Shakshuka

Shakshuka is a flavorful and hearty dish of poached eggs in a spiced tomato and pepper sauce. It's popular in North African and Middle Eastern cuisines and is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. Here's a simple recipe to make shakshuka at home.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional for smoky flavor)
• 1 tsp ground coriander (optional)
• 1/2 to 1 tsp chili flakes or fresh chili (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes or 4-5 fresh tomatoes, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4-6 eggs
• Fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)
• Feta cheese or labneh (optional topping)
• Crusty bread for serving

Instructions:

1. Cook the Vegetables:

   • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened.

2. Add Garlic and Spices:

   • Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, and chili flakes. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the spices are well incorporated.

3. Add the Tomatoes:

   • Pour in the crushed tomatoes (or fresh chopped tomatoes). Season with salt and pepper. Stir and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

4. Make Wells for the Eggs:

   • Use a spoon to create little wells in the tomato sauce, spaced apart for each egg. Gently crack an egg into each well.

5. Poach the Eggs:

   • Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 5-8 minutes, depending on how you like your eggs. The egg whites should be set, but the yolks can remain runny or cook longer if you prefer firm yolks.

6. Garnish and Serve:

   • Once the eggs are cooked to your liking, remove the pan from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and a sprinkle of feta cheese if desired.
   • Serve the shakshuka with crusty bread or pita to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Variations:

• Spicier Shakshuka: Add harissa or extra chili for more heat.
• Vegetable Add-ins: You can add other vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or eggplant to the sauce for extra texture and flavor.
• Protein: Add some ground lamb, beef, or sausage to the base for a heartier version.

Shakshuka is great for sharing and works well for any meal. Enjoy it with a nice side of bread to scoop up the delicious sauce!