Introduction
Shakshuka is a delicious and vibrant dish that has its roots in the culinary traditions of the Middle East and North Africa. It centers around the humble yet flavorful combination of eggs poached in a spiced tomato and pepper sauce. Often enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner, shakshuka is not only hearty but also incredibly easy to prepare. Here’s a detailed recipe to bring this colorful dish to your table.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 2 teaspoons ground paprika (sweet or smoked)
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)
– 10-12 fresh ripe tomatoes, chopped (or 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes)
– 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 6 large eggs
– Chopped parsley or cilantro, for garnish
– Crumbled feta cheese, for garnish
– Crusty bread or pita, for serving
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Time
45 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Instructions
1. Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the bell peppers and cook for another 5-6 minutes until softened.
2. Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the tomato paste, paprika, cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes.
3. Simmer Sauce: Add the chopped tomatoes and sugar, stirring to combine. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
4. Poach Eggs: Use a spoon to make 6 small wells in the sauce. Gently crack an egg into each well.
5. Cook Eggs: Cover the skillet with a lid and let the eggs cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the whites are set and the yolks are cooked to your liking.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro over the top, and crumble feta cheese for extra flavor. Serve the shakshuka directly from the skillet with crusty bread or pita for dipping.
Enjoy your homemade shakshuka!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Sauté Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the bell peppers and cook for another 5-6 minutes until softened.
Add Garlic and Spices
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the tomato paste, paprika, cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes.
Simmer Sauce
Add the chopped tomatoes and sugar, stirring to combine. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
Poach Eggs
Use a spoon to make 6 small wells in the sauce. Gently crack an egg into each well.
Cook Eggs
Cover the skillet with a lid and let the eggs cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the whites are set and the yolks are cooked to your liking.
Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro over the top, and crumble feta cheese for extra flavor. Serve the shakshuka directly from the skillet with crusty bread or pita for dipping.
Notes
Ingredient Freshness
For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe tomatoes or high-quality canned tomatoes.
Spice Adjustments
Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preference. Add more cayenne for heat or skip it altogether.
Serving Suggestions
Pair shakshuka with crusty bread, pita, or a simple salad for a well-rounded meal.
Storage Tips
Leftover shakshuka can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
This technique involves cooking vegetables over medium heat with a small amount of oil. Sautéing creates a flavorful base for your shakshuka by softening the onions and peppers and enhancing their sweetness.
Simmering
Simmering is a cooking method that involves cooking food gently in liquid just below the boiling point. For shakshuka, simmering tomatoes and spices allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
Poaching
To poach eggs, create small wells in the sauce and gently crack the eggs into these wells. Covering the skillet helps to cook the eggs evenly, resulting in tender whites and runny yolks.
Garnishing
Garnishing enhances the visual appeal and flavor of the dish. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro and crumbled feta cheese add color, freshness, and richness to your shakshuka before serving.
FAQ
Can I use different vegetables in shakshuka?
Yes, you can customize shakshuka by adding vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms to suit your taste.
What can I use instead of tomatoes?
If you don’t have fresh tomatoes, canned tomatoes, tomato purée, or even roasted red peppers can be used as alternatives for the sauce.
How can I make shakshuka spicier?
To add more heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add chopped chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Can I prepare shakshuka in advance?
While shakshuka is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat the sauce and then poach the eggs when ready to serve.
What can I serve with shakshuka?
Shakshuka is traditionally served with crusty bread or pita for dipping, but you can also pair it with a simple salad or some avocado for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Shakshuka is a vibrant and satisfying dish that brings together the rich flavors of tomatoes, spices, and eggs. Its versatility allows for variations and customization, making it a delightful choice for any meal of the day. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast, brunch, or dinner, shakshuka is sure to impress with its aromatic presence and hearty ingredients.
Shakshuka Variations
Experiment with adding chorizo or sausage for a meatier version, or include spinach or kale for extra greens.
Cheese Additions
Try using different cheeses like goat cheese or mozzarella in place of feta for a unique twist on the traditional flavors.
Herb Enhancements
Incorporate fresh herbs such as dill or mint for a refreshing contrast to the savory tomato base.
Spicy Version
For those who enjoy heat, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to kick up the spice level.
Serving Suggestions
Serve shakshuka alongside a crisp salad for a balanced meal or over a bed of couscous or quinoa for added texture and nutrition.
