Chirbuli is not only a traditional but also a delicious and hearty dish in Georgian cuisine. This skillet-cooked dish consists of eggs, tomatoes, onions, and spices, giving it a unique taste and aroma. To some, these eggs with tomatoes may remind them of shakshuka, and to some extent, there are similarities, but there are differences in preparation and flavor.
Ingredients:
- Eggs – 5 pieces
- Tomatoes – 2 cans
- Onions – 2 pieces
- Mozzarella cheese – 100 g
- Butter – 100 g
- Garlic – 1 clove
- Ground coriander – 1 tsp
- Fresh cilantro (small bunch) or dried (1 tsp)
- Dried chili flakes – a pinch
- Ground black pepper
- Salt – to taste
Cooking process
1. First, let’s prepare the onions.
In a small saucepan or skillet, melt the butter and add finely chopped onions. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly. In the end, the butter should take on a golden color, and the onions should become translucent. I recommend simmering the onions as long as possible to make them very soft (approximately 30-40 minutes). You can even prepare the onions in advance and just reheat them before the actual cooking of the dish.
2. While the onions are cooking, let’s deal with the tomatoes. Place them on a colander and let the liquids drain. We will only need the tomato pulp, which should be further minced using a blender.
3. Place the tomatoes in the pan and simmer for 5 minutes. Then add all the spices, minced garlic, and the simmered onions. Mix well and continue simmering for an additional 5-7 minutes.
4. Crack the eggs one by one into the mixture. They should not touch each other. Cover the pan with a lid and simmer for about 10 minutes.
5. Finally, sprinkle the finished eggs with tomatoes with grated cheese. Also, add ground black pepper.
Enjoy!
Check out other recipes for delicious Georgian dishes: