Andy Montoya
Shakshuka is a flavourful, vegetarian dish that is often served with pita and eggs. While the traditional shakshuka is made with tomatoes, peppers, and onions, there are many variations of the dish. For instance, some recipes include spinach, Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, or avocado. The dish can also be adapted to include different types of cheese, such as goat cheese, feta, or labneh. However, it is not necessary to include cheese in a shakshuka, especially if one is dairy-free or prefers a more traditional recipe.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | One-pan dish |
| Ingredients | Tomatoes, Peppers, Onions, Eggs, Goat Cheese, Spinach, Cumin, Paprika, Harissa, Cilantro, Parsley, Za'atar, Avocado, Hot Sauce, Greek Yogurt, Labne |
| Variations | Red Pepper Shakshuka, Spicy Shakshuka, Low Carb Shakshuka, Green Shakshuka, Orange Shakshuka |
| Cooking Method | Simmering, Baking |
| Cooking Time | 8-12 minutes |
| Serving Suggestions | Pita, Avocado |
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What You'll Learn
Variations of shakshuka
Shakshuka is a versatile dish that can be adapted in numerous ways to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. While the traditional North African dish consists of eggs poached in a spiced bell pepper and tomato sauce, many variations have emerged over time.
One popular variation is to add cheese to the dish, such as goat cheese or feta, which adds a creamy tang and a kick of spice. Some recipes also include salty sheep milk cheeses. For those who enjoy a more indulgent dish, melty taleggio can be added for an Italian twist, resulting in a dish known as uova in purgatorio or "eggs in purgatory".
Another way to customise shakshuka is by experimenting with different spices. While the traditional dish includes spices such as cumin, paprika, and chilli powder, variations can include additional spices like harissa, turmeric, coriander, caraway, and cayenne pepper. Some recipes also incorporate preserved lemon, olives, or spicy sausages like chorizo or merguez.
In terms of vegetables, while the classic shakshuka features bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, variations can include other vegetables such as spinach, butternut squash, sweet potato, or fresh green vegetables for a "green shakshuka". Tunisian cooks may also add potatoes, broad beans, artichoke hearts, or courgettes to the dish.
Shakshuka can also be adapted to include meat, such as lamb mince, or even seafood. In Tunisia, a similar dish called slata meshouia includes onions, cumin, and tuna. In Egypt, the dish may feature poached eggs in a spiced tomato-based sauce with sautéed onions, garlic, and chopped bell peppers.
The versatility of shakshuka extends beyond its ingredients, as it can be served as a side dish or a main course for any meal of the day. It can be accompanied by bread, typically pita, to scoop up the tasty sauce, or enjoyed on its own.
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Ingredients and preparation
Shakshuka is a traditional Tunisian dish featuring poached eggs in a spicy tomato sauce with vegetables and spices. It is usually served for breakfast, but can also be a tasty lunch or dinner option, served with bread to mop up the sauce.
For a classic shakshuka, you will need the following ingredients:
- Eggs
- Tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- Bell peppers (any colour)
- Onion
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Spices: cumin, paprika, coriander, cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes, and salt
- Fresh herbs: parsley, mint, and cilantro
Optional ingredients include:
- Meat (ground beef or lamb)
- Meatballs
- Chickpeas or lentils
- Eggplant
To prepare the dish:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onions, bell peppers, and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomatoes, spices, and salt, and mix well.
- Simmer the sauce until it thickens, about 10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Using a spoon, create divots in the sauce and gently crack an egg into each indent.
- Season the eggs with salt and black pepper, then cover the skillet and simmer until the egg whites are set and the yolks are still runny, about 5-10 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with warm pita, challah, or crusty bread.
For a more indulgent option, you can add goat cheese or feta cheese to the dish. Simply sprinkle the cheese over the shakshuka before serving, or stir it into the sauce before adding the eggs.
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Nutritional value
Shakshuka, a tomato-based stew that originated in the Middle East, is not always made with goat cheese. While some recipes for the dish include goat cheese, others do not. The addition of goat cheese is a matter of preference and variation.
Goat cheese is a type of cheese made from goat's milk. It is a good source of protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients. Goat cheese has a strong and tangy flavour, with a creamy texture that can range from soft to semi-hard, depending on the variety.
When added to shakshuka, goat cheese contributes to the overall nutritional profile of the dish. Shakshuka is typically made with eggs, vegetables (such as tomatoes, peppers, and onions), and spices. The eggs provide a good amount of protein and choline, while the vegetables contribute to the vitamin and mineral content of the dish.
The addition of goat cheese boosts the protein content of shakshuka and adds a good amount of calcium, as well as other minerals like phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc. Goat cheese also contains beneficial bacteria, which can support digestive health and may offer other potential health benefits.
Furthermore, goat cheese is lower in lactose than cow's milk cheese, making it a better option for those with lactose intolerance. It also tends to have smaller fat globules, which some people may find easier to digest.
However, it is important to note that goat cheese can be high in saturated fat and calories, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Overall, shakshuka with goat cheese can be a nutritious and flavourful dish, offering a good balance of protein, vegetables, and healthy fats.
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Serving suggestions
While shakshuka is a delicious dish on its own, there are several ways to elevate it and make it a feast. This Middle Eastern and North African dish is usually made with poached eggs in a spicy tomato sauce, and there are several ways to serve it.
Firstly, you can place the shakshuka in the centre of the table with various small plates, salads, and breads. You can serve it with pita bread, challah, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. You can also serve it with hummus, roasted potatoes, or grains like quinoa, rice, or barley. If you want to make it a Mexican-inspired dish, you can serve it with tortilla chips, green tomatillos, chilis, cilantro, and queso fresco with a squeeze of lime.
You can also make a sandwich with pita bread, hummus, shakshuka, and a tomato salad. You can fold it and eat it with your hands. Another option is to add all the ingredients to a plate and eat it with a fork and knife. You can also garnish the dish with herbs like parsley, cilantro, or microgreens.
If you want to add cheese to your shakshuka, you can sprinkle goat cheese or feta on top. You can also add avocado and season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Restaurants that serve it
While shakshuka is often served without goat cheese, some restaurants do serve it with goat cheese. One such restaurant is Tatte on Massachusetts Avenue in Boston. Tatte is a long-time favourite cafe of a writer from Annabelle's Cooking Lab, who was determined to try their shakshuka during a college-visiting trip to Boston.
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Frequently asked questions
No, not all shakshuka has goat cheese. It is a common addition to the dish, but not a necessary one.
Shakshuka is a one-pan vegetarian dish. It is made with tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic, and spices. Eggs are then added and baked until set.
Besides goat cheese, shakshuka can be made with feta, taleggio, or labneh.
There are many variations of shakshuka, including Green Shakshuka with Brussels Sprouts and Spinach, and Orange Shakshuka with Butternut Squash.
For shakshuka with goat cheese, you can saute vegetables in a pan with tomato sauce, crack in the eggs, and top with crumbled goat cheese. Bake in the oven for 8-12 minutes, or until the eggs are to your liking.
