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!
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