Sunday Brunch

Well, it wasn't actually a Sunday Brunch as in mimosas, flowers on the table, or anything very fancy or well thought out.  It started with a craving, which was followed by an internet search for the best recipe, then close the book (ie turn off the computer) and dive in.

I started off with a red pepper (organic, no less) which I flattened, then placed in a hot-ish black cast iron frying pan (no oil), lid on.  Then waited for the charring magic to happen.  Which it did, just before the smoke detectors went off.  Then I plopped it on a plate and stuck the lid back on so it could steam as it cooled.  Then,   I chopped half a red onion, sauteed it in a bit of oil in the same pan, added a chopped clove of garlic and added  one can of chopped tomatoes, drained.  I let it all cook together until most of the liquid had evaporated.    In the meantime, I peeled and chopped the nicely charred red pepper, and threw it into the tomato mixture.  The final touch was the eggs:  poached right in the whole mess.  Cooked with the lid on for about 4 minutes.  Salt, pepper, chopped parsley.  Voila:  probably not authentic, but very delicious Shakshuka for Sunday Brunch.  Served with lots of hot coffee (which I like to make with cardamom, but don't tell anyone).

(OK, to be honest, this was not my shakshuka, but it did look exactly like this)

The method for charring the pepper is one that I learned from watching Diana Kennedy on her cooking show, years and years ago.  It is certainly easier, for me, than using a broiler.  I do believe that my black cast iron frying pan is my very favourite piece of kitchen equipment.  Well, that and the coffee grinder.