Okay, say it with me, “shack-SHOE-kah”! One more time! I did have trouble pronouncing this word when I first encounter it at a menu back in college. But never did I thought that I would come to fall in love with this and make it as one of my favorite weekend breakfast meals just like this Sweet Plantain and Hash. Even my picky eater son, who’s not a big fan of vegetables and stews, loves to gobble down on this. Shakshuka is simply packed with healthy goodness without compromising the taste! A delicious breakfast skillet that you could also enjoy for lunch and even dinner!
What is Shakshuka?
Though there are many variations to this dish, a traditional shakshuka recipe is basically made with eggs poached in a spicy warm tomato-based stew with onions, garlic and bell pepper. Other variations would add in some minced meat, yogurt, fresh herbs, feta cheese and more.
Shakshuka Origin
The exact origin for this dish is kinda debatable, but it’s known to have originated from North Africa, particularly in Tunisia, and has been brought to Israel and eventually became a popular Middle Eastern dish.
Is Shakshuka Spicy?
There’s no right or wrong when it comes to how you want to spice up this egg and tomatoes dish. But you’ll most definitely find some cumin, paprika and chili powder in it. So it’s not really that spicy, but I’d say warm and flavorful. If you want a more prominent heat in your dish, feel free to add some cayenne or jalapeno (along with its seeds) and adjust according to your heat tolerance.
Shakshuka Ingredients
It won’t be that hard for me to convince you in making this easy Shakshuka recipe more often ’cause all of its ingredients are basically sitting there in your pantry. You’ll just need:
oil onion and garlic bell pepper tomatoes cumin paprika chili powder eggs cilantro and parsley avocado, bread or crumbled cheese for serving
See what I’m talking about? Healthy, filling and easy to make meal all made in one pot. What else could you ask for?
What Else Can You Add?
Aside from those mentioned above, you may throw in any of the following below for a heartier one-pan meal.
kale spinach chorizo ground beef or lamb chicken bits shrimp fish eggplant
What to Serve with Shakshuka?
I personally enjoyed it on its own, but sometimes I throw in some avocado slices, crumbled cheese and/or bread. Below are just some of the popular side for this rustic and warm popular breakfast recipe.
Pita or any form of Flatbread crusty bread Challah Bread Mediterranean Chickpea Salad salad pasta Grits
More Egg Breakfast Recipes
Quiche Lorraine Chorizo and Eggs Sausage Egg Casserole Potato Frittata Plantain Frittata
How To Make Shakshuka
Heat a large cast-iron (12 inches) or saute pan over medium heat. Pour in oil into the pan. As soon as oil sizzles, add diced onions and garlic saute for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Throw in bell pepper and continue cooking for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onion and bell pepper mixture is soft and slightly browned. If needed, add an extra 1 to 2 tablespoons oil or as needed. Do not let it burn. Add whole tomatoes together with all its juice smashed with a wooden spoon to the desired texture, followed by all the spices – cumin, paprika, and chili pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and continue cooking stirring for about 2-3 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Crack one egg at a time in a small ramekin and then dig a small well with a spoon or spatula in the shakshuka. Gently pour the egg into the well. Repeat the same process with all the remaining eggs (crack eggs, make a well and add whole eggs). Simmer over medium heat for about 10 or more minutes or until you have reached the desired doneness. For me, the yolks have to firm up, so I cook a little longer. Serve immediately with cilantro, avocado and a drizzle of olive oil! [adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id=”1HnsxwYl” upload-date=”2020-12-13T08:16:18.000Z” name=”Shakshuka Recipe” description=”Shakshuka Recipe – healthy and hearty breakfast, lunch or dinner meal made with poached eggs in a well-spiced tomato-based stew. Pair it with bread or any of your favorite salad and you’ll have one nourishing meal all made in one pan!” player-type=”collapse” override-embed=”false”]
