Embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant heart of North Africa with this delectable recipe for Classic North African Shakshuka Eggs. This dish is a symphony of flavors and textures, a perfect blend of spicy, savory, and subtly sweet notes that will tantalize your taste buds. Imagine waking up to the aroma of simmering tomatoes, fragrant spices, and perfectly poached eggs – this North African Shakshuka is the breakfast (or any meal!) of champions. This recipe is incredibly versatile; you can adjust the spice level to your preference and add your favorite vegetables for an even richer, more flavorful experience. Get ready to elevate your breakfast game with this easy-to-follow guide to making authentic North African Shakshuka Eggs. Let’s dive into the delicious details!
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 20 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Nutrition per serving (approximate): Calories: 250-300, Protein: 15-20g, Fat: 15-20g, Carbohydrates: 10-15g. *Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients used.*
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Large ripe tomatoes | 2 lbs (approximately 900g) |
| 1 large onion, finely chopped | 1 medium |
| 2-3 cloves garlic, minced | 2-3 cloves |
| 1 red bell pepper, chopped | 1 medium |
| 1 teaspoon ground cumin | 1 tsp |
| 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander | 1/2 tsp |
| 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste) | 1/4 – 1/2 tsp |
| 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika | 1/2 tsp |
| 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro | 1/4 cup |
| 1/4 teaspoon turmeric | 1/4 tsp |
| Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste | To taste |
| 6 large eggs | 6 large |
| 2 tablespoons olive oil | 2 tbsp |
Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the tomato base: In a large skillet or oven-safe pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and bell pepper and cook for another 3 minutes, until slightly softened.
- Add the spices: Add the cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and turmeric to the pan. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. This step really helps to unlock the full flavor potential of the spices.
- Simmer the tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and stir well to combine with the spice mixture. Season generously with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook for at least 15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded together. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor of your North African Shakshuka will become.
- Create the wells: Once the tomato base is ready, gently create six small wells in the sauce, ensuring there is enough space for each egg. Carefully crack each egg into its own well, being careful not to break the yolks.
- Poach the eggs: Cover the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still runny. If you prefer firmer yolks, cook for a little longer. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect balance of runny yolk and set white in your Shakshuka.
- Garnish and serve: Once the eggs are cooked to your liking, remove the pan from the heat and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve your Classic North African Shakshuka Eggs immediately, ideally with crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy every delicious bite of this North African Shakshuka!
Serving Suggestions: This North African Shakshuka Eggs recipe pairs perfectly with crusty bread, pita bread, or even some warm tortillas. For an extra touch, consider serving with a dollop of plain yogurt or a sprinkle of feta cheese. The possibilities are endless when it comes to enhancing this already amazing dish!
Notes/Tips:
- For a spicier Shakshuka, add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of harissa paste.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms.
- If you don’t have fresh cilantro, you can use dried cilantro or parsley as a substitute.
- For a richer flavor, use high-quality olive oil.
- If you’re short on time, you can use canned diced tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes. Just be sure to drain them well before adding them to the pan. This is the quickest route to a delicious North African Shakshuka.
- Remember, the beauty of this North African Shakshuka Eggs recipe lies in its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different spices and vegetables to create your own unique version. Enjoy the journey of creating your perfect North African Shakshuka!
This Classic North African Shakshuka Eggs recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for brunch, dinner, or a comforting weeknight meal. The vibrant colors, aromatic spices, and perfectly poached eggs make it a truly unforgettable culinary experience. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and prepare to be amazed by the deliciousness of this authentic North African Shakshuka Eggs recipe! Enjoy!
