Shakshuka

There’s something magical about the dish known as Shakshuka. When I first tried it, I was immediately enveloped in a symphony of flavors and aromas, each bite a journey through the heart of North Africa and the Middle East. I remember walking into my kitchen one lazy weekend morning, craving something comforting yet exciting. The thought of spicy tomatoes simmering on the stove, with the vibrant colors of fresh vegetables catching my eye, made my mouth water. It was one of those moments when I realized that cooking is not just about nourishment; it’s about creating a memorable experience. The delightful heat from the jalapeño, the sweetness of bell peppers, and the richness of eggs come together in a beautiful harmony that sings to the taste buds. Plus, the satisfaction of dipping warm pita into this luscious sauce is a joy that can’t be matched. It’s like a hug in a bowl, perfect for any time of the day!

Essential Ingredients for Shakshuka

The ingredients in Shakshuka are simple yet powerful, coming together to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor. The stars of this recipe are the fresh vegetables and vibrant spices that meld beautifully in the skillet. Each ingredient plays a vital role in developing the rich, aromatic flavors that we love in this beloved dish.

• ¼ cup olive oil: The base for sautéing the vegetables, adding a rich, fruity flavor.
• 1 jalapeño: Adds a kick of heat; adjust to your spice preference.
• 1 medium onion: Sweetens the dish as it caramelizes.
• 1 red bell pepper: Adds color and sweetness.
• 5 cloves garlic: Provides depth and richness.
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika: Delivers a warm, smoky flavor.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Complements the tomatoes with its earthy notes.
• ½ teaspoon cayenne (optional): For an extra layer of heat.
• 128 oz can whole tomatoes: The sauce base, crushed for a rich consistency.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all flavors.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds warmth.
• 6 eggs: The star protein, poached in the sauce.
• ½ cup feta cheese (optional): For a creamy, tangy finish.
• 2 tablespoons parsley: Fresh herb garnish for brightness.

Recipe Directions for Shakshuka

Cooking Shakshuka is a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious masterpiece.

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. You want the oil hot enough to sauté the vegetables, but not smoking. Be patient, as this step is essential for developing flavor.
2. Add the chopped onion, jalapeño, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. The vibrant colors should entice your appetite!
3. Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. You’ll notice the aroma should intensify and become irresistible!
4. Transfer the whole tomatoes to a medium bowl. With your hands, crush the tomatoes gently and add them, along with their juice, to the skillet. Stir thoroughly, allowing the mixture to simmer.
5. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes. As it thickens, the flavors meld beautifully, creating a rich base for the eggs.
6. Using the handle of a large wooden spoon, create small wells in the sauce. Crack a whole egg into each well, and repeat until all eggs are added. This step is crucial for perfectly poached eggs.
7. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 5 minutes for a slightly runny yolk or 7 to 8 minutes for a solid yolk. Keep an eye on the eggs to avoid overcooking.
8. When the eggs are cooked to your liking, uncover the skillet and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese if using. Finally, garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
9. Serve immediately with lightly salted toasted pita triangles. The combination of the savory sauce and soft eggs is simply divine!

Customization Ideas

One of the best parts of cooking Shakshuka is making it your own. Here are some creative ways to tweak the recipe to fit your palate.

• Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like cilantro or dill for a unique twist.
• Cheese: Try different cheeses like goat cheese or mozzarella for varied flavors and textures.
• Extra veggies: Incorporate additional vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for a nutrient boost.
• Protein addition: Add cooked chickpeas or ground meat for a heartier meal.
• Serving style: Serve with different types of bread; think sourdough, naan, or even a fresh baguette!
• Spice variations: Play around with spices like curry powder or harissa to give the dish a different flavor profile.
• Make it a breakfast dish: Top with avocado slices or serve alongside Greek yogurt for a perfect breakfast.

Serving Suggestions

• Best time: Shakshuka is delightful for brunch, but it can also be a satisfying lunch or dinner option, especially when served with crusty bread.
• Pairing: Serve with a side of mixed greens or a refreshing cucumber salad to balance the heat.
• Occasions: This dish is excellent for gatherings, family dinners, or casual get-togethers; it encourages sharing and conversation.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the eggs.
• Seasonal pairings: Great for any time of year, but especially comforting in cooler months.
• Garnishes: Fresh herbs add a vibrant touch; consider adding a drizzle of tahini or yogurt for creaminess.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Shakshuka is a remarkable dish that beautifully blends flavors, textures, and colors. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy wholesome ingredients while creating a communal dining experience. I highly encourage you to give this recipe a try. You’ll find it’s simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying. I can’t wait for you to enjoy this delightful meal as much as I do!

Shakshuka

The ultimate comfort food, Shakshuka features perfectly poached eggs nestled in a spicy tomato sauce. This easy weeknight dinner is packed with flavor and can easily be tailored to fit your taste. Try it tonight for a meal that warms the heart!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Breakfast, Dinner

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Calories: 300

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 jalapeño fresh, seeded, and chopped
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 1 red bell pepper cored, seeded, and chopped
• 5 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon cayenne optional
• 128 oz whole tomatoes San Marzano is great
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 6 eggs
• ½ cup feta cheese crumbled (optional)
• 2 tablespoon parsley fresh, chopped, for garnish

Equipment

• 10 or 12-inch skillet with lid

Method

 

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. You want the oil hot enough to sauté the vegetables, but not smoking. Be patient, as this step is essential for developing flavor.
2. Add the chopped onion, jalapeño, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. The vibrant colors should entice your appetite!
3. Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. You’ll notice the aroma should intensify and become irresistible!
4. Transfer the whole tomatoes to a medium bowl. With your hands, crush the tomatoes gently and add them, along with their juice, to the skillet. Stir thoroughly, allowing the mixture to simmer.
5. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes. As it thickens, the flavors meld beautifully, creating a rich base for the eggs.
6. Using the handle of a large wooden spoon, create small wells in the sauce. Crack a whole egg into each well, and repeat until all eggs are added. This step is crucial for perfectly poached eggs.
7. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 5 minutes for a slightly runny yolk or 7 to 8 minutes for a solid yolk. Keep an eye on the eggs to avoid overcooking.
8. When the eggs are cooked to your liking, uncover the skillet and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese if using. Finally, garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
9. Serve immediately with lightly salted toasted pita triangles. The combination of the savory sauce and soft eggs is simply divine!

Notes

• Spice level: This dish has a fairly low spice level, but there is a bit of warming heat. If you want little spice or no heat at all, then pull back on the fresh jalapeño and/or cayenne.
• Serving suggestion: We think this dish is best when served fresh, but you can make the sauce the night before and then reheat it the next morning and then add the eggs once simmering.
• Feta cheese: While the addition of feta cheese is not traditional, we think it is a wonderful complement to the dish.

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Meet Blaire Holloway

Taking traditional feast recipes and giving them a modern, vibrant twist is what drives me. I want to keep your menu exciting and fresh. I handled the cooking and photography for this recipe, working to bridge the gap between classic comfort and contemporary flavor for your table.