Shakshuka with Feta: A Delicious Mediterranean Breakfast Dish
If you’re looking for a new breakfast dish to add to your repertoire, Shakshuka with Feta might just be the perfect choice. This classic Middle Eastern dish consists of eggs poached in a flavorful tomato sauce, spiced with warm North African flavors like coriander, cumin, and paprika. The addition of creamy, tangy feta cheese takes this dish to the next level, making it a satisfying and delicious meal any time of day.
Shakshuka with Feta is a one-skillet meal that’s easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends. The dish starts with a sofrito of chopped onions, green bell peppers, and minced garlic, which is then simmered with canned tomatoes and spices to create a rich, chunky sauce. The eggs are then cracked directly into the sauce and cooked until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny. The dish is finished with a generous sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese and fresh herbs, and served with warm pita bread for dipping.
History of Shakshuka
Shakshuka is a popular dish that originated in North Africa and has become a staple in Middle Eastern and Israeli cuisine. The dish is made up of eggs cooked in a tomato and pepper-based sauce, and often includes spices such as cumin and paprika. Shakshuka is typically served with bread for dipping in the flavorful sauce.
The exact origin of shakshuka is unknown, but it is believed to have originated in either Yemen or Tunis. According to Joan Nathan, a food writer and cookbook author, shakshuka may have originated in Ottoman North Africa in the mid-16th century after tomatoes were introduced to the region by Hernán Cortés as part of the Columbian exchange.
The name shakshuka comes from the Arabic word “shakshouka,” which means “a mixture.” The dish is essentially a mix of eggs and vegetables, and it has been adapted and modified over time to include different ingredients and flavors.
Shakshuka has become a popular breakfast dish in Israel, where it is often served with feta cheese. The addition of feta cheese to shakshuka is a relatively recent development, but it has become a popular variation of the dish. The salty and tangy flavor of the feta cheese pairs well with the spicy and savory tomato sauce, creating a delicious and satisfying meal.
Overall, shakshuka is a flavorful and versatile dish that has a rich history and cultural significance in the Middle East and North Africa. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, shakshuka is sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied.
Understanding Shakshuka
Shakshuka is a popular dish that originated from North Africa and the Middle East. It is a tomato-based stew that is typically served with eggs poached directly in the sauce. The dish is often spiced with cumin, paprika, and harissa.
One of the most appealing aspects of Shakshuka is the eggs. They are poached in the tomato sauce until the whites are set, but the yolks remain runny. This creates a delicious and creamy texture that blends perfectly with the tangy tomato sauce.
In addition to being delicious, Shakshuka is also a great source of protein. Eggs are a complete protein, meaning they contain all the essential amino acids your body needs. One large egg contains about 6 grams of protein, making it a great choice for anyone looking to increase their protein intake.
If you’re watching your calorie intake, you may be concerned about the fat and cholesterol found in egg yolks. However, it’s important to note that the cholesterol in eggs does not have as much of an impact on your blood cholesterol levels as previously thought. Additionally, the yolk contains important nutrients like vitamin D, choline, and lutein.
Overall, Shakshuka is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any meal of the day. Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast or a satisfying dinner, Shakshuka with feta is a great choice.
Variations of Shakshuka
Shakshuka is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. Here are some variations of shakshuka to try:
Shakshuka with Feta
Shakshuka with feta is a popular variation of the classic dish. The tangy and salty flavor of feta cheese pairs perfectly with the sweet and savory tomato sauce. To make shakshuka with feta, simply add crumbled feta cheese on top of the eggs during the last few minutes of cooking.
Eggs in Purgatory
Eggs in purgatory is another name for shakshuka. This Italian-inspired version of the dish features a spicy tomato sauce with eggs poached on top. The sauce is typically made with garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and canned tomatoes.
Vegetarian Shakshuka
Shakshuka is a great vegetarian recipe that is packed with protein from the eggs. To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. You can also add chickpeas or lentils for extra protein.
Mediterranean Shakshuka
Mediterranean shakshuka is a variation of the dish that includes ingredients commonly found in Mediterranean cuisine. This version typically includes olives, feta cheese, and herbs like oregano and thyme. You can also add artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or capers for extra flavor.
Overall, shakshuka is a delicious and easy dish to make that can be customized to your liking. Whether you prefer it with feta cheese, spicy tomato sauce, or Mediterranean flavors, there is a variation of shakshuka for everyone to enjoy.
Ingredients for Shakshuka with Feta
Shakshuka with Feta is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Here are the ingredients you will need to make this flavorful dish:
Vegetables and Spices
- 1 large onion, halved and thinly sliced
- 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Tomato Sauce
- 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (optional)
Eggs and Feta Cheese
- 4-6 large eggs
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Olive Oil
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Serving Suggestions
- Warm pita bread or crusty bread
To make Shakshuka with Feta, you’ll need a large skillet, such as a cast iron or nonstick skillet. Begin by cooking the onions and red bell peppers in olive oil until they are soft and fragrant. Add the garlic and warm spices, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Next, add the canned diced tomatoes, sugar, and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer the tomato sauce until it thickens slightly, about 10-15 minutes. Add the crumbled feta cheese and stir until it is melted and well combined.
Make small wells in the tomato sauce and crack the eggs into them. Cover the skillet and cook until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still runny, about 5-7 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, if desired.
Serve the Shakshuka with Feta hot, with warm pita bread or crusty bread on the side for dipping into the sauce. Enjoy!
Step-by-Step Recipe
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make vegetarian breakfast or brunch recipe, Shakshuka with Feta is the perfect choice. This one-pan recipe is a classic Middle Eastern dish that features eggs poached in a flavorful tomato sauce with onions, peppers, and spices. The addition of crumbled feta cheese makes this dish even more delicious and satisfying.
To make Shakshuka with Feta, you’ll need a few basic ingredients including olive oil, onions, red bell pepper, garlic, canned tomatoes, eggs, and feta cheese. You’ll also need a lid for your pan to help cook the eggs evenly.
Here’s a step-by-step recipe for making Shakshuka with Feta:
- Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add 1 large onion, halved and thinly sliced, and 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced, and cook until softened (about 10 minutes).
- Add 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Add a can of diced tomatoes with their juices and stir to combine.
- Add 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground coriander. Stir to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the tomato sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.
- Crack 6 eggs into the tomato sauce, spacing them evenly around the pan.
- Cover the pan with a lid and let the eggs cook until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny (about 5-7 minutes).
- Once the eggs are cooked, remove the pan from the heat and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top.
- Serve Shakshuka with Feta hot with crusty bread or pita for dipping.
This Shakshuka with Feta recipe is a delicious and satisfying breakfast or brunch dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. The combination of eggs, tomato sauce, and feta cheese is sure to please your taste buds and keep you full all morning long.
Serving Suggestions
Shakshuka with Feta is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. It’s a great meal to share with friends and family, as it can be served straight from the pan and enjoyed with crusty bread, pita, or any other bread of your choice. Here are some serving suggestions to help you enjoy Shakshuka with Feta to the fullest.
Breakfast or Brunch
Shakshuka with Feta is a great dish to serve for breakfast or brunch. It’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to make. To make the meal more filling, you can serve it with crusty bread, pita, or any other bread of your choice. You can also add some fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, to give the dish a pop of color and flavor.
Lunch
Shakshuka with Feta also makes a great lunch option. You can serve it with a salad or roasted vegetables to make the meal more balanced and nutritious. If you’re following a paleo diet, you can skip the bread and serve the Shakshuka with Feta over a bed of greens or roasted sweet potatoes.
Dinner
Shakshuka with Feta can also be enjoyed for dinner. You can serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a salad to make the meal more filling and nutritious. If you’re looking for a low-carb option, you can skip the bread and serve the Shakshuka with Feta over a bed of zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Crusty Bread
Crusty bread is the perfect accompaniment to Shakshuka with Feta. You can use any type of bread you like, but a crusty sourdough or ciabatta bread works best. Toast the bread before serving to make it crispy and warm.
In conclusion, Shakshuka with Feta is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for any meal of the day. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So grab a crusty bread, dig in, and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Shakshuka with Feta is a low-carb, high-protein dish that can be a nutritious addition to your diet. This dish is packed with protein from the eggs, which are the primary protein source in shakshuka. Eggs are also an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, vitamin B12, and choline.
The tomato and bell pepper sauce in shakshuka is rich in antioxidants and vitamins such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium. These nutrients are essential for maintaining healthy skin, bones, and a strong immune system. The vegetables in shakshuka add fiber to the dish, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Fresh cilantro is often used to garnish shakshuka and can add a burst of flavor to the dish. Cilantro is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, vitamin C, and potassium.
When preparing shakshuka, it’s important to use fresh ingredients and to limit the amount of added salt and fat. Feta cheese is often used to top shakshuka and can add a salty kick to the dish. However, it’s important to use feta cheese in moderation as it is high in sodium and fat.
Overall, shakshuka with feta can be a healthy and delicious meal option. By using fresh ingredients and limiting added salt and fat, you can enjoy this dish as a nutritious addition to your diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of Shakshuka?
Shakshuka is a popular dish in the Middle East and North Africa, particularly in Israel, Egypt, and Tunisia. It is believed to have originated in North Africa and spread throughout the region. Shakshuka is a combination of eggs poached in a tomato and pepper sauce, and it is often served with bread.
How do you make Shakshuka with chorizo and feta?
To make Shakshuka with chorizo and feta, you will need to add chorizo to the tomato and pepper sauce. Cook the chorizo in a skillet until it is crispy, then remove it from the skillet and set it aside. Add the tomato and pepper sauce to the same skillet and cook until it thickens. Then, crack the eggs into the skillet and sprinkle feta cheese over the top. Cover the skillet and cook until the eggs are set. Garnish with the crispy chorizo and serve hot.
What are some variations of Shakshuka with feta?
There are many variations of Shakshuka with feta, including adding different vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms to the tomato and pepper sauce. You can also add different spices such as cumin or paprika for additional flavor. Some recipes call for adding meat such as chorizo or lamb to the dish.
What are the key ingredients in a traditional Shakshuka recipe?
The key ingredients in a traditional Shakshuka recipe are tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic, and eggs. The tomato and pepper sauce is seasoned with spices such as cumin, paprika, and chili powder. Feta cheese is often sprinkled over the top of the dish for added flavor.
What are some common side dishes served with Shakshuka?
Shakshuka is often served with bread, such as pita or sourdough, for dipping into the tomato and pepper sauce. Olives and pickled vegetables are also common side dishes served with Shakshuka.
What are some other dishes that use feta cheese?
Feta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different dishes. It is commonly used in Greek cuisine, such as in Greek salads or spanakopita. Feta cheese can also be used in pasta dishes, such as baked ziti or stuffed shells. It can also be used as a topping for pizza or added to omelets for additional flavor.
