Shakshuka is a popular Middle Eastern dish that has gained worldwide fame for its delicious taste and health benefits. It is a simple yet flavorful dish composed of eggs poached in a tomato-based sauce, usually spiced with cumin, paprika, and chili flakes. Shakshuka is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. In this article, we will show you how to make shakshuka and answer some frequently asked questions about this dish.
Ingredients Needed to Make Shakshuka Recipe
Before we get into the recipe, let's first take a look at the ingredients needed to make shakshuka:
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (28 oz) of crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon of chili flakes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 eggs
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
For the Marinade Shakshuka Recipe
There is no specific marinade for shakshuka, but you can add some spices to the tomato sauce to give it a little kick. Here's how:
- Heat up some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic and saute for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the chopped bell peppers and saute for another 5 minutes.
- Add the can of crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes, until it thickens.
- Make 6 indentations in the sauce with a spoon and crack an egg into each indentation.
- Cover the skillet and let the eggs cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro and serve hot with some crusty bread.
Kitchen Tools Needed Shakshuka Recipe
Here are some essential kitchen tools you will need to make shakshuka:
- A large skillet with a lid
- A wooden spoon or spatula
- A sharp knife
- A cutting board
- A can opener
- A measuring spoon
How to Make Shakshuka Recipe
Now that you have all the ingredients and the necessary tools, let's move on to the recipe:
- Heat up some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic and saute for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the chopped bell peppers and saute for another 5 minutes.
- Add the can of crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes, until it thickens.
- Make 6 indentations in the sauce with a spoon and crack an egg into each indentation.
- Cover the skillet and let the eggs cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro and serve hot with some crusty bread.
How to Cook Shakshuka Recipe
Cooking shakshuka is a simple and straightforward process. Here's how:
- Heat up some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic and saute for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the chopped bell peppers and saute for another 5 minutes.
- Add the can of crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes, until it thickens.
- Make 6 indentations in the sauce with a spoon and crack an egg into each indentation.
- Cover the skillet and let the eggs cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro and serve hot with some crusty bread.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is shakshuka?
Shakshuka is a Middle Eastern dish made of eggs poached in a tomato-based sauce, usually spiced with cumin, paprika, and chili flakes.
2. Where does shakshuka originate from?
Shakshuka is believed to have originated in North Africa and then spread to the Middle East and Mediterranean regions.
3. Is shakshuka healthy?
Yes, shakshuka is a healthy dish that is packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. It is also low in calories and carbs, making it a great option for those on a low-carb diet.
4. Can shakshuka be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can make shakshuka ahead of time and reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop. However, the eggs may become overcooked if you reheat it for too long, so be careful.
5. What can I serve with shakshuka?
You can serve shakshuka with some crusty bread, pita, or rice. You can also top it with some feta cheese or olives for added flavor.
6. Can I add other ingredients to shakshuka?
Yes, you can add other ingredients such as spinach, mushrooms, or chickpeas to shakshuka to make it more flavorful and nutritious.
7. Can shakshuka be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze shakshuka for up to 3 months. However, the texture of the eggs may change slightly after freezing and reheating, so keep that in mind.
8. How do I know when the eggs are cooked?
The whites of the eggs should be set but the yolks should still be runny. If you prefer your eggs well-done, you can cook them for a few more minutes.
9. Can I make shakshuka without eggs?
Yes, you can make a vegan version of shakshuka by using tofu instead of eggs. You can also add some veggies and spices to the tomato sauce to make it more flavorful.
10. Is shakshuka spicy?
It can be spicy if you add chili flakes or other hot spices to the tomato sauce. However, you can adjust the spice level according to your taste preferences.
11. Can shakshuka be made in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make shakshuka in a slow cooker by cooking the tomato sauce and eggs on low heat for several hours.
12. What is the best way to reheat shakshuka?
The best way to reheat shakshuka is to place it in a covered skillet or baking dish and heat it in the oven or on the stovetop until it is warmed through.
13. Can I use canned diced tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes?
Yes, you can use canned diced tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes. However, the texture of the tomato sauce may be slightly different.
14. Can I make shakshuka with other types of meat?
Yes, you can add some ground beef, lamb, or chicken to the tomato sauce to make a meaty version of shakshuka.
15. How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
16. Can I make shakshuka in advance and reheat it?
Yes, you can make shakshuka in advance and reheat it in the oven