Authentic Israeli Shakshuka Delight
Experience the vibrant flavors of Israel with this Authentic Israeli Shakshuka Delight. Shakshuka, which translates to 'a mixture' in Arabic, is a delicious and hearty dish featuring poached eggs simmered in a rich, spiced tomato sauce. This dish not only warms the soul but also fills the belly, making it an ideal breakfast or brunch option. Growing up, this was a staple in many homes, celebrated for its simplicity and depth of flavor. The best part? It's budget-friendly, satisfying, and perfect for solo meals. Adjust the ingredients based on your preferences, whether that means adding more tomatoes for a saucier dish or skipping the onions entirely. With this recipe, you can whip up a flavorful meal in under 30 minutes and bring a piece of Israeli cuisine right into your kitchen. Hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and remember: Bete'avon!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Canned Tomatoes
19 ounces (Preferably Rao's Homemade Italian Peeled Tomatoes, drained with some liquid retained)
Garlic
1 clove (Finely diced)
White Onion
1 slice (Finely diced)
Salt
1 teaspoon (To taste)
Sweet Paprika
1 teaspoon (To taste)
Red Cayenne Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Tomato Paste
1 teaspoon (No additional preparation needed)
Olive Oil
1/4 cup (No additional preparation needed)
Large Eggs
2 (No additional preparation needed)
Instructions
1
Begin by draining most of the liquid from the canned tomatoes, but retain some for moisture.
2
In a bowl, use your hands to break apart the tomatoes into uneven, chunky pieces. Set aside.
3
In a medium-sized skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced garlic and onion, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
4
Stir in the chunked tomatoes, followed by the salt, sweet paprika, cayenne pepper, and tomato paste. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
5
Reduce the heat to low and allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
6
Once the sauce is sufficiently thick, crack each egg into a small bowl, being careful to avoid any shell pieces. Gently slide the eggs into the sauce, placing them on opposite sides of the pan to keep the yolks intact.
7
Cover the skillet and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but the yolks remain runny. Adjust cooking time based on your preference for egg doneness.
8
Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shakshuka?
Shakshuka is a hearty and vibrant Israeli dish featuring poached eggs simmered in a rich, spiced tomato sauce.
What does the word Shakshuka mean?
The name translates to 'a mixture' in Arabic.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
This recipe can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
Is this recipe budget-friendly?
Yes, it is a budget-friendly and satisfying meal made with simple ingredients.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients are canned tomatoes, eggs, garlic, onion, olive oil, and various spices.
Can I adjust the amount of tomatoes?
Yes, you can add more tomatoes if you prefer a saucier dish.
Is it okay to skip the onions?
Yes, the recipe is flexible and you can skip the onions entirely based on your preference.
How many eggs are used in this recipe?
This specific recipe uses 2 large eggs, making it perfect for solo meals.
What brand of canned tomatoes is recommended?
Rao's Homemade Italian Peeled Tomatoes are preferred for this recipe.
How should I prepare the canned tomatoes?
Drain most of the liquid (retaining some) and break the tomatoes into uneven, chunky pieces by hand.
Which spices give Shakshuka its flavor?
The flavors come from salt, sweet paprika, and red cayenne pepper.
Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, Shakshuka is a vegetarian-friendly one-pan meal.
What type of oil is used for cooking?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of olive oil.
How long should I sauté the garlic and onion?
Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
Why is tomato paste added to the recipe?
Tomato paste is added to help enrich and thicken the sauce.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes until it thickens.
Do I simmer the sauce with a lid?
No, the sauce should be simmered uncovered.
How do I add the eggs to the pan?
Crack each egg into a small bowl first, then gently slide them into opposite sides of the pan.
How long do the eggs cook in the sauce?
Cook the eggs for an additional 5-7 minutes once they are added to the sauce.
Should the skillet be covered when cooking the eggs?
Yes, cover the skillet while the eggs cook to help the whites set.
What is the ideal texture for the eggs?
The egg whites should be set while the yolks remain runny.
Can I make the yolks firm?
Yes, simply adjust the cooking time based on your preference for egg doneness.
Is this dish served hot?
Yes, it should be removed from the heat and served immediately.
What can I use as a garnish?
You can garnish the dish with fresh herbs if desired.
Is Shakshuka only for breakfast?
While it is an ideal breakfast or brunch option, it also makes a great lunch or dinner.
What does 'Bete'avon' mean?
'Bete'avon' is a Hebrew term meaning 'Bon Appetit' or 'Enjoy your meal'.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total.
What size pan is best for this recipe?
A medium-sized skillet is recommended for this dish.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of red cayenne pepper to increase the heat level.
Is the heat high or low when simmering the sauce?
You should reduce the heat to low for a gentle simmer.