Piperada Sandwich (Basque Omelette)

From The Food and Cooking of Spain, Africa and the Middle East. Posted for ZWT III.

• Ready In: 55 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 8 -10  tablespoons olive oil
• 2  small onions, coasely chopped
• 4  bell peppers, seeded and chopped (red, orange or yellow)
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 1  pinch cayenne
• 1 1⁄2 lbs tomatoes (peeled, seeded and chopped)
• 1  teaspoon oregano
• 1  long  French bread
• 2  tablespoons butter
• 6  eggs, beaten
•  salt
•  pepper
•  basil (optional)

Directions

1. Heat 4 T olive oil in a large heavy frying pan. Add the onions and cook over a gentle heat, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes till they are softened but not colored.
2. Add the peppers, garlic and cayenne to the pan.
3. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring, then add the tomatoes, seasoning and oregano.
4. Cook over moderate heat for 15-20 minutes till peppers are soft and most of the liquid has evaporated.
5. Preheat oven to 400. Cut the bread in half lengthwise, trim off ends and cut into six equal pieces, brush with remaining olive oil.
6. place bread on baking trays and bake for 8-10 minutes till crisp and just turning golden.
7. Heat the butter in a pan till it bubbles, add eggs and cook, stirring, till softly scrambled.
8. Turn off heat and stir in the pepper mixture.
9. Divide evenly among the pieces of bread and sprinkle with basil, if using.
10. Serve hot or warm.