How to Make Shakshuka: A Flavorful and Hearty Egg Dish

Shakshuka is a delicious and hearty Middle Eastern and North African dish featuring poached eggs in a spicy tomato sauce. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any meal of the day. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this flavorful dish:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes or 5-6 fresh tomatoes, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4-6 large eggs
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Crumbled feta cheese (optional, for garnish)
• Crusty bread or pita for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat the Oil:
   • In a large skillet or cast-iron pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • Add the diced onion and red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and continue to cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Add the Spices:
   • Stir in the ground cumin, paprika, coriander, and chili powder (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the spices to release their flavors.
4. Add the Tomatoes:
   • Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and season with salt and pepper.
   • Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer over medium heat. Allow it to cook for 10-15 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Create Wells for the Eggs:
   • Use the back of a spoon to make small wells in the tomato sauce for the eggs. The number of wells depends on how many eggs you are using (typically 4-6).
6. Add the Eggs:
   • Crack an egg into each well, being careful not to break the yolk.
   • Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook the eggs until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny, about 5-8 minutes. If you prefer firmer yolks, cook a bit longer.
7. Garnish and Serve:
   • Once the eggs are cooked to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat.
   • Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley and crumbled feta cheese, if desired.
   • Serve immediately with crusty bread or pita to mop up the delicious sauce.

Tips:

• Customize Your Shakshuka: You can add other vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or spinach for extra nutrition and variety.
• Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder or add a chopped chili pepper if you prefer a spicier dish.
• Make Ahead: The tomato sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce in a skillet, add the eggs, and cook as directed.

Shakshuka is a versatile and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy this vibrant meal any time of day!