Cape Verdean Mish-Mash

Ingredients

In the Cape Verdean adaptation of Mish-Mash, we incorporate the unique flavors and spices of Cape Verdean cuisine. The original Eastern European dish is enhanced with the addition of Cape Verdean spices like malagueta pepper and coriander, which infuse the Mish-Mash with a distinct island taste. The traditional Mish-Mash is also typically served with bread, but in the Cape Verdean version, it is commonly enjoyed on its own or with a side of rice. We alse have the original recipe for Mish-mash, so you can check it out.

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon (5g) paprika 1 teaspoon (5g) paprika
• 1 teaspoon (5g) cumin 1 teaspoon (5g) cumin
• 1 teaspoon (5g) malagueta pepper (or substitute with cayenne pepper) 1 teaspoon (5g) malagueta pepper (or substitute with cayenne pepper)
• 1 teaspoon (5g) coriander powder 1 teaspoon (5g) coriander powder
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 eggs 4 eggs
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 14g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 8g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the sliced onion and bell peppers to the skillet and sauté until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
3. 3.
   Stir in the diced tomatoes, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, malagueta pepper, coriander powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. 4.
   Create four wells in the vegetable mixture and crack an egg into each well. Cover the skillet and cook until the eggs are cooked to your desired doneness, about 5-7 minutes for medium-cooked eggs.
5. 5.
   Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the Mish-Mash and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bell peppers — For a smokier flavor, you can roast the bell peppers before slicing and adding them to the Mish-Mash.
• Malagueta pepper — Adjust the amount of malagueta pepper according to your spice preference. If you can't find malagueta pepper, cayenne pepper can be used as a substitute.
• Fresh cilantro — If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with parsley for a milder herb flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• To add a touch of sweetness, you can include a diced sweet potato or butternut squash to the Mish-Mash.
• For a heartier meal, serve the Mish-Mash with a side of rice or crusty bread.
• Experiment with different vegetables like zucchini or eggplant to personalize the dish to your liking.
• If you prefer a spicier Mish-Mash, add extra malagueta pepper or a sprinkle of hot sauce.
• Don't overcook the eggs if you prefer them with a runny yolk. Keep an eye on them to achieve your desired level of doneness.

Serving advice

Serve the Cape Verdean Mish-Mash hot, straight from the skillet. It can be enjoyed as a main dish for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Accompany it with a side of rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

Present the Mish-Mash in a large skillet or a colorful serving dish to showcase the vibrant colors of the vegetables and eggs. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for an added pop of green.