Cuisine : Shakshuka - how to make this North African dish

 

Shakshuka is a popular Middle Eastern and North African dish consisting of poached eggs in a flavorful tomato and pepper sauce. Here’s a detailed guide on how to make it:

### Ingredients:

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 large onion, finely chopped

- 1 red bell pepper, chopped

- 1 green bell pepper, chopped

- 4 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 teaspoon ground cumin

- 1 teaspoon ground paprika

- 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 6 large eggs

- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, for garnish

- Feta cheese, crumbled, for garnish (optional)

- Bread for serving (e.g., pita, crusty bread)

### Instructions:

1. **Prepare the Base:**

   - Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

   - Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.

   - Add the chopped red and green bell peppers and cook for another 5-7 minutes, until they soften.

2. **Add Garlic and Spices:**

   - Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.

   - Add the ground cumin, ground paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir to combine and cook for another minute.

3. **Add Tomatoes:**

   - Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to mix everything well.

   - Season with salt and pepper to taste.

   - Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly.

4. **Prepare the Eggs:**

   - Use a spoon to make small wells in the sauce for the eggs.

   - Crack an egg into each well, being careful not to break the yolk.

   - Cover the skillet and cook for about 5-8 minutes, until the eggs are set to your desired doneness. The whites should be set, but the yolks should remain runny.

5. **Garnish and Serve:**

   - Remove the skillet from the heat.

   - Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley and crumbled feta cheese, if using.

   - Serve immediately with warm bread for dipping.

### Tips:

- If you prefer your eggs more well-done, cook them a bit longer.

- Shakshuka can be customized with other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.

- For extra flavor, add a splash of harissa or hot sauce to the tomato sauce.

Enjoy your delicious Shakshuka!