Shakshuka for Two

Introduction

If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal for two, shakshuka is the perfect choice. This classic dish, featuring poached eggs in a rich tomato, onion, and bell pepper sauce, is a popular breakfast or brunch recipe across the Middle East and North Africa. With this recipe, you can enjoy a delightful shakshuka tailored for two, bursting with spices and perfect for a cozy meal together.

Detailed ingredients with measures

Here’s what you’ll need to make shakshuka for two:

– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
– 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
– ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika
– 1 can of diced tomatoes, 14 ounces
– Salt to taste
– Black pepper to taste
– 4 large eggs
– Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
– Optional: crumbled feta cheese for topping

These simple ingredients come together to create a vibrant dish that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Prep Time

Preparing this shakshuka recipe is quick and straightforward. In about 5-10 minutes, you can have all your ingredients ready to go. Begin by slicing the onion and bell pepper, mincing the garlic, and gathering the spices. Once prepped, you’re ready to bring this dish to life.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

The cook time for shakshuka is approximately 15-20 minutes. This allows the tomatoes and spices to simmer together to create a flavorful sauce, and the eggs to poach gently until just set. In total, you can have shakshuka for two ready in around 25-30 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying recipe for a busy day.

This recipe yields a generous portion for two people. Serve it directly from the pan with crusty bread to scoop up all the delicious sauce, and enjoy a meal that feels comforting yet exotic.
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Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Peel and chop the onion finely. Chop the bell pepper into small pieces. Mince the garlic. Gather all the spices and have them ready for use. Crack the eggs into individual small bowls to make them easier to add later.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened.

Step 3: Add the Garlic and Spices

Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for 1 minute, ensuring the spices are fragrant but not burned.

Step 4: Add the Tomatoes

Pour the crushed tomatoes into the skillet, stirring to combine with the sautéed vegetables and spices. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened slightly.

Step 5: Make Indents for the Eggs

Using the back of a spoon, create 4 small wells in the tomato mixture. Make sure these wells are evenly spaced around the skillet.

Step 6: Add the Eggs

Carefully pour each egg into the wells you created, ensuring the egg whites stay within the wells and do not spread into the sauce too much.

Step 7: Cook the Eggs

Cover the skillet with a lid and let the eggs cook over low heat for 6-8 minutes. Check periodically to ensure the egg whites are fully set while keeping the yolks runny, or cook longer if desired.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once the eggs are cooked to your desired doneness, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and crumbled feta cheese. Serve immediately with warm bread or pita on the side.

Notes

Note 1: Choosing the Skillet Size

Use a medium-sized skillet to ensure the eggs and sauce are properly distributed without being too spread out or crowded.

Note 2: Adjusting Spice Levels

For a less spicy dish, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes. You can also add more or less smoked paprika and cumin based on your preference.

Note 3: Tomato Substitutions

If you don’t have crushed tomatoes, you can use diced tomatoes or peel, chop, and crush fresh tomatoes. Just ensure the consistency is similar to a sauce before proceeding.

Note 4: Egg Doneness

If you prefer fully cooked yolks, cook the eggs slightly longer than the suggested time. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook.

Note 5: Making It a Meal

Shakshuka is typically served as breakfast or brunch, but it also works well as a light dinner. Pair with a salad or side dish for a more filling meal.

Note 6: Adding Extra Ingredients

Feel free to customize the dish by adding other ingredients like spinach, mushrooms, or cooked sausage to the sauce during the simmering step.
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Cook Techniques

Prepare the Vegetables

Chop the onion and red bell pepper into small, even-sized pieces. Finely mince the garlic to ensure it distributes evenly throughout the dish.

Sauté for Flavor

Heat olive oil in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened and fragrant, allowing their flavors to naturally sweeten and blend.

Add the Tomatoes

Incorporate canned diced tomatoes into the skillet and stir well. Simmer until the sauce thickens and concentrates, enhancing its flavor.

Season Generously

Sprinkle in your seasonings: ground cumin, paprika (or smoked paprika), and salt. Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.

Create Wells for the Eggs

Make small wells in the sauce with the back of a spoon. Crack an egg into each well carefully, and avoid breaking the yolks.

Cook with Lid On

Cover the skillet with a lid to allow the eggs to cook in the thickening sauce. Watch carefully to ensure the whites are set but the yolks remain runny, based on your preference.

Garnish Before Serving

Top the shakshuka with crumbled feta cheese and freshly chopped parsley for a finish that’s both visually appealing and deliciously flavorful.

FAQ

What is shakshuka?

Shakshuka is a traditional North African and Middle Eastern dish made from poached eggs in a spiced tomato and vegetable sauce.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can substitute fresh tomatoes. Just make sure to peel and chop them finely before adding them to the skillet.

How do I know when the eggs are ready?

The eggs are done cooking when the whites are set and opaque while the yolks remain slightly runny. This can take about 5-8 minutes, depending on your preference and heat level.

Can I make shakshuka ahead of time?

You can prepare the tomato-vegetable sauce in advance. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, add the eggs, and cook them fresh for the best flavor and texture.

What should I serve with shakshuka?

Shakshuka pairs well with fresh bread, pita, or flatbread to soak up the flavorful sauce. You can also serve it with a simple side salad or additional veggies.

How spicy is this shakshuka?

This shakshuka has a mild level of spice due to the paprika and cumin. You can make it spicier by adding red chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce.

Can I add other ingredients?

Yes, feel free to add other ingredients like spinach, mushrooms, or even spicy sausage for a heartier dish. Adjust cooking times as needed for added ingredients.

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Conclusion

Shakshuka is a delightful, comforting meal that’s bursting with flavor. Perfectly suited for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dinner for two, it’s simple to make yet feels special enough to serve for a memorable occasion. Packed with bold tomato and spice flavors, balanced with creamy eggs, this dish is sure to impress anyone you share it with.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Classic Hummus

Pair your shakshuka with a creamy, homemade hummus for a classic Mediterranean-style meal. Scoop it up with warm pita bread for a satisfying duo.

Za’atar Roasted Potatoes

Add a side of crispy za’atar-roasted potatoes. Their herby flavors work wonderfully alongside the rich tomato sauce of the shakshuka.

Cucumber and Feta Salad

Balance the richness of the shakshuka with a refreshing cucumber and feta salad. The crisp, tangy taste of the salad will complement the spices beautifully.

Homemade Pita Bread

There’s nothing like fresh, homemade pita bread to scoop up every last bit of shakshuka. It’s a must-try combination.

Labneh with Olive Oil

Serve a side of labneh with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of za’atar. This creamy treat adds another layer of flavor to your meal.

Spiced Lentil Soup

For a heartier meal, pair shakshuka with a warm bowl of spiced lentil soup. The mix of textures and spices creates a hearty and satisfying menu.

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