Shakshuka
30 min

Shakshuka

Many parts of the world are at war as we helplessly watch and commiserate from afar. Most of the conflicts are old and complicated and, in a tiny effort, to show a solidarity of sorts, I’ve found myself delving into Middle Eastern food with heartfelt enthusiasm. It’s a utopian world I dream of, where we can sit around a table and break bread with our neighbors and practice diplomacy over shared foods and ideas that unite us, rather than divide us. This brings me to eggs, the eternally popular breakfast food of the entire world.

Shakshuka is the signature egg dish of the Middle East, a wonderfully informal breakfast that is usually served in the pan it is cooked in. There are many versions, all variations of the central story of the eggs cooked with a thick sauce. Usually the sauce contains onions, tomatoes and red bell peppers however you may have encountered versions made with greens like spinach, leeks, herbs and artichokes. Shakshuka is usually topped with crumbled feta, more herbs, a sprinkle of zaatar, a wild oregano like herb and a drizzle of tahini or olive oil for the final garnish. For a tangier finish, try topping it off with sliced black olives, a sprinkle of Aleppo pepper, a dollop of yogurt or preserved lemon. 

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Cook Time

30 Minutes

Serves

4

Step 1
In a large frying pan over high heat, warm the ghee and add the cumin seeds. They will pop and sizzle, immediately add the minced onions, bell peppers and garlic. Cook the onion mixture on low heat, covered, until it is translucent and has reduced a little.
Step 2
Add the coriander, tomatoes, red chile flakes, vegetables, black pepper and salt. Cook on low heat covered for 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture is thick and cooked through.
Step 3
Crack the whole eggs on top of the tomato mixture without stirring and quickly cover the pan and let it simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes. Turn the heat off and let the shakshuka rest for 5 minutes, the eggs will continue cooking in this time.
Step 4
Before serving, top the dish off with crumbled feta, fresh herbs and pomegranate seeds.

1/3 cup ghee or olive oil

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

1 cup minced onion

1 cup minced red bell peppers

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 teaspoon coriander seeds

2 cup crushed canned tomatoes

1 teaspoon red chile flakes

1 cup of vegetables like corn, artichoke, squash or cauliflower

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

6 eggs

2 tablespoons crumbled feta

A drizzle of olive oil

2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds

Few sprigs of mint or oregano for garnish

Notes & Variations

  • This recipe was adapted from the book Falastin by the Palestinian chef, Sammy Tamini.
  • Any sort of vegetables can be added to this dish, from potatoes to green beans or asparagus. If using potatoes or cauliflower that require longer cooking time, add them with the onion mixture.
  • Shakshuka is best with warm toasted bread, pita or naan.
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30 min

EGGS ALL DAY.

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