Description
Shakshuka is a simple yet flavorful dish consisting of eggs poached in a spicy, tomato-based sauce. The dish is typically served with crusty bread, which is perfect for soaking up the rich, spiced sauce. While shakshuka is often associated with Middle Eastern cuisine, it also has roots in North African cooking. The sauce base usually contains tomatoes, onions, garlic, and various spices such as cumin, paprika, and coriander. The beauty of shakshuka lies in its versatility—this dish can be adjusted to suit your taste, with a variety of ingredients and spices.
Ingredients
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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1 red bell pepper, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
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1 tbsp tomato paste
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1 tsp ground cumin
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1/2 tsp ground coriander
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Salt and pepper to taste
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4 large eggs
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1 bunch Swiss chard, stems removed, leaves chopped
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1 bunch kale, stems removed, leaves chopped
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1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan
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2 tbsp olive oil (for pesto)
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
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Prepare the pesto: In a food processor, combine the Swiss chard, kale, pine nuts, Parmesan, olive oil, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
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Make the shakshuka base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and red bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
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Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
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Add the greens: Stir in half of the kale and Swiss chard pesto into the sauce, mixing to combine. Let it cook for 5 more minutes to allow the greens to soften and meld into the sauce.
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Poach the eggs: Create small wells in the sauce and crack the eggs into each well. Cover the skillet and cook for 5-8 minutes, depending on how runny you want the eggs.
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Finish: Drizzle the remaining pesto over the shakshuka, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve immediately with crusty bread.
Notes
Feel free to customize this dish with your favorite greens—kale, spinach, or Swiss chard all work beautifully. For extra richness, crumble in some feta or top with a dollop of yogurt. Serve with warm crusty bread or pita to soak up the delicious sauce. This shakshuka is as comforting as it is versatile—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Keywords: Shakshuka with Hearty Greens