Ojja is a delicious North African dish, often made with eggs, vegetables, and spices. Here’s a recipe using extra virgin olive oil to enhance its flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped (or one can of diced tomatoes)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4-6 eggs
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or cilantro) for garnish
Instructions:
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing until they are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices:
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the skillet, along with paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir well and let it cook for about 10 minutes, until the mixture thickens and the tomatoes break down.
- Create Wells for the Eggs:
- Once the tomato mixture is ready, use a spoon to create small wells in the sauce.
- Crack an egg into each well. You can cover the skillet with a lid to help the eggs cook more evenly.
- Cook the Eggs:
- Cook for about 5-8 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still runny. Adjust the cooking time based on your preference for egg doneness.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh herbs.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or over couscous.
Tips:
- You can add other vegetables like zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition.
- For a bit of cheese, sprinkle feta or goat cheese on top before serving.
Enjoy your ojja! It’s a warm, hearty dish perfect for any meal of the day.
