Strapatsada (Greek Tomato Feta Scrambled Eggs)

Strapatsada, a Greek dish of eggs scrambled to perfection with tomatoes and feta, is a simple one-pot meal that comes together quickly. With just a few basic pantry ingredients and a good skillet, you can recreate this traditional Greek Strapatsada recipe in no time.

Strapatsada is a perfect example of Greek culinary philosophy: it celebrates fresh, seasonal ingredients and transforms them into something greater than the sum of their parts.

The secret to the irresistibility of this recipe lies in the sauce. Although strapatsada is traditionally made with freshly grated tomatoes, I like to combine cherry tomatoes with tomato paste to give it a deeper flavor profile. The saltiness of the crumbled feta and the creamy richness of the eggs complement the sweet and savory flavor of the tomato. A sprinkling of fresh parsley and a side of crusty bread make this a meal you’ll want to savor again and again.

Whether enjoyed alone or shared, strapatsada is more than just a dish: it’s a celebration of simplicity and resourcefulness.

Summary

1. What is Strapatsada?
2. Ingredients for Strapatsada
3. How to prepare Strapatsada
4. Tips for Strapsada
5. Ways to prepare Greek eggs
6. What to serve with Strapatsada
7. Other savory Mediterranean breakfasts
8. Strapatsada recipe (scrambled eggs with feta and Greek tomato).

What is Strapatsada?

Strapatsada, also known in some regions as kagianas (καγιανάς), is a traditional Greek recipe with humble origins. It is believed to have originated as a quick, resourceful meal in rural households, but highlights the ingenuity of Greek home cooks who prepared nutritious, flavorful meals with simple, seasonal ingredients.

The name strapatsada comes from the Italian word scramblemeaning “to scramble” – an apt description of the dish’s signature technique of gently scrambling the eggs with the tomatoes. Its appeal lies in its simplicity: soft, creamy scrambled eggs with a rich tomato flavor and finished with tangy crumbled feta.

The strapatsada is enjoyed throughout Greece, but is especially common in agricultural regions such as the Peloponnese and the Greek Islands, where tomatoes, extra virgin olive oiland fresh eggs are plentiful during the summer months. It is a reflection of Greece’s deep connection with its land and its seasonal products.

Traditionally it is served as a breakfast or brunch dish, but strapatsada is equally at home on the table for a light lunch or dinner. Its versatility and speed of preparation make it the perfect meal for any moment of the day.

Ingredients for Strapatsada

Strapatsada takes just 20 minutes to prepare and requires only a handful of ingredients to prepare. Using a good non-stick pan It will produce the perfect soft scrambled egg texture with hassle-free cleanup.

• Egg: Add salt and beat the eggs together before starting the tomato sauce. Letting the salted and beaten eggs rest will give an even more tender and moist result.
• Extra virgin olive oil: This is the fat of choice in most Greek cuisine, and its fruity, tangy flavor profile is the perfect base for this recipe. To create a dish with the flavors of the Greek islands, try it with Horny olive oil from Crete!
• Fresh Cherry or Bunch Tomatoes: This is the ingredient that really makes this version of Strapatsada stand out. The key to maximizing the flavor is to sauté the fresh tomatoes until they are lightly caramelized.
• Garlic: I incorporate a little finely chopped garlic into the tomato sauce. It adds just the right amount of garlicky goodness to this recipe.
• Double concentrate Tomato Concentrate: This recipe uses 2 tablespoons of rich, double-concentrated tomato paste dissolved with the same amount of water for the best flavor.
• Feta cheese: The iconic Greek cheese, crumbled feta, brings a savory, savory twist to complement the sweet, rich tomato sauce and soft, creamy scrambled eggs.
• Fresh herbs: The final garnish of fresh herbs is the perfect ending to this recipe. Adding a bright, fresh flavor to this dish, the best herbs to use are fresh parsley, basilOR dill.

How to prepare Strapatsada

The printable recipe is just below, but here’s how to make Strapatsada step by step for those of us who are more visual:

Tips for Strapsada

I’ve made these scrambled eggs countless times and a few essential tips make all the difference when making Strapatsada at home:

• Start with quality ingredients: This simple dish is only as good as the ingredients you use, so prioritize the quality of each ingredient. Opt for ripe cherry tomatoes or cherry tomatoes, which are fragrant and deep red in color. Their natural sweetness and juiciness are fundamental to the flavor of the dish. Using high quality, extra virgin olive oil it is not negotiable. Its richness and depth of flavor serve as the aromatic base for this dish.
• Don’t overcook eggs: The hallmark of a perfect Strapatsada is its creamy and soft scrambled eggs. Cook them gently over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until just cooked through. Aim for a moist, soft and silky texture, never dry or rubbery. Patience is essential, as rushing this step can compromise the delicate texture of the dish. Remember that they will continue to cook in the residual heat of the pan even when the heat is off!
• Serve with great bread: Thick slices of rustic and hearty bread cannot be missing. Choose a loaf with a crunchy crust and a rustic, chewy texture. The bread isn’t just a side dish: it’s your tool for scooping up the tender eggs infused with tomato and feta.

Ways to prepare Greek eggs

Just like with Shakshuka, there are many small swaps you can make with Strapsada to make it fit what you have on hand.

• Fresh or canned tomatoes: Although this recipe contains both fresh cherry tomatoes and tomato paste, you can substitute any grated fresh tomatoes or crushed tomatoes from a can. You’ll want to reduce fresh or canned tomatoes to cook them in a thicker sauce so they aren’t watery.
• Herbs: The best herb for this dish is one that you can find fresh and in season. Parsley It’s my favorite, but basil, dillor even mint they are all lovely with Strapatsada.
• Spice: Although Strapatsada is not typically prepared with additional spices, a touch of crushed red chili pepper or Aleppo pepper It’s lovely if you like a bit of heat.
• Cheese: Feta is one of the pillars of this dish, but if you can’t get it you can try replacing it with goat cheese or ricotta. Just season it with additional salt to taste.

What to serve with Strapatsada

Strapatsada is one of those meals that you could happily eat at any time of the day. If you decide to serve it for breakfast or brunch it is delicious accompanied by fresh orange juice and Greek Iced Coffee.

To make Greek eggs the center of a larger meal, pair this recipe with Greek salad (Horiatiki) and some good crusty no-knead olive bread. Want to add something sweet to the menu? Try Portokalopita, a Greek cream pie made with honey and orange syrup.

Other savory Mediterranean breakfasts