Spain's Eggs Flamenco Have A Unique Cultural Tie To The Community

Huevos a la flamenca — or eggs flamenco — is a delicious and complex dish that features a poached egg atop a bed of highly spiced aromatics, tomatoes, Spanish chorizo, and potatoes. Its name, however, is much more interesting and poignant than its ingredients, requiring lessons in history, etymology, and multiculturalism. Huevos a la flamenca is an Andalusian dish enjoyed in towns like Seville and Granada. Andalusia lies at the southernmost tip of Spain across the strait of Gibraltar from North Africa, with the longest-lasting cultural influences from the Moorish occupation. 

The term flamenco refers to the now-iconic song and dance tradition in Spain brought first to Andalusia by "gitanos." These nomadic peoples, known globally as Roma, arrived from North Africa, the Middle East, and as far as India. Their arrival to the Iberian Peninsula coincides with the tail end of the Moorish occupation and the expansion of Spanish colonization of North Africa during the 1500s. Huevos a la flamenca is thought to be an iteration of shakshuka, which Spanish occupiers likely brought with them from North Africa. "Flamenco" could've also just been used as a synonym for Andalusia. But perhaps the term huevos a la flamenca uses flamenco to refer to the numerous cultural influences flooding Andalucia during the 15th and 16th centuries that continue to dictate many aspects of the region's modern culture. 

Apart from its history and the cultural references of its name, huevos a la flamenca is an ever-evolving and versatile dish prepared in traditional cazuelas — or clay pots. The common denominator of eggs flamenco is a spicy pepper, tomato, and onion foundation to crack an egg over, but additional ingredients and cooking methods change from region to region. Thought of as a humble, versatile dish, eggs flamenco is a household staple that uses whatever proteins, seasonings, and veggies you have on hand. 

They're hearty one-pot meals usually enjoyed for lunch or dinner, unlike shakshuka, which is traditionally a breakfast dish. Proteins like chorizo, jamón ibérico, chicken, bacon, and sausage are common additions. Peas, broccoli, asparagus, potatoes, and garlic are standard veggies and starches stirred into the fried onions and stewed tomatoes. Some households crack eggs over the blend of fried ingredients and top the frying pan for the eggs to set over the stove. Others crack one egg in individual clay ramekins to set in the oven. Some recipes even suggest using a microwave to prepare eggs flamenco.