Just before Christmas, I was sitting in a restaurant booth with my teens and a few adopted stray friends, playing what we call "the question game". It goes like this: one person asks a question, and we go around the table, with everyone answering the question. Simple, really, but we play it all the time, because there's no better way to engage a rando crowd of humans than with the question game.
So there we are, questions abounding. Answers flowing nicely. When my 14yo asks "what is the one place you would go, if you could travel anywhere."
There was a collective groan before he'd even finished the question.
"Oh, jeez. We know what Mom will say."
"Oh, man. Wonder what mom's answer is going to be? *sarcasm, dripping sarcasm*."
I felt the pressure. Ended up answering "Peru" just to throw those cats off my trail. But there is no question the real answer was Basque Country, Spain. I've had the divine opportunity to visit the country twice in 2 years and am endlessly in love. If you're following my personal Instagram (@brookelark), you're likely in cahoots with my children. Groaning whenever yet-another post goes live, wherein I lament and weep over having to return back to America after our recent stay in a glowy Amorebieta Airbnb.
"Ohhhh lawwwd. There she goes againnnnn..."
Promise swear, I shall not lament in this post.
(Though I do, so pine away for my Spanish digs, the walk down Bilbaos central river to the museum, the late evenings jaunts about town for pinxtos and wine. Wahhhh. Spainnnnn.)
Actually, I tell you ll of this to bring you a taste of that wonderful culture. Because here in the states, we're all about the Mexican food and Chinese food and Indian food. But Spanish food rarely makes the trip across the ocean.
And this lovely, traditional meal of classic Spanish comforts makes a quick and simple dinner.
Juevos Estrellados or "Crashed Eggs" is simply a skillet full of pan-fried potatoes and onions. Pan fry them in a swimming layer of olive oil, then crack eggs high above the pan, allowing them to "crash" into the skillet. Cook just until the white set. And there you have it. Crashed Eggs.
John Whaite's Perfect Plates in 5 Ingredients was where I discovered it. And you and I both shall be forevermore grateful to him. Because, Crashed Eggs aren't just classic Spanish fare, they're a fine mix of flavors, too.
Simple, comforting, budget-friendly, beautiful, Crashed Eggs makes for a wonderful winter breakfast and an crazyeasy, delicious dinner.
I'd tell you I'm mostly just glad to have this dish in my life because it reminds me of this gorgeously glowy little Airbnb in Amorebieta....but my kids would roll their eyes and leave the room.
So that part of the story will just be our little secret. K?
Sundried Tomato, Chilaca & Chorizo Crashed Eggs
Serves 4 | 20-25 mins
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 lb chorizo sausage (uncooked)
- 3 small white potatoes, sliced thin
- 1/2 yellow or sweet onion, sliced
- 6 chilaca peppers or 8-12 pimientos de padron
- 1/4 cup chopped sundried tomatoes
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained
- 4 eggs
- sea salt and pepper
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sausage, potatoes, onion, peppers and sundried tomatoes. Allow to cook for 2-4 minutes, then stir the skillet, repeating until chorizo is cooked and potatoes are tender. If needed, cover skillet with a lid and simmer over medium heat until potatoes are tender.
Turn heat to medium, crack eggs from high above the skillet, allowing them to "crash" down into the skillet. Salt and pepper generously. Stir very softly, not too much, then cover skillet with a lid and cook just until egg whites are set, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat, serve immediately and enjoy. Sour cream and chopped cilantro make a lovely garnish.