This is based on a North African dish called chakchouka, but variations on it can be found all around the Med
Ingredients
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 hot red chilli (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 red onions, roughly sliced
- 2 red peppers, roughly sliced
- 1 yellow pepper, roughly sliced
- 1 green pepper, roughly sliced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 400g can plum tomatoes
- 2 tbsp Vincotto (from www.vincotto.it) or balsamic vinegar
- 4 eggs
- Fresh parsley, coriander or dill to garnish
Method
- 1. Chop the garlic and chilli (if using), until you have a rough paste. Heat the oil in a large, deep frying pan, add the garlic and chilli and fry very briefly. Add the onions, peppers and salt. Stir once, cover, lower the heat and sweat for 10-15 minutes, or until it just starts to catch a little.
- 2. Meanwhile, drain the tomatoes and squish them to remove excess juice. Add the pulp and Vincotto to the pan, reduce the heat to low and cook for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The peppers must be soft enough to break with a spoon, and the juices should be reduced, dark and glossy. Season to taste.
- 3. Preheat the oven to 200°C/fan180°C/gas 6. Divide the vegetables between dishes, make a dip in each and break in an egg. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the egg is just setting. Leave the yolk soft as it will enrich the peppers when it breaks. Garnish with herbs.
Nutritional info
224kcals, 12.9g fat (2.7g saturated), 11.1g protein, 17.3g carbs, 15.1g sugar, 1g salt
Chef's tip
Vincotto is a grape must (pressed juice) from Italy, not a million miles from balsamic vinegar but thicker and slightly milder. Cook this in individual portions – in ovenproof terracotta bowls or outsize ramekins – or as a large dish in an ovenproof baking dish.
Wine Recommendation
Open a vibrant, unoaked or slightly oaked Chardonnay.