Shakshuka with Spinach & Feta Cheese: A Flavorful North African Delight
Shakshuka is a classic North African dish that has become a popular breakfast choice around the world. With its combination of eggs cooked in a rich, spicy tomato sauce, this dish offers comfort and flavor in every bite. The beauty of Shakshuka lies in its versatility: the base sauce and choice of spices can easily be adjusted to suit your preferences, making it a fantastic meal that can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or even as a quick midweek dinner.
This recipe elevates the traditional Shakshuka by adding nutrient-packed spinach and tangy feta cheese, creating a wholesome, satisfying meal that’s both hearty and delicious.
Cuisine:
African
Course:
World Breakfast
Diet:
Eggetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Red Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1, finely chopped |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, grated |
| Pickled Jalapenos | 1, finely chopped |
| Spinach | 250 grams, roughly chopped |
| Homemade Tomato Puree | 1/2 cup |
| Tomatoes | 5, blanched and roughly chopped |
| Bay Leaf (Tej Patta) | 1 |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon, roasted |
| Red Chilli Powder (or Paprika) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pepper | To taste |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Feta Cheese | 50 grams |
| Whole Eggs | 4 |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | Small bunch, finely chopped |
Preparation Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
40 minutes
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Start by getting all your ingredients ready. Ensure that the tomatoes are blanched and roughly chopped, and have the homemade tomato puree ready for the sauce.
-
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
-
Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat the olive oil in a cast-iron pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onions, garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté these ingredients until they soften and become tender, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the pickled jalapenos and chopped spinach to the pan, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts down.
-
Make the Spicy Tomato Sauce:
- Stir in the homemade tomato puree and the roughly chopped blanched tomatoes. Add the bay leaf, cumin powder, red chilli powder (or roasted paprika), salt, and sugar. Mix well and let everything cook together for 5-10 minutes. The sauce should thicken slightly as it simmers.
-
Add the Feta:
- Stir in the feta cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if necessary, keeping in mind that feta cheese is already quite salty.
-
Cook the Eggs:
- Once the sauce is ready, use a spoon to make small wells in the sauce. Crack the whole eggs into the wells, spacing them out evenly across the skillet. Be gentle to avoid breaking the yolks.
-
Bake the Shakshuka:
- Carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake the Shakshuka for 5-7 minutes, or until the eggs are just set and cooked to your liking. The yolks should still be slightly runny, but the whites should be firm.
-
Garnish and Serve:
- Once the eggs are cooked, remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped coriander leaves for a burst of color and flavor.
-
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve your Shakshuka with Spinach & Feta Cheese alongside whole grains like couscous or steamed millet for a wholesome, filling meal. A side of Rustic Rosemary Garlic Zucchini Bread would also complement this dish beautifully, making it a complete meal that’s perfect for any time of day.
Notes:
- Shakshuka is highly customizable! Feel free to add more vegetables like zucchini or eggplant, or spice it up with additional heat from fresh chilies or hot sauce.
- If you prefer a vegan version, simply omit the feta cheese and eggs, and try adding chickpeas or tofu instead.
This Shakshuka with Spinach & Feta Cheese is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. The combination of eggs, spinach, and feta provides a hearty dose of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, while the rich tomato sauce adds a burst of flavor that will keep you coming back for more.
Enjoy the savory goodness of Shakshuka with Spinach & Feta Cheese, and indulge in a meal that’s as easy to prepare as it is flavorful!
