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Chakchouka

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Chakchouka, also known as Shakshouka, is a traditional North African and Middle Eastern dish featuring poached eggs in a spiced tomato and pepper sauce. This one-pan meal is bursting with rich, aromatic flavors, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner. Serve it with warm bread or pita for a satisfying, comforting dish.

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1⅓ cups chopped onion
  • 1 cup thinly sliced bell peppers (any color)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2½ cups chopped tomatoes (or 1 can diced 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

Optional Garnishes:

  • Fresh parsley or cilantro
  • Crumbled feta or goat cheese
  • Extra chili flakes for heat

Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onions and sliced bell peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and onions become translucent (about 5 minutes).
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Add Tomatoes and Spices:

  1. Stir in chopped tomatoes and the finely chopped hot chile pepper.
  2. Add cumin, paprika, and salt, stirring well to combine.

Simmer the Sauce:

  1. Let the mixture simmer over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and the sauce thickens.

Poach the Eggs:

  1. Using the back of a spoon, create four small wells in the simmering sauce.
  2. Gently crack one egg into each well, being careful not to break the yolks.
  3. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the eggs cook until the whites are set but yolks remain runny (about 5 minutes). For firmer yolks, cook an additional 2 minutes.

Serve:

  1. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.
  2. Serve immediately with crusty bread or warm pita to scoop up the sauce and eggs.

Notes

  • Cheesy Addition: Sprinkle crumbled feta or goat cheese before serving for added richness.
  • Adjust Spice Level: Modify heat by adding or reducing the amount of chile pepper or cayenne.
  • Make-Ahead Sauce: Prepare the tomato and pepper base in advance, refrigerate for up to 2 days, and reheat before adding eggs.

Find it online: https://avarecipe.com/chakchouka/