IONA-style Spicy Baked Eggs

Ingredients

In this IONA adaptation, the traditional Italian Purgatorio alla Calabrese is transformed into a spicy baked eggs dish inspired by the flavors of the Islands of the North Atlantic. The original recipe's Italian ingredients and spices are replaced with those commonly found in the IONA region, resulting in a unique fusion of cuisines. The dish maintains the essence of the original while incorporating the vibrant flavors and spices characteristic of the IONA culinary traditions. We alse have the original recipe for Purgatorio alla Calabrese, so you can check it out.

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green chili pepper, finely chopped 1 green chili pepper, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon (5g) paprika 1 teaspoon (5g) paprika
• 1 teaspoon (5g) cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon (5g) cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon (5g) dried thyme 1 teaspoon (5g) dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon (5g) dried oregano 1 teaspoon (5g) dried oregano
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 4-6 eggs 4-6 eggs
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 12g, 6g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, and finely chopped green chili pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized.
4. 4.
   Stir in the paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Cook for an additional minute to release the flavors.
5. 5.
   Pour in the diced tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Create small wells in the sauce and carefully crack the eggs into each well.
7. 7.
   Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still slightly runny.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley.
9. 9.
   Serve the IONA-style Spicy Baked Eggs hot with crusty bread or rice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chili pepper — Adjust the amount of chili pepper according to your spice preference. For a milder version, remove the seeds before chopping.
• Diced tomatoes — Opt for canned diced tomatoes without added salt or seasonings to have better control over the dish's overall flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Serve the dish with a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt or crumbled feta cheese for added richness.
• Customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile.
• Make sure to have plenty of crusty bread on hand to soak up the delicious sauce.

Serving advice

Serve the IONA-style Spicy Baked Eggs as a hearty breakfast or brunch dish. Accompany it with a fresh green salad or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

Present the IONA-style Spicy Baked Eggs in the skillet it was cooked in, allowing the vibrant red sauce and perfectly baked eggs to take center stage. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.