Shakshuka: Middle Eastern Breakfast of Champions

Welcome to the flavorful world of Shakshuka! This Middle Eastern dish is a breakfast staple that will have you craving it morning, noon, and night. Shakshuka is a delicious and hearty meal made with poached eggs in a rich and spicy tomato sauce, typically seasoned with aromatic spices like cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper. This dish is perfect for those who love a bit of heat in their breakfast and enjoy dipping crusty bread into a savory sauce.

The Story of Shakshuka

Shakshuka has its origins in North Africa and the Middle East, where it is a popular breakfast dish. The name "Shakshuka" is believed to have originated from either Arabic or Hebrew, both meaning "a mixture" or "all mixed up." This dish has gained popularity worldwide for its bold flavors and simple preparation.

Traditionally, Shakshuka is cooked in a cast-iron skillet or a deep frying pan, where the eggs are gently poached in the simmering tomato sauce until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny. The dish is then garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro and served hot with a side of crusty bread or pita.

How to Make Shakshuka

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4-6 eggs
• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and bell pepper, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add minced garlic, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper to the skillet, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and season with salt and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
4. Using a spoon, create small wells in the sauce and crack the eggs into them. Cover the skillet and let the eggs cook until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Once the eggs are cooked to your liking, remove the skillet from heat and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.
6. Serve the Shakshuka hot with crusty bread or pita for dipping and enjoy!

Shakshuka is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. You can add ingredients like feta cheese, olives, or spinach to elevate the flavors and textures of this classic dish. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner, Shakshuka is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. So, grab your skillet and eggs, and get ready to experience the bold and comforting flavors of Shakshuka!