How to Make a Middle Eastern Shakshuka for Breakfast: A Simple Guide
Breakfast is often called the most important meal of the day, and what better way to spice up your morning routine than with a traditional Middle Eastern dish known as Shakshuka? This savory meal is not only delicious and filling but also straightforward to cook, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking to try something new. In this simple guide, we’ll walk you through how to make a basic Shakshuka that will impress your taste buds and perhaps become a new favorite breakfast option.
What is Shakshuka?
Originally from North Africa and popular throughout the Middle East, Shakshuka is a dish of eggs poached in a sauce of tomatoes, peppers, onions, and a variety of spices. It’s typically served in a cast-iron skillet or a large, shallow pan and enjoyed with a slice of crusty bread to soak up all the flavorful sauce. The beauty of Shakshuka lies in its simplicity and versatility; you can adjust the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have in your pantry.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
To prepare a basic Shakshuka for about 4 servings, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- 1 (28-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 large eggs
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
- Crusty bread, for serving
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Shakshuka:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
Start by preparing your vegetables. Finely chop the onion, seed and chop the red bell pepper, and mince the garlic. Having everything prepped before you begin cooking makes the process smoother.
2. Sauté the Onion and Pepper:
Heat olive oil in a large, shallow pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing until they begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Garlic and Spices:
Add the minced garlic to the pan, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant. Then, stir in the ground cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). This mixture of spices is what gives Shakshuka its distinctive, warm flavor profile.
4. Pour in the Tomatoes:
Once the spices are mixed in well with the onions, peppers, and garlic, pour in the can of crushed tomatoes. Season the sauce with salt and pepper according to your taste, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
5. Create Wells for the Eggs:
Now, it’s time to add the eggs. Using a spoon, make small wells in the sauce and carefully crack an egg into each well. You’ll want to space the eggs out so each has a little room to set without merging into the other.
6. Cook the Eggs:
Cover the pan and allow the eggs to cook over low heat for about 5-7 minutes or until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny. You can cook them a bit longer if you prefer your yolks firmer.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once the eggs are done to your liking, take the pan off the heat. Garnish your Shakshuka with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley. Serve it directly from the pan, alongside crusty bread for dipping and scooping.
Customizing Your Shakshuka:
One of the best things about Shakshuka is how easily it can be tailored to suit your taste. Here are a few suggestions:
- For a heartier dish, add in chopped spinach or kale when you add the tomatoes.
- If you like your food on the spicier side, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a chopped jalapeño with the bell pepper.
- For a different flavor, swap out the crushed tomatoes with diced tomatoes for a chunkier sauce or add some crumbled feta cheese on top before serving.
Shakshuka is a fantastic dish that brings warmth, flavor, and nutrition to your breakfast table. It’s relatively quick and easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for both weekdays and slower weekend mornings. Give this traditional Middle Eastern dish a try, and you might find yourself making it over and over again. Happy cooking!
