Shakshuka recipe
A simple and delicious vegetarian dish of eggs poached in a spicy tomato and vegetable sauce – perfect for lunch or a light evening meal.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 yellow onion, finely chopped
half a red bell pepper, deseeded and finely chopped
half a yellow bell pepper, deseeded and finely chopped
6 garlic cloves, chopped
1 aubergine, chopped
800g tinned chopped tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato purée
2 teaspoons ground cumin
400g tinned chickpeas, drained
0.5 teaspoon salt (optional)
0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
200g spinach, washed and chopped
6 medium-sized eggs
15g fresh coriander to serve, chopped (optional)
Method
Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan on medium heat. Add the onion, peppers and garlic, and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften.
Stir in the aubergine and cook for another 5 minutes or so, until golden-brown. Add the tomatoes, tomato purée, salt, cumin and cayenne, and stir well. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and cook for about 10 minutes, until the mixture thickens.
Information:
Try adding or swapping in your favourite vegetables. Mushrooms, courgettes or green beans all work well.
Stir in the chickpeas, cover and cook for further 5 to 8 minutes on medium heat. Once the chickpeas have had time to soften, stir in the chopped spinach and lower the heat.
Using a wooden spoon, create 6 wells in the mixture and crack 1 egg into each. Cover the pan and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes on low, until the egg whites set. If you prefer firmer yolks, cook for around 8 to 12 minutes.
Once the eggs are cooked, take the mixture off the heat and leave to cool for a few minutes. Scatter with chopped coriander and serve.
Serve with wholemeal pitta or wholegrain crusty bread, and a side salad.