or cook eggs until yolks are set.