EGG SHAKSHUKA – KETO | GLUTEN FREE | DIABETIC FRIENDLY

Shakshouka or Shakshuka is a one-skillet dish that has its origins in North Africa. Although there has been a debate on the birthplace of this Maghrebi dish with competing claims by the Moroccan, Tunisian, Turkish and the Yemens, it is quite a popular dish in the Middle-East. Traditionally this is made in a cast iron pan, but you can use any pan. I’ve used a stainless steel skillet and it worked perfectly fine.

Egg shakshuka is a simple dish wherein you poach the eggs in a simmering spicy tangy gravy made with traditional spices and ingredients. I have shared a basic shakshuka recipe that stays true to the North African flavors.

This is a Keto, Paleo and Diabetic friendly recipe and is also Gluten Free. You can team this up with bread or any diet-friendly alternative or just scoop in and eat it just like that.

INGREDIENTS
1 Tbsp Olive Oil
1-2 Chopped Green Chilli
2 Tbsp Ginger Garlic Paste
1 Large Chopped Onion
1-2 Chopped Tomatoes
1/2 Green Capsicum
1 Tbsp Coriander Powder
1 Tbsp Cumin Powder
1 Tsp Red Chilli Powder/Paprika
1 Tbsp Tomato Puree/Water
1/4 Cup Chopped Coriander Leaves
Salt as per taste
4 Whole Eggs

METHOD

• In a wide pan, heat some oil. This is a one-pan recipe, so use the one with raised edges like walls and not a flat pan. You need the recipe to stay in place.
• Add the Green Chillies and let this sizzle for a few seconds. Please adjust the quantity as per taste.
• Now add the Ginger Garlic Paste.
• Also add the Onion and saute for a few minutes until the Onions look translucent.
• Now add in the Capsicum and cook for a couple more minutes until they become tender.
• Add in the Tomatoes and mix well. Let this cook for another minute.
• Now add in the Spice Powders – Coriander, Cumin, Red Chilli along with some Salt.
• Salt will soften the veggies quicker and we want mushy veggies. So lower the flame and let this cook covered for 5-6 more minutes.
• Open the lid and if the consistency looks dry, add a little water or Tomato Puree to make a thick pulpy gravy. We need this consistency and not dry because the eggs will need moisture to poach well while at the same time avoid the bottom of the pan from burning.
• Add a little bit of chopped Coriander Leaves, Parsley, Mint or whatever fresh herbs you’ve got. I used Coriander Leaves here.
• Make sure your flame is on low. Mix everything well and evenly spread out this mixture covering the base of your pan.
• Now with the back of your spoon, create 4 equidistant wells for the eggs to settle in, with enough spacing between the wells.
• Now break the 4 eggs into the 4 spaces you’ve created. Try to contain it in these wells, but it’s totally okay if the whites spread all over.
• Cover and cook this until the the top of the eggs are cooked well, around 80-90% cooked.
• Switch off the flame. Make a cut like you’d do with a pie or pizza or simply scoop out a portion onto your plate and enjoy this with Naan, Pita or Bread of your choice. I ate this with Whole Wheat Buns (Dinner Rolls) and they were fantastic!