Shakshouka
I had not heard of, or tasted this simple Isreali (and Tunisian) dish, until I moved to Thailand. Odd right? Discovering Isreali food in Thailand - who knew?
However, we had a lot of Isreali travellers coming to Koh Tao to take diving lessons and thus it made sense for our dive shop have some Isreali flare on the menu - and I am thankful they did! I ate it tons. Mostly for lunch or dinner as it wasn't really 6am, pre-dive breakfast friendly, for me anyways.
Shakshouka, in Arabic means "mixture" - consider it the Isreali version of Mexico's Huevos Rancheros (also seriously tasty). Shakshouka is whipped up with poached eggs in a tomato, onion, chilli sauce served with pita bread, and my oh my - its tasty. It was also rather enjoyable to eat the meal right out of the small frying pan it was cooked in.
It doesn't take long to prepare and likely you always have the necessary ingredients in your pantry and fridge. It is a fantastic dish to make on a lazy weekend morning - breakfast, brunch, lunch - it's got you covered.
INGREDIENTS:
2 tbs olive oil
1/2 onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 handful spinach, chopped (optional)
5-6 mushrooms, sliced (optional, and isn't traditional)
1 large tin of diced tomoatoes (or 4 cups of fresh)
1 tsp each: chili powder, cumin, paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne (optional)
pinch of sugar
salt & pepper to taste
4-6 eggs
1/2 cup chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
Heat the oil in a small/medium sized frying pan. Add the onion and saute on medium heat for a few minutes and then add the garlic - saute for 5-7 minutes until onion is transparent. Add the peppers and mushrooms (if using) and saute for a few more minutes. Add the tomatos, spices, sugar, and spinach and simmer for 5 or so minutes until the sauce reduces slightly. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Make a few small indents in the sauce mixture and crack the eggs in to them - no more stirring! Just place a lid on the pan and allow to simmer for 10-15 minutes until the eggs are cooked to your liking. Serve with pita bread, a crusty white loaf, or an english muffin. Enjoy!
