lomiloml
Culinary Explorer
I recently tried making Israeli Shakshuka, and it was a delightful experience! This dish is a vibrant, flavorful one-pan meal that features poached eggs nestled in a rich, spiced tomato sauce. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Shakshuka is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. Here’s how you can whip up this delicious dish at home:
Ingredients:
- For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika adds a nice touch)
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (or 4-5 fresh tomatoes, chopped)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or cilantro), for garnish
- For the Eggs:
- 4-6 large eggs (depending on how many servings you want)
Instructions:
1. Make the Sauce:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper, sautéing until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
2. Poach the Eggs:
- Use a spoon to create small wells in the sauce, then carefully crack an egg into each well. Season the eggs with a little salt and pepper.
- Cover the skillet and cook on low heat for about 5-8 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still runny. Adjust the cooking time based on how you like your eggs.
3. Serve:
- Once the eggs are cooked to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs.
- Serve hot, ideally with crusty bread or pita to scoop up the delicious sauce and eggs.
Conclusion
Israeli Shakshuka is a comforting and colorful dish that’s perfect for any meal of the day. Its combination of poached eggs and spicy tomato sauce creates a beautiful harmony of flavors that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile; you can add ingredients like feta cheese, spinach, or even olives for a twist. Enjoy this hearty dish and bring a taste of Israel to your kitchen!
