Shakshuka! Ever heard or tasted it? Shakshuka comes from an Arabic word that means “a haphazard mixture” or all mixed up. This dish features poached eggs in a hearty, spiced tomato and pepper sauce. You can then “spice” it up with additional toppings like tangy feta cheese, fresh cilantro or parsley. Artichokes, olives or even sliced avocado can also be added.
Popular in the Middle East and North Africa, it is a dish that dates way back to the Ottoman Empire. It is usually served for breakfast or brunch, but it also makes a great meal for lunch or dinner. A one-pan meal, it is a healthy, satisfying meal that is packed with flavours. Learn how to make a delicious shakshuka with this recipe.
Ingredients:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 yellow onion, chopped
1 red capsicum (or you can use roasted capsicums too) chopped
¼ tsp salt
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (omit for non-spicy version)
1 can crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
Black pepper to taste
5 to 5 eggs
½ cup crumbled feta
Crusty bread or toasted pita for serving
Method:
- Warm the oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add in onion, capsicum and salt. Cook, stirring constantly until the onions are tender and translucent.
- Add in garlic, tomato paste, spices and continue to stir.
- Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes and add in the cilantro. Stir and let the mixture come to a simmer. Reduce heat and let it gently simmer for 5 minutes till all the flavours have time to fuse together.
- Turn off the heat and season with more salt and pepper if necessary. Then, with the back of a spoon, make a well near the sides of the pan and crack the egg directly into each well. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper on the eggs.
- Carefully transfer the skillet into the oven (which you have preheated earlier) and bake for 8 to 12 minutes or till the whites are an opaque white and yolks have risen but still soft and runny.
- Turn off oven, remove the pan and top the shakshuka with crumbled feta, fresh cilantro and red pepper flakes (can be omitted).
- Serve in bowls with crusty bread on the side.