The 15-Minute Protocol: Mediterranean Baked Eggs

The Royal Treatment (Feast-Level Simplicity).

There's a moment on a frantic weeknight when your body craves something warm, satisfying, and deeply nourishing. The idea of "cooking" feels like an overwhelming commitment, forcing you to choose between health and convenience. This is the time-stress trap that stops good intentions in their tracks.

This is where Acre's analysis comes in. Acre recognized that a perfect, single-skillet meal must be achievable in under 15 minutes. Acre's solution focused on **Functional Synergy** by pairing diced tomatoes (a ready-made sauce base) with sun-dried tomatoes (to amplify the flavor depth). The result is a meal that tastes like it simmered for an hour but is ready the moment the yolks set.

This protocol transforms a high-stakes weeknight into an intentional moment of simplicity. By leveraging ingredients you already have and following Horst's precise, chef-level instructions, you eliminate guesswork and deliver a wholesome, delicious, and deeply satisfying meal in under 15 minutes.

The Science of Satisfaction (Elias Kale Vetting)

This meal is engineered for deep, lasting satisfaction and stable energy. The combination of high-quality **Feta/Goat Cheese** and **Eggs** provides a powerful, balanced protein-to-fat ratio. This synergy ensures the meal is incredibly satiating, keeping you feeling full longer and preventing the energy crash often associated with rushed, high-carb breakfasts. It is a scientifically sound meal built for stable energy.

Ingredients

• 1 Large (28 oz) Can Diced Tomatoes
• 1 Small Fresh Onion, diced
• 3–4 Cloves Fresh Garlic, minced
• 2 Tbsp Sun-Dried Tomatoes (in oil, chopped) (The Final Upgrade)
• 1 Large Handful Fresh Spinach
• 2 Large Eggs
• 4 oz Goat Cheese or Feta, crumbled
• 1 Tbsp Vegetable Oil, Salt, Pepper, Pinch of Dried Herb (Oregano or Thyme)

The Protocol (15-Minute Mastery)

1. **Prep Aromatics & Build the Base (2–3 Minutes / Medium-High):** In an oven-safe skillet, heat the oil. Add the diced Onion and sauté. **WHY:** Sautéing the onion first builds the aromatic foundation (a chemical process called pyrolysis) before the garlic is introduced.
2. **Infuse the Flavor (1 Minute / Medium):** Add the minced Garlic, chopped Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and the Dried Herb. Sauté until fragrant. **WHY:** Adding the sun-dried tomatoes now allows the oil to activate their concentrated flavor, dissolving them into the base and boosting the whole dish.

   

3. **Simmer Sauce & Capture Depth (3 Minutes / Medium-Low Simmer):** Pour in the Diced Tomatoes (do not drain). Season. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and allow to cook down slightly. **WHY:** Bringing the sauce to a simmer melds the flavors and reduces the moisture slightly, ensuring the final sauce isn't watery.
4. **Wilt Greens & Assemble Eggs (1 Minute / Off Heat):** Stir in the Fresh Spinach until wilted. Create two small wells. Gently crack the two eggs into the wells. Crumble the Goat Cheese/Feta over the top. **WHY:** Creating wells ensures the eggs cook evenly by cradling them in the hottest part of the sauce.
5. **Bake & Finish (1–4 Minutes / Broiler HIGH):** Transfer the skillet to the broiler or oven. Pay close attention until the whites are set and the yolks are runny. **WHY:** Using the broiler provides rapid, direct heat to set the top of the egg whites quickly, achieving a tender yolk before the sauce overcooks.

   

6. **The Final Check (Immediate / Off Heat):** Remove from heat and enjoy the rich, satisfying aroma. **WHY:** The contrast of the runny yolks and deep red sauce is at its peak flavor and texture, rewarding you immediately for your successful execution.

*The Gentle Acre. Eliminating Chaos Through Strategic AI.*