Description
Shakshuka is a delightful culinary adventure right at your breakfast table. Originating from North Africa and migrating through Middle Eastern cuisine, it represents a symphony of exotic flavors, harmonizing in a single sizzling skillet.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4–6 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)
- Crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by heating olive oil in your large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper and sauté these vegetables for approximately 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll know they are ready when they become tender and begin to caramelize slightly around the edges, intensifying their natural sweetness.
- Next, introduce minced garlic into the skillet along with the spices – ground cumin, paprika, and a hint of cayenne if you choose. Stir the mixture constantly for about a minute. This brief cooking time is crucial as it releases the aromatic oils from the spices, ensuring they don’t burn while achieving their full flavor potential.
- Pour in the entire can of diced tomatoes, including their juices, into your skillet. Season the mixture generously with salt and black pepper, to taste. Allow this mixture to simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. This step reduces the liquid, concentrating the flavors and creating a thick, rich sauce that the eggs will poach in.
- Once your sauce has thickened to your liking, create small wells in the tomato mixture. Crack an egg into each well, ensuring the yolks remain intact. Cover the skillet with a suitable lid to trap the steam, allowing the eggs to poach gently for another 5 to 7 minutes, until the whites are set but the yolks are still slightly runny.
- Once off the heat, garnish your marvelous shakshuka with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro. For an extra layer of savory richness, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top. Serve immediately alongside crusty bread or warm pita, perfect for scooping up every bit of delicious sauce.
Notes
Light on salt; adjust to personal taste and dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 250 per serving
- Sodium: Light on salt
- Protein: About 14 grams per serving