One of the most popular food in the world is eggs. The numerous ways in which this delicacy is prepared makes it a darling of many world-class chefs as well as anyone desiring to fix a quick meal in no time. Eggs are readily available all over the world. Shakshuka is one of the most delicious and nutritious dishes from eggs. It is made by poaching eggs in a sauce of tomatoes, onions, peppers, garlic, olive oil, and commonly spiced with nutmeg, cayenne pepper, and cumin. Shakshuka recipe variations can bring back the excitement your kids once felt for meals.
It is believed that Shakshuka originated from Ottoman North Africa after tomatoes were first introduced to the region in the mid-16th century. However, today, this dish is commonly found in Israel. However, it is also taking America and Europe by storm. Shakshuka is an Arabic word. Other names used to describe this simple Maghrebi dish are chakchouka and shakshouka. Shakshuka literally means ‘a mixture’. This dish is mainly served for breakfast but it can also be used for lunch or dinner. Have a look at some of the finger-licking Shakshuka recipe variations that you can try out during the summer holidays.
If you are wondering what to use as an accompaniment with Shakshuka, then, wonder no more. This is because there are various ways to enjoy this delicacy. For breakfast, you can serve it with your favorite bread, preferably warm. This can be baked bread or pita/roti/chapati depending on your preference or where you come from. Enjoy the bread by dipping it into the sauce. For lunch, you can have it the same way together with a good serving of vegetable salad. If you decide to have your Shakshuka for dinner, serve it with your favorite vegetable salad for an easy, simple and yet delicious meal.
Is Shakshuka a Breakfast Food?
Previously, Shakshuka has been used as a breakfast food in North Africa and the Middle East including Israel where it is commonly used. Nonetheless, as the dish gained popularity in other parts of the world, it has become useful for lunch and dinner. Variations to this sumptuous meal makes it enjoyable at any time of the day.
What is the Difference Between Menemen and Shakshuka Recipe?
In simple terms, Shakshuka is basically eggs poached in a thick spicy tomato sauce with onions, garlic and peppers added to it. On the other hand, menemen is more of a soft egg scramble with a lot of fresh tomatoes, green peppers and olive oil. Also, while Shakshuka originated from North Africa, menemen originated from Turkey. Consequently, it is a common Turkish traditional dish.
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Is it Safe to Reheat Shakshuka Recipe?
It is safe to reheat your Shakshuka but it is advisable to do so on a stove and not in the microwave. This is to ensure that the eggs get fully reheated. There is a great risk of getting a stomach upset or worse still, food poisoning, from eggs that are not properly reheated.
Alternatively, if you must use a microwave, put your Shakshuka in a microwave-safe dish. Set your microwave on high and cook for about 20 to 30 seconds. Stir your meal and repeat until it is fully reheated. Some people enjoy their reheated Shakshuka more than the freshly made claiming that spices have more time to develop hence more flavor is obtained.
Not only is Shakshuka easy to prepare, but it is also a healthy scrumptious dish that can take 30 minutes or so to cook. This staple in Arab cuisines is rich in proteins from the eggs and a variety of vitamins from all the vegetables used in its preparation.
The preferred choice of cooking oil which is Olive oil is also a tick. It is one of the healthiest cooking oils you can find due its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and high heat resistance properties. Tomatoes, on the other hand, which constitute a huge part of a Shakshuka serving, are known to have antioxidants that reduce heart diseases and cancer as well.
9 Shakshuka Recipe Finger-Licking Variations For Summer Holiday
#1. Delicious Shakshuka by Tori Avey
If you are not familiar with shakshuka, I am thrilled to introduce the concept to you! Shakshuka is a North African dish that is now popular throughout the Middle East. This easy and healthy egg dish is vegetarian, gluten-free, and incredibly delicious. Shakshuka is one of the first recipes I ever blogged about, and has become one of the most popular posts on my site—a simple vegetarian meal that works as a breakfast, lunch, dinner, or “brinner.”
#2. Shakshuka- North African Skillet Eggs by Feasting at Home
There are versions of shakshuka all across North Africa- Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria and Egypt. Isreal has a version too brought there by Tunisian Jews. Each version is slightly different utilizing different spices and herbs- but in general, it is a tomato-based stew topped with eggs and baked.
Yields4 ServingsPrep Time10 minsCook Time30 minsTotal Time40 mins
Shakshuka is best served with crusty bread to mop up all the flavorful juices. There are many variations of shakshuka, depending on the region, and I took a few liberties here with this one, adding bell pepper, goat cheese, and fresh herbs.
Originally from North Africa, shakshuka is a popular breakfast food throughout the Middle East. This recipe is simple and satisfying, featuring eggs poached in a harissa-spiced tomato sauce. Serve it with pita or crusty bread for breakfast, brunch, or dinner!
Shakshuka! Ever had it? Shakshuka has more than a few things going for it. It’s fun to say, fun to make, and fun to eat. The word shakshuka comes from Arabic, meaning, “a haphazard mixture” or “all mixed up.”
Yields6 ServingsPrep Time15 minsCook Time20 minsTotal Time35 mins
Shakshuka is a popular Middle Eastern and North African dish that may date back all the way to the Ottoman Empire. You’ll find it in Libya and Tunisia, and it’s become a staple dish in Israel. If you’ve ever had Italian “eggs in purgatory” or Turkish menemen, the dishes are all quite similar.
Yields6 ServingsPrep Time25 minsCook Time25 minsTotal Time50 mins
Shakshuka (North African–Style Poached Eggs in Spicy Tomato Sauce) - Given its versatility, it's easy to see why. It's quick; it's simple; it's easy to scale up or down; it works for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, or a midnight snack; and it's so primal that it barely needs a recipe. Shakshuka is almost built for riffing.
1large red pepper (bell pepper for milder heat, or a hotter variety, such as red horned pepper, depending on your heat preference), stems, seeds, and ribs removed, thinly sliced
1fresh small hot chili (such as jalapeño, serrano, or Fresno), stems, seeds, and ribs removed, thinly sliced
1large red pepper (bell pepper for milder heat, or a hotter variety, such as red horned pepper, depending on your heat preference), stems, seeds, and ribs removed, thinly sliced
1fresh small hot chili (such as jalapeño, serrano, or Fresno), stems, seeds, and ribs removed, thinly sliced
#7. Vegetable Shakshuka (Eggs in Hell) by A Cookie Named Desire
A chunky vegetable shakshuka unlike any traditional eggs in hell dish. This version is full of hearty flavorful vegetables mix in the spicy tomato base for a breakfast that will keep you fuller for longer. Feta is studded throughout the dish for an added salty twist.
When I first made the classical Shakshuka, I was hooked! I made it many times, for breakfast, lunch or an easy dinner. I thought it was time to experiment a little with this Middle Eastern dish. I decided to add some sweet potatoes to it! This makes the dish very filling and will sure tame your appetite! This dish is vegetarian, gluten free and lactose free.
With all the above mouth-watering Shakshuka recipe variations, you can prepare and enjoy the delicious meal straight from your kitchen. Most of the ingredients are readily available and you can be creative when making your preferred Shakshuka dish. All you have to do is add or eliminate some of the ingredients that you prefer or would not want to include in your Shakshuka recipe. Well, its bye bye to the old, rigid hard boiled and pan-fried eggs that we are all accustomed to and welcome to the great Shakshuka! What do you think?
