Join me as I explore the story of discovering Israeli green shakshuka in Dallas. It was a night where one small dish brought people together amidst the commotion. It connected us through the power of food.
A few months ago I walked into a bustling Middle Eastern restaurant in Dallas with my parents. The scent of aromatic spices and sizzling meats filled the air. It was our first time visiting, and we were eager to try some of the traditional dishes.
We promptly took our seats at a table and perused the menu, trying to decide what to order. When the young Israeli server approached us, we asked for his recommendations.
Without hesitation, he suggested the Israeli green shakshuka, a dish made with eggs poached in a flavorful sauce of greens, onions, and spices. We were curious and decided to give it a try.
As we waited for our food, the restaurant buzzed with the sounds of conversation and the clinking of dishes. We watched the waiters deliver plates of hummus, falafel, and maqluba to other tables, making our mouths water in anticipation.
Just as our Israeli green shakshuka arrived at our table, we heard a loud crash. One of the servers had accidentally knocked over a nearby table, causing a commotion. It sent dishes and glasses flying.
As we watched the chaos unfold, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the young Israeli chef who had prepared our delicious meal. It was a moment of calm amid the chaos, a small respite from the noise and confusion.
I turned to the owner of the restaurant and asked if I could have the recipe for the Israeli green shakshuka. He hesitated at first, explaining that it was a family recipe passed down from his grandmother.
But I persisted, telling him how much I had enjoyed the dish and how much it would mean to me to be able to recreate it at home. However, after a bit of convincing, he finally agreed to give me the recipe.
As I scribbled down the ingredients and instructions on a napkin, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride and excitement. I had not only enjoyed a delicious meal but had also been given a precious gift, a family recipe that had been handed down through generations.
Over the next few weeks, I set out to recreate the Israeli green shakshuka at home. I carefully followed the recipe, chopping the greens, sautéing the onions, and poaching the eggs just right.
When I took my first bite, I was transported back to that bustling Middle Eastern restaurant in Dallas. The flavors were just as I remembered, the combination of herbs and spices creating a savory and satisfying dish.
I shared the recipe with friends and family, and it quickly became a favorite among those who tried it. It was a dish that brought people together, a reminder of the power of food to bridge cultures and connect people.
As I think back on that night in the Middle Eastern restaurant in Dallas, I am grateful. It brought me small moments of connection and joy. From the chaos of the overturned table to the generosity of the restaurant owner, it was a night that I will always remember.
While the recipe for the Israeli green shakshuka is now in my possession, I know that it is more than just a set of instructions for a dish. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and to create lasting connections, even in the midst of chaos and confusion.
So here is how I create the savory Israeli green shakshuka.
Ingredients:
- 1 onion cut into half-moons or a bunch of leeks sliced in the same way
- 3 cloves of garlic, cut into small pieces
- 6 cups of thin strips made from a combination of mixed greens and fresh herbs, such as kale, Swiss chard, collard greens, spinach, beet greens, cilantro, dill, and oregano
- 1/2 of fresh jalapeno, that has been seeded and diced, or 1 to 2 teaspoons of chili flakes
- 100 ml of either yogurt or sour cream.
- A sprinkle of nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- Pepper
- 6 eggs
- 100 grams of feta cheese or freshly made goat cheese
How to make Israeli green shakshuka?
- Sautee onions on medium heat for approximately 10 minutes until they become translucent.
- Put garlic in the pan, cooking for one more minute.
- Stir occasionally and cook the chopped greens for roughly 10-15 minutes, or until the leaves have wilted.
- Add the jalapeno or chili flakes and let cook for a further five minutes.
- Put yogurt, nutmeg, salt, and pepper into the pan.
- Divide the eggs into six portions, stirring the egg whites thoroughly into the green blend. Then, form each portion into a nest.
- Continue cooking the eggs for an extra 5 minutes or until they are cooked to your desired degree of doneness.
- Add some feta cheese or goat cheese, or both, to the top of the dish and serve right away.
Green shakshuka is a popular and beloved Middle Eastern dish that is known for its delightful blend of fresh greens and eggs. Not only is it a healthy and nutritious meal, but it’s also incredibly flavorful, making it a go-to dish for many people. However, if you’re looking to add a new dimension to your green shakshuka, there are a few easy twists you can try to make it even more delicious.
One such twist is to add a sweet element to your green shakshuka, such as caramelized onions or roasted sweet potato. By adding a sweet component, you can balance out the bitterness of the greens and add an extra layer of complexity to the dish. You can easily prepare the sweet ingredients separately and add them to the mixture toward the end of the cooking process.
Another simple twist to consider is to make your green shakshuka spicy. You can achieve this by adding a generous amount of chopped jalapeno or red pepper flakes to the dish. The heat from the spice will complement the bitterness of the greens and add a kick to each bite. However, it’s important to taste as you go to ensure that the spice level is to your liking.
Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese in your green shakshuka. While feta or goat cheese is a traditional choice, you can switch it up and try something new. For example, queso fresco or grated parmesan. By adding a different type of cheese, you can create a unique flavor profile that’s all your own.
By incorporating one or more of these twists into your green shakshuka, you can put your spin on this classic dish and make it uniquely yours. So next time you’re making this dish, don’t be afraid to get creative and try something new!
