Shakshuka with merguez is a perfect combination of spiciness, tanginess, and creaminess. It’s a great dish to make for brunch or dinner, and it’s sure to impress your guests.
To make this dish, you’ll need a few key ingredients. You’ll need onions, garlic, and red bell peppers, along with some spices like cumin and chipotle powder. In addition, you’ll need merguez sausage and tomatoes, eggs. For garnishing, you’ll need cilantro and green onions.
History of Shakshuka
Shakshuka is a Middle Eastern and North African dish that has gained popularity around the world in recent years. In this section, I will explore the history of shakshuka and its evolution over time.
Origins
The exact origin of shakshuka is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in either Tunisia or Yemen. The word shakshuka is derived from the Arabic word “shakshouka,” which means “mixture.” It is a dish with eggs poached in a flavorful tomato-based sauce, typically with onions, garlic, and spices such as cumin and paprika.
Shakshuka was traditionally a breakfast dish, but it is now eaten at any time of the day. It was a popular dish among farmers and laborers as it was easy to prepare and could be made with readily available ingredients.
Popularity and Variations
Shakshuka has gained popularity in recent years, and it is now a staple in many brunch menus around the world. It has also evolved to include different variations, such as adding feta cheese, spinach, or chorizo.
In Israel, shakshuka is a national dish, and it is often served with pita bread. In Morocco, it is known as “chakchouka” and is made with green peppers and harissa. However, in Turkey, it is called “menemen” and is made with tomatoes, peppers, and onions.
Ingredients:
- 2-3 tbsp of olive oil
- ½ diced medium-sized white or yellow onion
- 4-6 crushed garlic cloves
- 2 diced large red bell peppers
- 1-2 tsp of paprika
- 1-2 tsp of cumin powder
- 1 tsp of chipotle powder (or cayenne or chili powder)
- 1 deveined, and diced mild hot pepper, seeded (optional)
- 12 ounces of sliced merguez sausage
- 2 lbs of peeled and diced tomatoes (4-5 large tomatoes)
- 4-6 eggs
- Salt and pepper
- Chopped green onions
- Freshly chopped cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños (optional)
How to Make Shakshuka with Merguez?
- Start by heating some oil in a pan. Once the oil is hot, add in some diced onions, diced bell peppers, and crushed garlic.
- Cook these ingredients until they are soft and tender, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Next, it’s time to add in the spices. You’ll want to add in some paprika, cumin powder, chipotle or chili powder, diced hot pepper, salt, and pepper. These spices will give your shakshuka a rich and flavorful taste.
- After the spices have been added, it’s time to add in the sliced merguez. Continue to cook everything for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the merguez has had a chance to cook, it’s time to add in the diced tomatoes. Keep cooking for another 20-25 minutes until the tomatoes break down, and you get a nice, thick sauce.
- Before adding the eggs, taste the mixture and adjust the salt, pepper, and spices to your liking. Once you’re happy with the seasoning, crack the eggs into the pan, cover it, and let the eggs cook until the whites are fully cooked and the yolks are done to your preference. This should take about 10-12 minutes.
- If you prefer to use the oven method, preheat your oven to 375F, transfer the hot oven-proof pan to the oven’s middle rack, and let it bake for about 10 minutes.
- Finally, Take the pan off the heat and sprinkle it with green onions, freshly chopped cilantro, and jalapeño slices (if you like). Serve right away with garlic bread, avocado slices, or toasted pita bread.
Nutritional Information
Health Benefits
This is not only delicious but also a relatively healthy meal option. This dish is rich in vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients that are beneficial for our health.
The tomatoes used in shakshuka are a great source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps boost our immune system and protects our cells from damage. Potassium is crucial for controlling blood pressure and keeping the heart healthy. Fiber is vital for digestion and helps us stay full for longer.
Eggs, which are the main protein source in shakshuka, are an excellent source of choline, which is important for brain health. They also provide essential amino acids that are necessary for building and repairing muscles.
Caloric Content
If you are watching your calorie intake, it is important to be mindful of the portion size when enjoying this dish. One serving contains approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the amount of olive oil used in the recipe.
While it may seem high in calories, shakshuka with merguez is a complete meal that provides a balanced amount of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. If you are looking to reduce the calorie content, you can use less oil and opt for a smaller portion size.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
Choosing the Right Ingredients
When making this shakshuka, it’s important to choose the right ingredients to get the best flavor. First and foremost, make sure to use fresh eggs and ripe tomatoes. The tomatoes should be juicy and sweet, and the eggs should have a bright yellow yolk.
For the merguez, look for a high-quality sausage that is made with lamb or beef and has a good balance of spices. If you can’t find merguez, you can substitute it with any other spicy sausage, such as chorizo or Italian sausage.
Lastly, don’t forget to use fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to add a burst of flavor to your Shakshuka.
Spice Level Adjustments
This is a spicy dish, but you can adjust the heat level to your liking. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less merguez or substitute it with a mild sausage. You can also remove the seeds and membranes from the chili peppers to reduce the heat.
On the other hand, if you like it hot, add more chili peppers or use a spicier sausage. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper on top of your Shakshuka for an extra kick.
Remember, the key to a delicious dish is to balance the flavors and spices to your taste. Don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust the recipe to your liking.
Pairing Shakshuka with Merguez
The combination of the rich tomato sauce, the creamy eggs, and the spicy sausage is simply divine. Here are some of my favorite beverage pairings and side dishes to complement this delicious dish.
Beverage Pairings
To balance out the spiciness of the merguez, I like to pair shakshuka with a refreshing drink. Here are some of my top picks:
- Mint Lemonade: The mint in this lemonade helps to cool down the heat from the merguez, while the lemon adds a tangy kick.
- Iced Tea: A classic iced tea is always a good choice. The sweetness of the tea helps to balance out the spiciness of the sausage.
- Beer: If you’re in the mood for an alcoholic beverage, a cold beer is a great choice. A light beer like a pilsner or lager pairs well with the dish.
Side Dishes
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty bread is perfect for sopping up the delicious tomato sauce and runny egg yolks.
- Israeli Salad: This refreshing salad is made with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, and dressed with lemon juice and olive oil. It adds a nice contrast to the rich and spicy shakshuka.
- Roasted Potatoes: If you’re looking for something a bit heartier, roasted potatoes are a great choice. The crispy exterior and fluffy interior are the perfect complement to the soft and creamy shakshuka.
Cultural Significance
Shakshuka in Middle Eastern Cuisine
Shakshuka is a dish that originated in North Africa but has become a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine. It is a dish that is easy to customize to your taste preferences. Some people like it spicy, while others prefer it mild. Some people add feta cheese, while others leave it out.
Merguez in North African Cuisine
Merguez is a type of sausage that is popular in North African cuisine. It is made from ground lamb or beef and flavored with a blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, and chili powder. Merguez is often grilled or pan-fried and served with bread or couscous.
Merguez adds a spicy and savory flavor to shakshuka. It is a perfect complement to the sweet and tangy tomato sauce. Merguez is also a versatile ingredient that can be used in many other dishes, such as tagines and stews.
Conclusion
I must say, after trying shakshuka with merguez, I am thoroughly impressed with this dish. The combination of spicy sausage and savory tomato sauce creates a flavor explosion in your mouth. The addition of eggs cooked to perfection adds a creamy texture that balances the dish perfectly.
One thing I appreciate about this dish is its versatility. It can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It’s a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any time of day. Plus, it’s easy to make, so it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Overall, I highly recommend trying shakshuka with merguez. It’s a delicious and unique dish that will impress your taste buds. Give it a try and let me know what you think!
As already mentioned above, fresh vegetable salad pairs perfectly with this shakshuka.
Get this salad’s recipe now (by clicking the image below):
