Basque Eggs My Way Recipes

BASQUE SCRAMBLED EGGS (TAPAS)

Steps:

• Preheat an oven on low or warm setting.
• Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil over medium-high heat in a large, heavy-bottom skillet.
• Add the onion and bell peppers and sauté for about minutes, or until the vegetables are softened, but not browned. Toss in the tomatoes and heat through. Remove to a plate and place in oven to keep warm.
• Add another tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add the chorizo and cook for 30 seconds, enough to warm through and flavor the oil. Remove the sausage to the plate of warmed vegetables.
• Add enough oil to the pan to make up 2 tablespoons. Add butter and let melt. Season the eggs with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Scramble the eggs until they are cooked to the desired degree of firmness. Add extra seasoning to taste. Return the vegetables to the skillet and stir through.
• Serve immediately over the hot toast.

BASQUE EGGS

Steps:

• In a large nonstick saucepan (or skillet with reasonably high sides), saute diced sausage over medium flame till nicely browned, about 4 minutes.
• Add onion and garlic and stir till well mixed. Cook till onion is soft and garlic is fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add bell peppers and cook a minute or two, till slightly soft. Add diced tomatoes, thyme, red pepper, and salt (if using), cover, and cook 4 minutes, till juicy.
• If using beaten eggs, stir gently throghout veggie mixture; cover. Cook 4 minutes, till set. (This produces more of a fritatta feel--good for folks who don't like runny egg yolks).
• If using whole eggs, crack each egg and gently slide it into the veggie stew, trying to keep the eggs from touching each other (it may help to make a well for each egg with the back of a spoon). Cover and cook 3 minutes, till whites are set. Ladle each egg and some veggies into a serving bowl. Serve with crusty warm bread.

BASQUE-STYLE HAM AND EGGS

Steps:

• Heat oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, bell peppers and garlic and sauté until tender, about 7 minutes. Add tomatoes and continue cooking until vegetables are very tender, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Arrange ham slices in heavy medium skillet. Pour wine over ham. Cover and simmer until ham is heated through, about 5 minutes. Arrange ham around edge of platter. Top with vegetable mixture. Cover and keep warm.
• Beat eggs with half and half in large bowl to blend. Melt butter in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add eggs and stir until cooked. Spoon eggs atop vegetables and ham. Sprinkle with Parmesan and serve.