Shakshuka: Persian Eggs Poached in Spiced Tomato Sauce
Experience the warmth and richness of this delightful Shakshuka, a traditional Persian breakfast that beautifully marries eggs with a savory, spiced tomato sauce. This dish originated from the vibrant cuisines of North Africa, and thanks to the culinary talents of my Moroccan coworker, I've come to appreciate the nuances of flavor that can elevate simple ingredients to extraordinary heights. With a base of sun-ripened tomatoes, aromatic onions, and zesty garlic, each bite is enhanced by the fragrant notes of cumin and cilantro. This comforting meal is perfect for sharing, served alongside warm pita bread, and can easily be adapted to include your favorite spices and herbs. Dive into this delicious fusion of textures and flavors that will brighten your breakfast table!
4
Servings
105
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil or butter
1 1/2 tablespoons (melted)
small onion
1 (finely chopped)
garlic clove
1 (finely chopped)
medium tomatoes
4-5 (peeled, seeded and chopped)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
eggs
4
chives
1 tablespoon (finely chopped)
Instructions
1
Heat the olive oil or butter in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onions and garlic, stirring for about one minute to release their flavors.
2
Reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking the onions and garlic for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and lightly caramelized.
3
Add the chopped tomatoes to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and cumin (if using) to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer, uncovered, for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the tomatoes have softened and the sauce has thickened slightly.
4
Once the sauce is ready, use the back of a spoon to create four small wells in the tomato mixture. Crack an egg into each well, taking care to keep the yolks intact.
5
Cover the pan with a lid, leaving it slightly ajar to allow steam to escape. Cook on low heat until the eggs reach your desired level of doneness, typically 5-7 minutes for runny yolks.
6
Once cooked, carefully scoop out the eggs along with the flavorful tomato sauce onto serving plates. Garnish generously with chopped chives or your choice of herbs.
7
Serve immediately with warmed pita or your favorite flatbread for dipping.
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
9g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shakshuka?
Shakshuka is a traditional dish featuring eggs poached in a savory, spiced tomato sauce, originally from North African cuisine.
Is this Shakshuka recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it consists of eggs, vegetables, and spices.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 105 calories.
Can I use butter instead of olive oil?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil or melted butter.
What type of tomatoes are best for this dish?
The recipe calls for 4-5 medium fresh tomatoes that are peeled, seeded, and chopped.
How long should I cook the onions and garlic?
Sauté them for one minute on medium-high, then 3-4 minutes on medium heat until translucent.
What spices are used in this Shakshuka?
The sauce is seasoned with salt, pepper, and cumin to taste.
How do I poach the eggs in the sauce?
Create four small wells in the tomato mixture with a spoon and crack an egg into each well.
How long does it take for the eggs to cook?
It typically takes 5-7 minutes on low heat for the eggs to reach a level where the yolks are still runny.
Should I cover the pan while the eggs cook?
Yes, cover the pan with a lid but leave it slightly ajar to allow steam to escape.
What is a good garnish for Shakshuka?
Freshly chopped chives or your choice of aromatic herbs are excellent for garnishing.
What should I serve with Shakshuka?
It is best served immediately with warmed pita bread or your favorite flatbread for dipping.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 6 grams of fat per serving in this recipe.
What is the protein content of this dish?
Each serving provides 5 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 9 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Do I need to peel the tomatoes?
Yes, for the best texture, the recipe recommends using peeled and seeded tomatoes.
Is this recipe spicy?
While savory and aromatic, the spice level depends on how much pepper and cumin you choose to add.
Can I make this for brunch?
Absolutely, Shakshuka is a popular choice for both breakfast and brunch.
What is the origin of Shakshuka?
Shakshuka originated from the vibrant cuisines of North Africa.
How many eggs are required?
This specific recipe uses 4 eggs, one for each serving.
How long should the tomato sauce simmer?
The tomato mixture should simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes until thickened.
What heat setting should I use for the eggs?
The eggs should be cooked on low heat to ensure they poach gently.
Is this an easy recipe to follow?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for home cooks.
Can I use a different herb instead of chives?
Yes, you can use cilantro or any other herb of your choice for garnishing.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
The recipe data does not list specific fiber content, though tomatoes and onions provide some natural fiber.
Is the garlic finely chopped?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1 finely chopped garlic clove.
What size onion should I use?
One small onion, finely chopped, is sufficient for this recipe.
Can I add more eggs?
You can add more eggs if your skillet is large enough, though the nutritional values are based on 4 eggs.
What is the total preparation and cook time?
The total time is approximately 20-25 minutes including sautéing, simmering, and poaching.