Basque Eggs My Way Food

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.

RISOTTO "CARBONARA" MY WAY

Steps:

• In a rondeau or large heavy sauce pot melt butter and sweat onion until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add Arborio rice and bay leaf and sweat until rice is slightly toasted. Add white wine and stir until liquid is absorbed. Begin adding stock slowly in small amounts. As rice absorbs the liquid, continue adding stock, stirring constantly. When rice is al dente and creamy, add pancetta and lemon zest. Incorporate, and then finish with Parmigiano-Reggiano, chives, kosher salt, and freshly ground white pepper and 1 to 2 tablespoons butter.
• Place 4 small ring molds into an adequate Teflon pan. Using the rendered fat from the pancetta, fry 2 quail eggs in each ring mold to sunny side up. Season with salt and black pepper. Place risotto onto a large platter or individual serving dishes. Top with the quail eggs. Garnish with pea shoots, dressed with lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.

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.