Perfect Shakshuka Recipe: Bold Flavours, Simple Ingredients
Ingredients and Equipment Needed for a Traditional Shakshuka Recipe
Making a perfect Shakshuka starts with the right ingredients and a basic set of appliances that can be easily put together. Following is a detailed list that should help you get started.
Ingredient List for an Easy Shakshuka Recipe for One
- 3 eggs
- 1 large or 2 small tomatoes
- 1/4 red onion
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ red pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp fresh coriander
- ½ tsp of ground cumin
- ½ smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp chilli powder
- ¼ tsp curry powder(optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 Baguette or any Crusty bread of your choice
- 2 tbsp Feta Cheese(optional)
Equipment List
- 1 Chopping Board
- 1 Knife
- 1 Frying pan
- 1 turner
- 1 Cooking spoon
- Measuring Spoons (Teaspoon & Tablespoon)
- Hob
- Oven
Allergens
Gluten, Eggs, Dairy.
The Best Authentic Shakshuka Recipe
Pre-Preparation
- Chop the vegetables: Finely chop the red onion, red pepper, garlic, and tomatoes. Set aside.
- Crack the eggs: Crack the eggs into separate bowls for easy pouring later.
- Prepare herbs and cheese: Chop the parsley and coriander. Crumble the feta if you’re using it.
- Measure the spices: Have your cumin, smoked paprika, chilli powder, curry powder (if using), salt and pepper measured and ready.
- Prepare the bread: Cut the Bread into slices and keep it ready to toast or grill.
Preparation
- Cook the vegetables
Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a frying pan. Add the chopped red onion, garlic, and red pepper. Sauté for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become soft and tender. - Add spices
Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, chilli powder, and optional curry powder. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add a few tbsp of water at this stage to prevent the spices from burning. - Add chopped tomatoes
Add the tomatoes to the pan and season with salt and pepper. Simmer the mixture over low heat for about 10 minutes. Stir the sauce every few minutes to prevent it from sticking or burning. - Make wells for the eggs
Use a spoon to create 3 small wells in the tomato mixture. Gently pour each egg into a well, being careful not to break the yolks. - Cook the eggs
Cover the frying pan and let the eggs cook for about 5 minutes, or until the whites are set and the yolks are still runny. If you prefer firmer yolks, cook for another 2-3 minutes. - Garnish and serve
Remove the frying pan from the heat. Garnish with chopped parsley, coriander, and crumbled feta (if using). Serve with toasted baguette slices or any crusty bread.
Easy Shakshuka Recipe Variations
Spinach Shakshuka
Replace the tomatoes with spinach puree, and swap out the red pepper for green bell pepper. Garnish with chopped mint and dill leaves.
Meat Lover’s Shakshuka
Add cooked ground beef, lamb, or chorizo to the tomato mixture before adding the eggs. The meat adds a hearty flavour, turning the dish into a more filling meal.
Cheesy Shakshuka
For a more indulgent version, add shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese along with crumbled feta. The cheese emulsifies with the sauce, creating a creamier texture.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Shakshuka Recipe
- Use fresh tomatoes for the best flavour, but if they’re out of season, high-quality canned tomatoes can work just as well.
- To get perfectly poached eggs with runny yolks, cover the frying pan and cook them just until the whites are set. Keep an eye on the eggs, as overcooking can result in hard yolks.
- Use a large, heavy-bottomed frying pan that prevents the sauce from burning and helps distribute heat evenly. Make sure your frying pan has enough space to comfortably poach the eggs in the sauce. Cast iron skillets work the best.
- Fresh herbs like parsley and coriander, as well as crumbled feta, not only add to the taste but add brightness and contrast to the rich tomato sauce.
- Shakshuka recipe is traditionally best enjoyed fresh and hot, right off of the cooking range.
Secret to Elevate Your Cooking Skills
This Shakshuka recipe is a fantastic dish to master at home. However, if you’re looking to improve your cooking skills, why not try a private cooking class?
Whether you want to perfect your technique, learn new flavour combinations, or experiment with international dishes like Shakshuka, a cooking class can help you build confidence in the kitchen. Platforms like yhangry connect you to experienced private chefs who offer hands-on cooking classes tailored to your requirements.
What’s more? Unlike traditional cooking classes, which require you to travel and stick to a pre-decided list of dishes, yhangry allows you the flexibility of choosing the venue and dishes. You will learn to make restaurant-quality meals without the hassle of shopping for produce, arranging equipment and cleaning up after the class.
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- Is Shakshuka good for health?
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Yes, Shakshuka is a healthy meal option. It’s rich in vitamins and antioxidants from the tomatoes, peppers, and onions, while the eggs provide high-quality protein. Olive oil provides healthy fats, making it a balanced dish that’s relatively low in calories.
- What can I eat with shakshuka other than bread?
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You can serve it with a side of quinoa, couscous, or rice for a more filling meal. Roasted or sautéed vegetables like aubergine, zucchini, or spinach complement the dish well. Another option is a simple salad with fresh greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette, which adds a contrast to the tomato sauce.
- How can you improve your cooking skills at home?
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To improve your cooking skills at home, practice regularly with a variety of recipes and experiment with new techniques. Online cooking tutorials can also provide guidance. Additionally, for a hands-on and personalised experience, you can enrol in cooking classes with private chefs on platforms like yhangry.
