Shakshuka – Israeli Breakfast of Champions

Shakshuka is a popular dish that was introduced to Israel primarily by Jewish immigrants from Tunisia.

It is egg and tomato based, so it is a favorite for breakfast (like heuvos rancheros), but many also have it for lunch or dinner. The best part is scooping up the sauce with a fresh pita bread or warm crusty bread. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp Galilee Green Olive Oil
• 1/2 medium brown or white onion, peeled and diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 medium green or red bell pepper, chopped
• 4 cups ripe diced tomatoes, or 2 cans (14 oz. each) diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp chili powder (mild)
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (or more to taste– spicy!)
• Pinch of sugar (optional, to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 5-6 eggs
• 1/2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Total Time: 30 – 40 Minutes
Servings: 5-6

Directions:

1. Heat a deep, large skillet or sauté pan on medium. Slowly warm your Galilee Green Olive Oil in the pan.
2. Add chopped onion, sauté for a few minutes until the onion begins to soften.
3. Add garlic and continue to sauté till mixture is fragrant.
4. Add the bell pepper, sauté for 5-7 minutes over medium until softened.
5. Add tomatoes and tomato paste to pan, stir till blended.
6. Add spices and sugar, stir well, and allow mixture to simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes till it starts to reduce.
7. At this point, you can taste the mixture and spice it according to your preferences. Add salt and pepper to taste, more sugar for a sweeter sauce, or more cayenne pepper for a spicier shakshuka (be careful with the cayenne… it is extremely spicy!).
8. Crack the eggs, one at a time, directly over the tomato mixture, making sure to space them evenly over the sauce. I usually place 4-5 eggs around the outer edge and 1 in the center. The eggs will cook “over easy” style on top of the tomato sauce.
9. Cover the pan. Allow mixture to simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked and the sauce has slightly reduced.
10. If desired, garnish with the chopped parsley.