Basque Eggs My Way Recipes

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.

EGGS EN COCOTTE WITH A BASQUE PIPERADE

Steps:

• Special equipment: 4 (1-cup) capacity ramekins
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. In a small saucepan, bring 2 cups water to a boil.
• Smear the bottom of each ramekin with the butter. For each serving, crack 2 eggs into a small bowl or dish, being careful not to break the yolks, then slide into a prepared ramekin. Season with the salt and pepper, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of the cream, and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of the Parmesan. Set the ramekins into a medium-sized glass or ceramic baking pan, allowing at least 1 inch of space between dishes. Transfer to the bottom rack of the oven and pour the boiling water into the baking dish, being careful not to splash any hot water into the ramekins. Cover with a sheet of aluminum foil and bake 8 to 12 minutes, until the whites are set but the yolks are still soft and a bit runny. Prepare the piperade while the eggs are baking.
• In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the prosciutto in the olive oil until beginning to crisp, then add the onion. Saute until lightly golden, then add the red and green pepper and cook until the strips just begin to soften. Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant, then add the tomatoes and red pepper flakes, if using. Allow the mixture to stew over medium-low heat until liquid has evaporated and the tomatoes are heated through. Check for seasoning and add salt and pepper. Off the heat, add the basil. Divide between the ramekins (you will have extra) and serve on a small plate, piping hot.
• This recipe was provided by a finalist, who may or may not be a professional cook, for The Next Food Network Star. Food Network has not tested this recipe and therefore, we cannot make representation as to the results.

BASQUE EGGS WITH HAM, ASPARAGUS AND PEAS

Steps:

• Finely slice the garlic cloves and fry in 2 tbsp olive oil in a strong earthenware casserole dish.
• Cut the ham into cubes and add to the casserole dish - sauté for 5 mins over a low heat.
• Wash the asparagus pieces and remove any rough ends leaving only the tender shoots - cut these into pieces about 3 cms long and add to the casserole dish - sauté for a further 5 mins - season with salt.
• Add the peas to the casserole dish cover with a little water and simmer until the peas are almost cooked (5 mins or a little longer if using frozen peas).
• Finally break the eggs whole into the casserole dish and leave over the heat until the eggs are cooked.

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.