Shakshuka

Shakshuka: A Quick and Tasty Delight for Days Without Cooking Inspiration

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Shakshuka is a dish that combines the flavors of fresh vegetables with the velvety texture of eggs, creating a savory breakfast or a quick lunch. Its origins are shrouded in mystery, but it is believed to have been created to provide an extra boost of energy and flavor on busy days. It’s perfect for those moments when you don’t have time or motivation to cook. Get ready to discover a simple yet flavorful recipe!

Ingredients:
- 1 large onion
- ½ bell pepper (or red pepper)
- 1-2 garlic cloves
- 5 ripe tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 green chili pepper (optional, for an extra kick)
- 1 tablespoon of instant broth
- 6 eggs

Preparation:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by peeling and dicing the onion. Cut the bell pepper into suitable pieces. If you choose to add a chili pepper, slice it thinly. Tomatoes can be peeled easily by blanching them in hot water for a few minutes, then cooling them under cold running water. Dice them.

2. Heat the oil: In a large skillet, add 2-3 tablespoons of oil and place it over medium heat. The oil will help caramelize the vegetables, bringing a more intense flavor to the dish.

3. Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped bell pepper and let it soften for 5-7 minutes. Then, add the onion and cover the skillet with a lid. Let it cook until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Covering helps retain moisture in the skillet, speeding up the cooking process.

4. Add the tomatoes: Once the onion has softened, add the diced tomatoes, mixing well. Cover the skillet again and let the vegetables cook for 10 minutes, until the tomatoes release their juices and form a thick base.

5. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the tomato paste with warm water (about 200 ml) and add salt, pepper, and instant broth. Add this mixture to the skillet, allowing everything to simmer together for 5-10 minutes, until the sauce is fragrant and the vegetables are fully cooked.

6. Add the eggs: Make a few wells in the vegetable sauce and crack an egg into each well. Cover the skillet again and let the eggs cook for 5-7 minutes, until the whites are well set and the yolks remain soft. If you prefer firmer eggs, you can leave them a bit longer.

7. Final touches: When the eggs are ready, add the garlic slices and freshly chopped parsley on top. These ingredients will bring extra flavor and freshness to your dish.

8. Serving: Shakshuka is delicious served straight from the skillet, alongside fresh bread or pita to savor the sauce. If you want an extra kick, add the chili pepper slices on top before serving.

Practical tips:
- Variations: You can replace the tomatoes with cherry tomatoes for a different texture. Additionally, adding cheeses like feta or mozzarella will add a creamy touch.
- Ingredients: Make sure the tomatoes are ripe and flavorful to achieve a rich sauce.
- Spicy or not: If the dish is intended for children or those who cannot tolerate spicy foods, omit the chili pepper.

Nutritional benefits:
Shakshuka is an excellent source of protein due to the eggs, while the fresh vegetables provide a significant amount of vitamins and minerals. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, and parsley adds fiber and vitamin K.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use quail eggs? Yes, you can adapt the recipe using quail eggs, being careful to adjust the cooking time.
- What drinks pair well with shakshuka? Black coffee or mint tea are excellent options that perfectly complement this dish.
- Can it be prepared in advance? Shakshuka is best served fresh, but you can prepare the vegetable sauce in advance and add the eggs before serving.

Shakshuka is more than just a recipe; it is a culinary experience that brings people and stories together. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, each bite is full of flavor, a true feast of aromas. Enjoy your meal!