Spring is in full affect downunder (Australia for those wondering!) and when spring time comes around it's time for some spring green shakshuka. Truthfully though you can eat this baby anytime of the year. For some reason though we always thing of loads of green veg come spring time. So I figured I'd just jump on the band wagon too.
What is Shakshuka?
Shakshuka originated in North Africa & Middle East area. It is typically made using eggs, tomatoes, spices and onions. We typically think of it as a dish associated with brunch but truthfully it is eaten at anytime of the day. Some delicious freshly made bread to dip in and it will full you up perfectly! It is a vegetarian dish but nowadays like everything there are many variations of the original.
How Spicy is Shakshuka?
I guess that really depends upon you when you make it at home, doesn't it? You find spices like cumin, paprika and chili powder in the original shakshuka recipe. These add layers of flavour and adds spice to the dish but it's not known as a hot spicy dish. That is unless you sprinkle it with dried chili flakes or lash some cayenne pepper into it. My spring green shakshuka is not a spicy one. In fact my recipe - being a green one cuts out the paprika and chili powder and uses jalapenos instead. I know, I know not very Middle Eastern of me but I did say it's "my version" didn't I? Anywho - when ordering in a restaurant don't expect it to blow your socks off with spiciness but at home go wild!
Making Shakshuka
Couldn't be any easier! I know it's easy for the man who wrote the recipe to say that but it truthfully is simple. Once the veg has been prepped you are literally talking about frying the onions in a pan with oil until softened then adding the garlic and spices. In a red version you would then add the tomatoes (tinned or crushed freshed) and let simmer for a minute or two. In my green version you add your chickpeas, jalapenos, peas and then black pudding. Make a few holes on top and crack the eggs in. I used 4 (2 for me, 1 for the "boss" and 1 for the kid) and then pop it in the oven. Quick and simple. If you want a more detailed version of my spring green shakshuka then read on friends.
Eggs
Clearly we are talking about an egg based dish here and ones that are cooked just right and have that yolk porn action going on. Don't fear though if a) you aren't a fan of eggs and b) you don't like runny eggs. The base of the dish is still the same so whilst its important not to overcook those eggs you can make em any way you want and not worry about the base being ruined. If you are worried about overcooking the eggs in the oven - which can be a tricky thing. Simple fry em up. Make the base separately and plop a fried egg on top. Granted it's extra washing up but hey you've already made a mess, right!
The key to cooking eggs in the oven and in general is recognizing that the eggs will continue to cook once removed from the heat. SO, don't wait until the last minute to pull those scrambled eggs from the stove top next time. With the oven eggs (you will see my timing below) it's best to look for whites that are opaque and yolks that have risen slightly. The eggs should have a little wiggle left in them and OBVIOUSLY if you can still see through the egg IT AIN'T COOKED!!
Alternative Brekkie Options
Vanilla Maple Granola by yours truly
Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes by Sally Aleckson of 'Eight Forest Lane'
Bacon & Egg Galettes by Alexandra Cook of 'It's Not Complicated'
Asian Glazed Pork Belly & Eggs by yours truly
Ingredients
- 200 g Clonakilty black pudding roughly chopped
- 300 g spinach
- 1 leek chopped
- 400 g chickpeas
- 150 g frozen peas
- 1 tsp cumin
- 2 jalapenos diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 knob butter
- 1 handful parsley leaves
- salt
- pepper
- 1 wedge lemon
Optional Garnishes
- parsley
- mint
- dill
- coriander
- spring onion chopped
- chili flakes
Instructions
- Fry leeks & garlic with the oil and butter in a heavy based pan on medium heat for 2 minutes or until softened.
- Add spinach and cook for a further 2 minutes, stirring until spinach has wilted.
- Stir in peas, jalapenos, chickpeas, cumin and seasoning and cook for a further 2 minutes.
- Add black pudding & parsley and cook for a further 2 minutes.
- Make 4 holes in the shakshuka mix and crack an egg into each whole. Bake in the oven for 12 minutes or until eggs are cooked.
- Sprinkle with garnish, squeeze of lemon and serve with toasted bread.
Notes
Essential Tools
- wooden spoon
- tongs
- chopping board
- chef knives
- weighing scales
- cast iron or heavy bottom pan
Tips/Tricks
- you can cook the eggs in the pan on top of stove if you don’t have access to an oven. Just cover the pan with a lid and let them steam. This will take 3 – 4 minutes.
- feta cheese is also a nice addition to sprinkle on top of shakshuka it will bring a nice creamy and salty flavour too.
- if you want crispy black pudding on/in the shakshuka reserve 50g of black pudding and fry separately in a pan until crispy and sprinkle on top to finish.
- the fresh herb garnish really lifts the dish so if possible add as much as possible
My husband LOVES shakshuka so I absolutely need to make this one for him! The garnish options are all such a great way to bring some freshness to the dish too. Delish!!
You will make him a happy man pretty quickly Sylvie with this one 😉
How packed full of flavour this looks! What a great breakfast - the perfect way to start the day.
You ain’t wrong 😉 I love a good shakshuka and Clonakilty pudding is a fav of mine so I figured why not combine em!!