Shakshuka is a delicious dish with roots in Middle Eastern cuisine that has become a beloved breakfast and brunch favourite around the world. And who doesn’t love a one-pan dish that is easy to put together (and easy to clean up after)? This great meal features eggs and tomatoes, all easy ingredients to find lying around.
To elevate this classic dish, we've paired it with a creamy, garlicky tahini sauce. The tahini sauce complements the shakshuka, adding an extra layer of flavour. It’s a great recipe for both a weekend brunch or a quick weeknight dinner, and it is sure to impress.
Beyond its delicious taste, this Shakshuka is packed with healthy ingredients. Fresh vegetables, protein-rich eggs, and good fats from the tahini make it a well-rounded and nutritious meal. Serve it with some crusty bread to soak up all the flavours, and you have a dish that's satisfying, flavourful, and perfect for any time of the day.
Ingredients for 4 People:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion
- 1 red bell pepper
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4-6 large eggs
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Garlicky Tahini Sauce Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (about 1-2 lemons)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup water (or more as needed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
For the Shakshuka:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Cook until the onion is translucent and the pepper is soft, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in the smoked paprika and cayenne pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, until it has thickened slightly.
- Make small wells in the sauce with the back of a spoon and crack the eggs into the wells.
- Cover the skillet and cook for about 5-8 minutes, until the eggs are set to your liking. For runny yolks, cook closer to 5 minutes; for firmer yolks, cook longer.
For the Garlicky Tahini Sauce:
- In a bowl, combine the tahini and lemon juice. The mixture will thicken as you stir.
- Add the minced garlic and gradually stir in the water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The sauce should be smooth and pourable but not too runny. Stir in the olive oil and the salt.
- Drizzle the parsley and the garlicky tahini sauce over the Shakshuka just before serving. Enjoy with crusty bread for dipping!
The Best Brunch Recipe:
- Eggs: eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. They also provide important vitamins such as B12, riboflavin, and D, along with healthy fats that support brain health.
- Tomatoes: they contribute a wealth of antioxidants, including lycopene, which helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Tomatoes are also a good source of vitamin C, boosting the immune system, and are low in calories while being rich in potassium and folate.
- Red bell peppers: peppers add a substantial amount of vitamin C, crucial for immune function and skin health, and are packed with antioxidants like beta-carotene and flavonoids. Their high fibre content aids in digestion.
- Garlic: garlic enhances the immune system with its beneficial compounds, offers anti-inflammatory effects, and supports heart health by helping to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Tahini: it’s rich in healthy unsaturated fats and provides plant-based protein important for muscle maintenance. It also offers essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and iron.
Let us know if you try and like this recipe. It’s so easy to make, it’s worth giving it a try! Not only is it delicious, but it also supports brain health, just like NMN. With the new Simply Nootropics NMN Capsules and this flavourful Shakshuka, you’ll be unstoppable!
