step by step making Shakshuka
Shakshuka Recipe
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
Salt and pepper to taste
6 large eggs
Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
Feta cheese (optional)
Instructions:
Heat the Olive Oil:
Place a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil and let it heat up.
Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion becomes translucent.
Add the finely chopped red bell pepper and continue to sauté for another 5-7 minutes, until the pepper softens.
Add Garlic and Spices:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to combine with the vegetables.
Add Crushed Tomatoes:
Pour the can of crushed tomatoes into the skillet.
Stir everything together to combine the tomatoes with the sautéed vegetables and spices.
Season and Simmer:
Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
Create Wells for the Eggs:
Use a spoon to make six small wells in the tomato mixture.
Carefully crack an egg into each well. If you prefer, you can crack the eggs into a small bowl first, then gently pour them into the wells.
Cook the Eggs:
Cover the skillet with a lid and cook on low heat until the eggs are set to your liking. This usually takes about 5-8 minutes for runny yolks.
Keep an eye on the eggs to ensure they don’t overcook.
Garnish and Serve:
Once the eggs are cooked, remove the skillet from the heat.
Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, and if desired, sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese on top.
Serve the Shakshuka hot, with crusty bread or pita on the side to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips:
Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your spice preference.
Eggs: For firmer yolks, cook the eggs a bit longer.
Variations: Add other vegetables like zucchini or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
Enjoy your homemade Shakshuka! This dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. It's hearty, flavorful, and full of rich, aromatic spices.
