Shakshuka is a flavorful and hearty dish originating from North Africa and the Middle East, featuring poached eggs in a spicy tomato and bell pepper sauce. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner, and is often served with crusty bread for dipping.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 4 large eggs
• Fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)
• Feta cheese (crumbled, optional)

Timing

Making Shakshuka takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 20 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté Vegetables

1. Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook Onion and Bell Pepper: Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they are softened.
3. Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes

1. Pour in Tomatoes: Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

Step 3: Poach Eggs

1. Make Wells: Use a spoon to create small wells in the tomato sauce. Crack an egg into each well.
2. Cover and Cook: Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still runny. Adjust the cooking time based on your preference for egg doneness.

Step 4: Serve

1. Garnish: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and crumbled feta cheese if desired.
2. Enjoy: Serve the shakshuka hot with crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Shakshuka (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	220
Protein	10g
Fat	15g
Carbohydrates	15g
Fiber	4g
Sugar	6g

Tips for Customization

• Add Vegetables: Incorporate spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for added nutrition.
• Spice It Up: Adjust the level of cayenne pepper or add harissa for extra heat.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese or mozzarella for variation.

Conclusion

Shakshuka is a vibrant and comforting dish that brings together the rich flavors of tomatoes and spices with perfectly poached eggs. Ideal for any meal of the day, this dish is not only delicious but also visually stunning. Enjoy this delightful recipe!