I’m yet to meet someone who doesn’t love Shakshuka – a searingly-spicy dish starring eggs poached in a fiery tomato sauce simmering with herbs and spices.
It’s origin is yet to be decided. Some accounts suggest it hails from Yemen, while others trace it back to the Ottoman Empire. The name itself takes root in the Arabic or Amazigh (Berber) word for “mixture!”
With shakshuka a breakfast staple in Tel Aviv, we have Israeli-born Chef Eyal Jagermannn sharing his recipe for an authentic rendition that’s effortlessly-easy to cook up at at home! Over to him…
Shakshuka
Ingredients
- 4 juicy tomatoes (any type will work, or a mix of few varieties).
- 2 garlic cloves, finely sliced.
- 1 green chili, finely sliced.
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- pinch of cumin and turmeric
- harissa (optional)
- 4 good quality eggs
- olive oil, salt and pepper
Instructions
- In a medium size pan and on medium heat, add the sliced garlic and chilli with a half cup of olive oil. We’re looking for a sizzle on the garlic and chilli, which means that the flavours are being extracted by the oil, to impart into the whole dish.
- Once we see the garlic turning golden, throw in the dry spices and cook them in the oil for just about 20-30 seconds to release all their flavours into the oil.
- When the pan is sizzling and releasing wonderful aromas, it’s time to go in with the tomatoes, then add 1 teaspoon of salt and mix well. We want the tomatoes to break down into the oil and absorb all the wonderful flavours from the chilli, garlic and spices. After a few minutes, add half a cup of boiling water, stir and cook until the tomatoes are softened and give shape to a fragrant sauce for the eggs.
- Lower the heat and check the sauce for flavour. Now is the time to add salt / spices / a squeeze of lemon. The sauce should be a little bit runny – this will thicken with the eggs.
- Using a table spoon, form 4 wells in the sauce and crack the eggs inside. Do this carefully, so you don’t break the yolks! Season the eggs with a bit of salt and black pepper.
- Cover the pan and cook on a low heat. We want the egg whites to form, but for the yolk to still be gooey and juicy.
Notes
- Not a must, but Eyal likes to peel the tomatoes by poaching them in boiling water for 30 seconds, which helps separate the skin and makes it easier to peel. Roughly dice the tomatoes after.
- If you have a bit of harissa at home, this will add some kick to the shakshuka; however, it’s not a must {you can find our homemade harissa recipe, here.}
- Just before you add the eggs, you can throw in some mozzarella or feta. The cheese will melt and combine with the sauce and the eggs to add a creamy and lush layer.
About Eyal Jagermann:
Tel Aviv born chef and restauranteur, Eyal Jagermann, trained and worked in Tel Aviv’s finest restaurants before moving to London to study culinary management Le Cordon Bleu. Eyal then went on to work as a chef and front of house at The Palomar, before co-founding The Barbary in Neal’s yard where he led the team as head chef. The Barbary received many plaudits, including TimeOut’s best restaurant in London two years in a row.
Eyal’s love and passion for Middle Eastern and Israeli food and heritage has led him to founding ANAN, a new restaurant concept that celebrates the wonderful culture and heritage of hummus eating in the Middle East. ANAN launched earlier this year in a very successful residency at Allpress Dalston Lane, and have plans to open in a permanent site as soon as circumstances allow..
Follow Eyal @EyalJ @AnanLondon
We’d love to hear from you! Do let us know if you try this recipe – you can leave a comment below and/ or tag us in your delicious creations on Instagram @the_foodiediaries.
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