Shakshuka with avocado and lime is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it the perfect way to fuel up for a busy day.
To make this dish, you’ll need some basic ingredients like olive oil, onion, garlic, Swiss chard, eggs, and cheese. But what sets this dish apart is the addition of avocado and lime, which add a refreshing and zesty twist to the traditional shakshuka.
The recipe is simple to follow and can be customized to your liking. You can adjust the spice level with jalapeños or smoked hot sauce. Trust me, once you try this shakshuka, it’ll become a staple in your breakfast rotation.
What Is Green Shakshuka?
Origins of Shakshuka
Shakshuka is a popular dish in Middle Eastern cuisine, which typically consists of eggs poached in a spicy tomato sauce. The origins of shakshuka are unclear, but it is believed to have originated in North Africa and then spread throughout the Middle East.
Green Shakshuka Variations
Green shakshuka is a variation of the traditional dish, where the tomato sauce is replaced with a mixture of leafy greens such as spinach, kale, or Swiss chard. The dish is then seasoned with garlic, onions, and spices, and topped with poached eggs.
One of the unique aspects of green shakshuka is the addition of avocado and lime, which add a creamy texture and tangy flavor to the dish. The avocado is mashed and spread on top of the greens, while the lime is squeezed over the eggs before serving.
Health Benefits of Avocado and Lime
Avocado and lime are two ingredients that not only add flavor to dishes but also offer several health benefits. Here are some of the benefits of including avocado and lime in your diet:
- Avocado: Avocado is a nutritious fruit packed with healthy fats, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. It is excellent for providing monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can help lower harmful cholesterol levels and decrease the risk of heart disease. Avocado is also a good source of potassium, which can help regulate blood pressure. Additionally, it contains antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which can help protect your eyes from damage.
- Lime: Lime is a citrus fruit that is low in calories but high in vitamin C and other antioxidants. Vitamin C is essential for the growth and repair of tissues in your body and can also boost your immune system. Lime juice may also help improve digestion by stimulating the production of digestive enzymes. Furthermore, lime contains compounds such as flavonoids and limonoids, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp of olive oil
- 1 peeled and thinly sliced yellow onion
- 2 thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1 1/2 pounds of Swiss chard; separate and chop the stems and leaves (approx. 9 cups)
- 1/2 tsp of salt plus more as needed
- 1/3 cup of heavy cream
- 8 large eggs
- 1/4 tsp of black pepper plus more as needed
- 3 oz of crumbled cotija cheese or queso fresco (about 3/4 cup)
For serving:
- 1 sliced avocado
- 1 thinly sliced small jalapeño
- Chopped cilantro
- Smoked hot sauce
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
How to make green shakshuka with avocado and lime?
- First, put some oil in a big frying pan and warm it up on the stove at medium-low heat.
- Throw in some chopped onion and cook it until it gets soft, which usually takes around 5 minutes. After that, toss in the minced garlic and cook until it starts to smell good, which is usually another 5 minutes.
- Once the onion and garlic are done cooking, turn up the heat to medium-high and put in the chopped chard stems. Cook them for about 5 minutes to let out some liquid.
- Throw in the chard leaves bit by bit, adding more as they shrink down. Keep cooking and stirring now and then until they’re all completely wilted, which usually takes 3 to 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of salt and pour in the half-and-half. Gently stir everything together and use the back of a spoon to create eight small hollows in the cooked chard.
- Carefully break an egg into each hollow. Cover the skillet with a foil or lid and cook everything on medium-low heat until the eggs are ready but still a bit soft, which usually takes about 7-9 minutes.
- After the eggs are cooked, take off the lid and sprinkle some cotija cheese, salt, pepper, jalapeño, avocado, and cilantro on top. Serve it up with smoked hot sauce and lime wedges.
Serving Suggestions
Accompaniments
There are a variety of accompaniments that can be used to enhance the dish. One option is to serve it with a side of crusty bread or pita, which can be used to scoop up the flavorful sauce. Another option is to serve it with a side of roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes, which can add a heartier element to the dish. For those looking to add a bit of spice, a side of harissa or hot sauce can be a great addition.
Plating and Presentation
There are a few tips to keep in mind. First, make sure to use a shallow, wide serving dish to showcase the vibrant colors of the dish. Next, spoon the shakshuka into the dish, making sure to evenly distribute the avocado and lime throughout. Finally, garnish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil. This will not only add to the dish’s presentation but also enhance the flavor.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
1. Use fresh ingredients: The key to a delicious green shakshuka is using fresh ingredients. Make sure your spinach, kale, and herbs are fresh and fragrant. This will not only improve the flavor of your dish but also its nutritional value.
2. Don’t overcook the eggs: One of the biggest mistakes people make when making shakshuka is overcooking the eggs. To avoid this, make sure you remove the pan from the heat as soon as the whites are set but the yolks are still runny. This will give you perfectly cooked eggs that are creamy and delicious.
3. Experiment with different herbs: While parsley and cilantro are the traditional herbs used in shakshuka, don’t be afraid to experiment with other herbs like dill, mint, or basil. These can add a unique flavor profile to your dish and make it even more interesting.
4. Customize your toppings: The toppings you choose can make a big difference in the overall flavor of your dish. Consider using different types of cheese, like feta or goat cheese, or adding sliced avocado or hot sauce for an extra kick.
5. Serve with crusty bread: Green shakshuka is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when served with crusty bread. This will help soak up the flavorful sauce and satisfy your meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Store the leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to three days.
- To reheat, simply transfer the desired amount of shakshuka to a microwave-safe bowl or plate and heat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- If the shakshuka seems a bit dry after reheating, you can add a splash of water or broth to help loosen it up.
- Do not freeze the shakshuka as the texture of the eggs will change and become rubbery.
- If you want to make the dish ahead of time, you can prepare the green sauce and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to make the shakshuka, simply reheat the sauce in a skillet and continue with the recipe as directed.
Conclusion
I must say, I am thoroughly impressed with the green shakshuka with avocado and lime recipe. The combination of the creamy avocado and tangy lime elevates the dish to a whole new level.
The addition of spinach and other greens makes this dish a powerhouse of nutrients. It’s a great way to get your daily dose of veggies and protein in one meal.
One thing I appreciate about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. You can add different vegetables or spices to make it your own. Plus, it’s a great dish for any time of day – breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Overall, I highly recommend trying this green shakshuka with avocado and lime recipe. It’s healthy, delicious, and easy to make.
As already mentioned, it’s best to have shakshuka with pita bread.
Get this pita bread with zaatar recipe now (by clicking the image below):
