The term pipérade dates from the early 19th century and is derived from the Latin word “piper” which means—not surprisingly—pepper.
This dish is to the Basque country what Ratatouille is to Provence. It can be served as an appetizer in which to dip bread, or as a heartier main dish. The eggs in the recipe are not mixed into the sauce; rather, they are cracked into indentations made in the surface of the sauce, where they coagulate and turn white in the heat of the oven. Made with bell peppers, tomatoes and fresh herbs, the bright pipérade colors reflect the red, green and white of the Basque flag.
France vs. Spain
Although you’ll only visit the Spanish side with AmaWaterways, Basque Country is comprised of seven European provinces—three of which can be found in southwestern France. Basque culture in Northern Spain is vibrant, spicy and diverse, particularly when it comes to food, like pintxhos (Basque tapas) and sagardotegi (Basque cider houses only found in Spain). Basque Spain is also home to the Running of the Bulls.
Basque France is somewhat more reserved and moves to the speed of its verdant countryside—although the town of Espelette, from which a pepper condiment of the same name is derived, holds a lively annual festival to celebrate the peppers of its pipérade. However, differences in cuisine and personality aside, a love of pipérade is shared across the border
Ingredients
2-3 large ripe garden tomatoes, chopped (or 1 14.5 oz. can whole peeled tomatoes)
8 oz. pureed tomatoes (optional)
2-3 whole roasted sweet red bell peppers, chopped
10-15 cloves fresh sliced garlic
1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
3-4 large eggs (optional)
1 tsp smoked Spanish paprika or piment d'espelette
½ tsp chili powder
1 bay leaf
½ tsp salt
½ tsp fresh cracked black pepper
½ tsp sugar (optional)
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
6-8 slices of crusty bread, brushed with olive oil