Individual Mediterranean Shakshuka with Feta
This delightful Individual Mediterranean Shakshuka takes the traditional North African dish to a new level. Prepared in charming single-serving dishes, it allows everyone to enjoy their very own bowl of vibrant flavors. The base is a rich and spicy tomato sauce, infused with aromatic spices and finished with fresh greens. With a perfect egg baked atop each serving, the runny yolk melds beautifully with the zesty sauce. This dish is not just a feast for the senses, but also an excellent choice for brunch or a cozy dinner. Serve with crusty bread for dipping and savor the delightful harmony of flavors.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1/4 cup (none)
sweet onion
1 (peeled and diced)
garlic cloves
3 (peeled and thinly sliced)
chili paste
1/2 teaspoon (none)
sea salt
1 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1 teaspoon (freshly ground)
paprika
2 teaspoons (sweet)
caraway seed
1 teaspoon (crushed)
ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon (none)
ground cumin
3/4 teaspoon (none)
turmeric
1/2 teaspoon (none)
diced tomatoes
14 ounces (none)
tomato paste
2 tablespoons (none)
honey
2 teaspoons (none)
balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon (none)
kale
1 cup (coarsely chopped (Swiss chard or spinach can be substituted))
feta cheese
4 ounces (cut in generous, bite-sized cubes)
eggs
4-6 (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (180°C).
2
In a large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed steel frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3
Add the diced sweet onion and sliced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onions are soft and translucent.
4
Stir in the chili paste, sea salt, black pepper, paprika, caraway seeds, ground cinnamon, ground cumin, and turmeric. Cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to release the spices' fragrant aromas.
5
Incorporate the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, honey, and balsamic vinegar into the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium, and let the mixture simmer for 12 to 15 minutes until the sauce reduces and thickens.
6
Fold in the coarsely chopped kale (or your choice of greens), allowing it to wilt slightly.
7
Divide the sauce into 6 individual baking dishes, pressing feta cheese cubes into the sauce in each dish.
8
Create an indentation in each sauce portion and crack an egg into the center. Alternatively, you may leave the sauce in the skillet and make indents for the eggs directly in the skillet.
9
Place the baking dishes on a baking sheet and transfer them to the oven. Bake until the eggs are cooked to your preference, which can take between 10 to 15 minutes. Start checking at the 10-minute mark for a perfectly runny yolk.
10
If the yolks begin to firm before the whites have finished cooking, cover loosely with a sheet of foil or an oven-proof lid, taking care not to touch the yolks.
11
Serve your Individual Mediterranean Shakshuka hot, accompanied by plenty of crusty bread for dipping. For a gluten-free option, serve over hot oatmeal or brown rice.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Individual Mediterranean Shakshuka?
It is a traditional North African dish featuring eggs poached in a rich, spicy tomato sauce, prepared here in single-serving dishes with Mediterranean influences like feta and kale.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (180°C).
What kind of onion is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one sweet onion, peeled and diced.
How much olive oil is needed?
You will need 1/4 cup of olive oil for sautéing.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe requires 3 garlic cloves, which should be peeled and thinly sliced.
What spices are used to flavor the shakshuka sauce?
The spice blend includes sea salt, black pepper, sweet paprika, crushed caraway seeds, ground cinnamon, ground cumin, and turmeric.
Is there a spicy element in this dish?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of chili paste is added to the sauce for a spicy kick.
How long should I sauté the onions and garlic?
Sauté them for about 5 minutes or until they become soft and translucent.
What are the primary tomato ingredients?
The sauce is made using 14 ounces of diced tomatoes and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste.
Why is honey added to the recipe?
Two teaspoons of honey are used to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and balsamic vinegar.
What type of vinegar is used in the sauce?
One teaspoon of balsamic vinegar is added to the tomato mixture.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer for 12 to 15 minutes until it reduces and thickens.
What kind of greens can be used?
You can use 1 cup of coarsely chopped kale, Swiss chard, or spinach.
How much feta cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces of feta cheese, cut into generous, bite-sized cubes.
How many eggs are included in this recipe?
You should use 4 to 6 eggs, depending on your serving preference.
Can I make this in one large pan instead of individual dishes?
Yes, you can leave the sauce in the skillet and make indents for the eggs directly in the large pan.
How do I incorporate the feta cheese?
Press the feta cheese cubes directly into the sauce in each individual dish or the main skillet.
How do I add the eggs to the sauce?
Create an indentation in the sauce and crack one egg into the center of each portion.
How long should the shakshuka bake in the oven?
Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, starting to check at the 10-minute mark for the desired yolk consistency.
How do I ensure a runny egg yolk?
Check the eggs at 10 minutes; if the whites aren't done but the yolks are firming, cover loosely with foil.
What equipment is best for making the sauce?
A large cast iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed steel frying pan is recommended.
What should I serve with this dish?
It is best served hot with plenty of crusty bread for dipping into the sauce and yolks.
Is there a gluten-free serving option?
Yes, for a gluten-free meal, you can serve the shakshuka over hot oatmeal or brown rice.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian dish containing eggs and cheese but no meat.
What is the preparation for the caraway seeds?
The caraway seeds should be crushed before being added to the spices.
What type of paprika is used?
The recipe specifies using sweet paprika.
When should I add the spices to the pan?
Add the spices after the onions and garlic are soft, cooking for one minute to release their aromas.
Can I substitute the kale with other greens?
Yes, Swiss chard or spinach are excellent substitutes for the kale.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 375°F (180°C).
Is this recipe good for brunch?
Yes, it is described as an excellent choice for brunch or a cozy dinner.