Shakshuka is a breakfast dish common in Middle East and North Africa. Its made from tomatoes, onions, peppers and spices, and eggs are then poached in the simmering sauce. Its easy, healthy, vegetarian dish all made in one pan.
HOW TO MAKE SHAKSHUKA
Shakshuka is incredibly simple yet so rich and full of flavour dish. It can not only make a good breakfast or brunch but is equally great for quick weeknight dinner.
There are many versions of Shakshuka but this recipe is quite basic version of it. It just uses tomatoes ( fresh and Pureed), onions and capsicums/peppers. Sautee the onions in olive oil and add capsicums/pepper along with spices. I use both fresh tomatoes and tomatoe puree. Its cooked until the sauce thickens and making little pockets in the sauce to add eggs. Cover and cook until eggs are done. All you need is pita bread or any other bread of your choice to dip in the flavoursome tomatoe sauce.
Variations:
There is not set rule on what can be added or cannot be added. This includes but is not limited to artichokes, olives, spinach, beans ( chickpeas or canelli) feta, carrots, spinach and even sausages and chorizo.
WATCH HOW TO MAKE IT:
TIPS FOR MAKING SHAKSUKA:
- Preferably use heavy based pan with lid. To poach the eggs in the end, even heat is required so a proper fitting lid is essential.
- Use fresh tomatoes and canned tomatoes both as they give wonderful sweetness and rich flavour to the sauce.
- Cook Shakshuka on medium low flame. You need onions to be sautéed nicely with peppers while releasing their flavours and sauce needs to simmer too. If you rush this in high heat it wouldn’t be that flavoursome and sauce will be dry.
- Cook the eggs depending on how you like your eggs to be. If you prefer runny egg yolk just cook for 5 minutes, for full done eggs 7 -10 minutes is enough. Remove from the heat once done. Eggs still keep cooking as sauce is hot.
- Experiment with any variations and make your own version of delicious Shakshuka.
MORE QUICK DINNER IDEAS
Chicken Chow Mein
SPICED CHICKPEAS BURGER
Chicken Nachos
SHAKSHUKA
Ingredients
- 4 Eggs
- 1 Medium Onion Chopped
- 2 Tomatoes Chopped
- 1 cup Capsicum/Bell Pepper Red, Green or Both
- 1 cup Tomatoe Puree
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Cumin Powder
- Chilli Flakes ( Optional)
- Coriander/Cilantro for Garnish
Instructions
- In a pan heat olive oil and add onions. Sautee them on medium heat just until slight colour starts to appear on them.
- Add capsicums and tomatoes, cook for few minutes. Add all the spices and mix well.
- Add tomatoe puree and mix it ,cover the pan. Cook for around 15 minutes on low heat. The sauce shouldn't be runny and watery.
- Make holes in the sauce and put egg around in each hole. Cover the lid and cook until eggs are done to your liking. If you prefer runny yolk cook for 3-4 minutes, for full done eggs 5-7 minutes.
- Garnish with chilli flakes and coriander, Serve with bread.
