by Brooke Steigauf, Dietetic Intern [University of Minnesota Medical Center – Fairview]
Two words make my heart skip a beat: Sunday brunch. Brunch is the all-inclusive, anything goes meal that includes eggs, meats, veggies, breads, hot sauce, and a drink! Is there anything better? I think not.
I found this recipe on a hunt for new brunch dishes and it is one for the books. I can’t vouch for its authenticity, as I have never been to Portugal, but I want to go now!
This recipe will set you up for a good day. Eggs and cheese are a great sources of protein and fat. Tomatoes provide vitamin C and antioxidants to boost your immune system. Adding spices like jalapeño, oregano, and chili powder are excellent for bold flavors without excess sodium.
Portuguese Baked Eggs
Adapted from Bon Appétit
(Serves: about 6)
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 bell peppers, thinly sliced
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 beefsteak tomatoes, cut into wedges
- 8 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 jalapeño with seeds, halved lengthwise
- 1 bay leaf
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp. fresh oregano leaves
- 1½ tsp. chili powder
- 1 tsp. Hungarian sweet paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta or goat cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sharp white cheddar, grated
- ¼ cup Parmesan (about 1 oz.), grated
- Toasted country-style bread (for serving)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Heat oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat.
- Add bell peppers and onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and just beginning to brown, 10–12 minutes.
- Add tomatoes, garlic, jalapeño, basil, oregano, chili powder, and paprika to pot. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are very soft and liquid is thickened, 20–30 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Discard jalapeño and bay leaf.
- Transfer bell pepper mixture to a 13×9” baking dish. Using the back of a spoon, make 6 evenly spaced divots in mixture.
- Spoon a dollop of ricotta or goat cheese into each divot, then crack 1 egg into each.
- Top with cheddar and Parmesan; season with salt and pepper. Bake, rotating dish halfway through, until Parmesan is melted and egg whites are almost set but yolks are still runny, 15–18 minutes.
- Serve baked eggs with toast. Yolks will continue to cook as dish sits, so serve right away if you prefer your eggs soft.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving: 300 calories, 27 g total fat (9 g saturated fat), 260 mg cholesterol, 14 g carbohydrates, 0 g added sugar, 9 g fiber, 19 g protein, 410 mg sodium
