Baked eggs in tomato sauce with vegetables and ricotta

How about a breakfast that delights your taste buds and provides the energy you need for a full day? I propose a recipe for baked eggs in tomato sauce with vegetables and ricotta, a dish that combines Mediterranean flavors with creamy and crunchy textures. This breakfast is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, offering you a nourishing meal.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:
- 4 fresh eggs
- 2-3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 can (400 g) of tomatoes in their own juice
- 1 medium red onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced julienne
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced julienne
- 1 teaspoon of sweet or hot paprika (to taste)
- 8 cloves of garlic, sliced
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano or 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil or 1 tablespoon of fresh basil
- 4 tablespoons of ricotta
- 4 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella
- 1 tablespoon of grated parmesan
- Fresh parsley for serving
- Chili pepper, optional, for those who prefer spicy food
- Salt and pepper to taste

Step by step for a perfect breakfast:

1. Preparing the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. This will be the place where the magic happens, transforming simple ingredients into something absolutely delicious.

2. Sauté the vegetables: In an oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced red onion and sauté for a few seconds until it becomes translucent. Then, add the red and green bell peppers, cooking while stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are slightly soft.

3. Season: Once the vegetables are cooked, add the paprika (sweet or hot, depending on your preference) and the halved chili pepper if you like spicy food. Now add the sliced garlic, the chopped tomatoes along with their juice, oregano, and basil. Stir well to combine the flavors. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Preparing the eggs: Once the tomato sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded, use a spoon to make 4 wells in the sauce. In each well, add a tablespoon of ricotta, then crack an egg on top of each portion. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and parmesan on top, adding salt and pepper to taste.

5. Baking: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, depending on your preference for the consistency of the eggs. If you like your eggs softer, check them after 10 minutes.

6. Serving: Once the eggs are ready, remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top. Serve the dish warm, alongside a fresh baguette, which will be perfect for savoring the delicious sauce.

Useful tips:
- You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, to add a unique touch to this breakfast.
- If you don’t have ricotta on hand, you can use cottage cheese or even Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Substitute the vegetables with what you have available – zucchini or spinach are excellent options.

Nutritional benefits:
This breakfast is rich in protein due to the eggs and ricotta, while the vegetables provide a significant amount of vitamins and fiber. The olive oil adds healthy fats, and tomatoes are a good source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use organic eggs? Absolutely, organic eggs are an excellent choice for a healthy breakfast.
- What drinks pair well with this breakfast? A fresh orange juice or green tea pairs perfectly, adding a touch of freshness.
- Can I prepare this dish in advance? Although it is best freshly made, you can prepare the sauce the night before and add the eggs just before baking.

This recipe for baked eggs in tomato sauce with vegetables and ricotta is not only a delicious breakfast but also an opportunity to start your day with energy and optimism. Enjoy every bite and savor the moment!