Eggs With Gigante Beans and Harissa

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Make the sauce: In a large, dry skillet over medium heat, toast the cumin seeds until fragrant. Transfer to a mortar and pestle and crush lightly.

2. Step 2

   Return skillet to medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil. Stir in onion and bell pepper; cook until vegetables are translucent but not tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in harissa, tomatoes (break up with a wooden spoon), vinegar, sugar, ¼ teaspoon salt and the toasted cumin. Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings, if necessary. (Sauce can be made up to 5 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.)

3. Step 3

   Prepare the eggs and beans: Combine beans and ¼ cup olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-low heat. Stir in a few tablespoons of reserved bean liquid. Cook gently until warmed through. Add salt to taste. If necessary, warm harissa sauce over medium heat.

4. Step 4

   Place a large nonstick skillet over low heat. Add ¼ cup olive oil. Crack in eggs; use spatula to push the whites back into shape. Cook gently, without moving, until yolks are warm but not set, 5 to 7 minutes. Sprinkle lightly with salt.

5. Step 5

   Spread 2 tablespoons crème fraîche onto the center of four serving plates, then some warm harissa sauce. Top each with a slice of toast and drizzle with olive oil, then more harissa. Spoon beans over toast. Sprinkle with cilantro leaves, small sprigs and a light squeeze of lemon juice. Place two eggs on top of each helping of beans. Shave mojama generously over each plate or top with prosciutto, sliced into ribbons.