Description
Pisto Manchego With Eggs is a traditional Spanish vegetable stew featuring sautéed onions, zucchini, bell peppers, garlic, and ripe tomatoes simmered to perfection. This hearty dish is topped with gently cooked eggs, making it a wholesome and comforting meal ideal for any time of the day. Served best with crusty bread, it’s a vibrant, flavorful medley that captures the essence of Spanish countryside cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 white onion, thinly sliced
- 1 zucchini or yellow squash, peeled and chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
Other Ingredients
- Extra-virgin olive oil (about 2-3 tablespoons)
- ½ tsp sea salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp sherry vinegar (optional)
- ½ cup water
- 4 eggs
Instructions
- Sauté the Onions: Heat extra-virgin olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions along with a pinch of sea salt. Stir frequently and cook until the onions turn golden and caramelized, releasing their sweetness into the base of the dish.
- Cook the Zucchini and Peppers: Add the peeled, chopped zucchini to the pan and cook until it softens, approximately 5-7 minutes. Then stir in the chopped green and red bell peppers, cooking them together for another 3-4 minutes until tender but still vibrant.
- Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Mix in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant. Then add the chopped ripe tomatoes, allowing them to release their juices and start breaking down, enhancing the stew’s rich texture.
- Simmer: Pour in the sherry vinegar if using, and the half cup of water. Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, gently stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens into a stew-like consistency, with the flavors melding beautifully.
- Cook the Eggs: Create four small wells in the thickened vegetable stew. Crack one egg into each well carefully. Cover the pan with a lid and cook on low heat until the egg whites are set but the yolks remain runny, about 5-7 minutes – this provides a luscious contrast to the savory vegetables.
- Serve: Remove the pan from heat and serve immediately. Pisto Manchego with Eggs is traditionally accompanied by crusty bread, which is perfect for dipping into the flavorful sauce and runny yolks.
Notes
- Adjust salt according to taste, especially if you plan to serve with salted bread.
- The sherry vinegar is optional but adds a subtle acidity that brightens the dish.
- For a vegan or egg-free option, omit the eggs and serve the vegetable stew on its own or with plant-based protein.
- Use the freshest, ripest tomatoes available for the best flavor.
- This dish can be made ahead; reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
