Chakchouka

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Versatile Meal: Ideal for any time of the day—breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
• One-Pan Preparation: Simplifies cooking and cleanup, making it perfect for busy schedules.
• Flavorful and Satisfying: Combines aromatic spices with a hearty tomato base and protein-rich eggs.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable with additional vegetables, spices, or toppings to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 ⅓ cups chopped onion
• 1 cup thinly sliced bell peppers (any color)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 ½ cups chopped tomatoes
• 1 hot chile pepper, seeded and finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs

Directions

1. Sauté the Vegetables:

   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Add chopped onions and sliced bell peppers; cook and stir until the vegetables have softened and the onion becomes translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
   • Incorporate minced garlic and continue to sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.

2. Add Tomatoes and Spices:

   • Stir in chopped tomatoes and the finely chopped hot chile pepper.
   • Season the mixture with ground cumin, paprika, and salt, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.

3. Simmer the Sauce:

   • Allow the mixture to simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have broken down and the sauce has slightly thickened, about 10 to 15 minutes.

4. Poach the Eggs:

   • Using the back of a spoon, create four small wells in the simmering sauce.
   • Gently crack one egg into each well, taking care not to break the yolks.
   • Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and allow the eggs to cook until the whites are set but the yolks remain runny, approximately 5 minutes. For firmer yolks, cook an additional 2 minutes.

5. Serve:

   • Once the eggs have reached the desired doneness, remove the skillet from heat.
   • Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro.
   • Serve immediately, accompanied by crusty bread or warm pita to scoop up the flavorful sauce and eggs.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Cheese Addition: Sprinkle crumbled feta or goat cheese over the dish just before serving for a creamy, tangy flavor.
• Spice Adjustments: Modify the heat level by adjusting the amount of chile pepper or adding a dash of cayenne pepper for extra spice.
• Herb Enhancements: Incorporate fresh herbs such as basil, mint, or dill to add a unique twist to the traditional flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Warm the shakshouka gently in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. It’s recommended to reheat on the stovetop to maintain the texture of the eggs and sauce.

FAQs

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the tomato and pepper sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to two days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce in a skillet and proceed with adding and poaching the eggs.

Is shakshouka spicy?

The spiciness of shakshouka can be adjusted to your preference. By controlling the amount and type of chile pepper or adding spices like cayenne, you can make the dish as mild or as spicy as you like.

What type of pan is best for cooking shakshouka?

A heavy-bottomed skillet, such as cast iron, is ideal for cooking shakshouka. It ensures even heat distribution and can be transferred from stovetop to oven if you choose to finish cooking the eggs under a broiler.

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, canned tomatoes can be used, especially when fresh tomatoes are out of season. Opt for high-quality crushed or diced tomatoes for the best flavor.

How can I ensure the eggs cook evenly?

To promote even cooking, make sure the sauce is simmering gently before adding the eggs. After adding the eggs, cover the skillet to trap heat, which helps cook the eggs uniformly.

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