Shakshuka with marinara sauce consists of eggs poached in a spicy tomato sauce, and it’s delicious. The combination of the tangy marinara sauce and the creamy eggs is simply irresistible.
To make this dish, you’ll need a few key ingredients. These include olive oil, yellow onion, red bell pepper, garlic, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, cherry tomatoes, marinara sauce, baby spinach, feta or goat cheese, chopped parsley, and naan or pita bread. These ingredients come together to create a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any time of day.
What Is Shakshuka?
Historical Background
Shakshuka has been around for centuries, and its origins can be traced back to the Ottoman Empire. The dish was popular among the Jewish communities in the Ottoman Empire, and it eventually spread to other parts of the Middle East and North Africa.
Cultural Significance
Shakshuka is a dish that is often served for breakfast or brunch, and it is a staple in many Middle Eastern and North African households. The dish is not only delicious but also has cultural significance. It is a symbol of hospitality and is often served to guests as a sign of welcome.
Origin of Marinara Sauce
While shakshuka is traditionally made with a spicy tomato sauce, some variations of the dish use marinara sauce instead. Marinara sauce is a tomato-based sauce that originated in Naples, Italy. It is made with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs and is often used in pasta dishes.
Ingredients:
- 1-2 tbsp of olive oil
- 1 thinly sliced yellow onion
- 1 thinly sliced red bell pepper
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp of ground cumin
- 1 tsp of sweet or smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp of cayenne pepper
- 2 cups of marinara sauce
- 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes
- 2 cups of fresh baby spinach
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup of feta or goat cheese
- 1/4 cup of chopped parsley, for garnish
- 2 to 4 pieces of naan or pita bread
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Shakshuka with Marinara Sauce?
- Start by preheating a cast iron skillet over medium to medium-high heat and adding oil. While the skillet heats up, Heat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Toss in onions and bell peppers into the pan and cook them until the onions start to turn brown, usually about 10 to 15 minutes. Next, throw in the minced garlic and cook it until it smells good, which usually takes about 1 minute. Then, add cumin, paprika, and cayenne, and mix everything well. Once that’s done, Toss in marinara sauce and halved cherry tomatoes, and give it all a good mix.
- Let the sauce warm up, then add fresh spinach, letting it shrink down for about 3 to 5 minutes. Then, give the sauce a taste and tweak the flavor as necessary by adding more spices, salt, or pepper.
- Create four little spaces for each egg in the sauce mixture. Next, break one egg at a time into a small dish or cup, and carefully slide it into the little space you made. Repeat this for each egg, being careful not to stir or break the yolks. After that, sprinkle half of the feta or goat cheese on top and put the skillet on the middle rack in the preheated oven.
- Cook everything for 7 to 10 minutes or until the eggs are cooked but still a bit wobbly. Once the skillet is out of the oven, add the remaining feta or goat cheese and garnish with the chopped parsley. Lastly, get four bowls ready and scoop one egg with extra sauce into each bowl. Serve it hot with sliced pita bread or sliced naan and add additional herbs, cheese, or spices if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Accompaniments
- Crusty bread or pita: Use the bread to soak up the delicious sauce and runny egg yolks.
- Salad: Serve a simple side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber to balance out the richness of the dish.
- Yogurt: A dollop of plain yogurt on top of the shakshuka adds a cool and tangy contrast to the warm and spicy flavors.
Presentation Tips
- Use a colorful skillet: A bright and colorful skillet can add a pop of color to your presentation and make the dish look even more appetizing.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle some fresh parsley or cilantro on top of the shakshuka for a burst of freshness and flavor.
- Serve in individual skillets: Serving shakshuka in individual skillets not only looks impressive, but it also allows each person to have their own perfectly cooked eggs.
Nutritional Information
Caloric Content
This shakshuka is a delicious and filling dish that is also relatively low in calories. A typical serving of shakshuka with marinara sauce contains around 300-400 calories, depending on the specific ingredients used and the size of the serving. This makes it a great option for those who are watching their calorie intake but still want to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Health Benefits
In addition to being low in calories, it also provides several health benefits. The dish is high in protein, thanks to the eggs, and also contains a variety of vegetables, such as tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions. These vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.
The marinara sauce used in shakshuka is typically made with tomatoes, which are a great source of lycopene. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, certain types of cancer, and other health conditions.
Variations and Substitutions
Alternative Ingredients
One of the great things about shakshuka is that it’s a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. If you don’t have marinara sauce on hand, you can substitute it with other tomato-based sauces such as tomato paste or canned tomatoes. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the dish to add more flavor and texture.
If you’re looking to switch up the protein, you can use ground beef or lamb instead of the traditional eggs. For a vegetarian option, you can use tofu or chickpeas as a substitute. You can also add different spices like cumin or smoked paprika to give the dish a unique twist.
Dietary Adjustments
If you’re following a specific diet, shakshuka can be easily adjusted to fit your needs. For a low-carb option, you can omit the bread and serve the dish with a side salad instead. If you’re on a gluten-free diet, make sure to use gluten-free bread or skip it altogether.
For those following a dairy-free or vegan diet, you can omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a dairy-free alternative.
Food Safety Tips
Here are a few tips that I find helpful:
- Wash your hands: Before handling any food, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. This will help prevent the spread of harmful bacteria.
- Use fresh ingredients: Always use fresh ingredients when making this shakshuka. Check the expiration dates on your eggs, canned tomatoes, and other ingredients to make sure they are still safe to eat.
- Cook to the right temperature: Make sure to cook your shakshuka to the right temperature to kill any harmful bacteria. The eggs should be cooked until the whites are set and the yolks are still runny, while the marinara sauce should be heated until it reaches a temperature of at least 165°F.
- Store leftovers properly: If you have any leftovers, make sure to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. It can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop, but make sure to heat it to the right temperature before eating.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Storage: Allow the shakshuka to cool down to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. If you are storing it in the freezer, make sure to label the container with the date so that you can keep track of how long it has been frozen.
- Reheating: To reheat your shakshuka, you can either thaw it in the refrigerator overnight if it was frozen or take it straight from the refrigerator if it was just refrigerated. Once it is at room temperature, you can reheat it on the stovetop on low heat until it is warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals until it is heated to your desired temperature.
- Tips: When reheating your shakshuka, you may want to add a splash of water or broth to help loosen it up and prevent it from drying out. You can also add some fresh herbs or spices to give it a little extra flavor. And if you are reheating it in the microwave, make sure to cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap to prevent splatters.
Conclusion
In conclusion, shakshuka with marinara sauce is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The combination of eggs, tomatoes, onions, and spices creates a flavorful and hearty meal that is both healthy and easy to make.
One of the best things about this dish is its versatility. You can add different vegetables, spices, and even meats to create your unique version of the dish. It’s a great way to use up leftover vegetables and create a meal that is both tasty and nutritious.
Another great thing about it is that it’s easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a meal that will impress your family and friends. It’s also a great dish to make ahead of time and reheat for a quick and easy meal.
Overall, I highly recommend trying shakshuka with marinara sauce. It’s a delicious and healthy meal that is sure to become a favorite in your household. So why not give it a try today? You won’t be disappointed!
Did you know? Fresh vegetable salad is a great pairing for this shakshuka!
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