My love affair with Shakshuka began on Thanksgiving. Amidst the chaos of cooking for the big day, my son decided to cook eggs for everyone. Not that there were too many of us around, but I am always a bit stressed until the big meal is ready. And as many of you might know, Thanksgiving does involve a bit of cooking. Breakfast with Alex usually means starting about 11 AM. It means removing everything on the counter to make room for everything HE wants to put on the counter and to put it gently…Alex is a messy cook, though he is a great entertainer. The music is always going and he is so busy talking when he is cooking, that nothing is put away, thrown away or wiped, until long after the meal is eaten; which works well, except on Thanksgiving.
Not that Alex isn’t a great cleaner upper. He is a very good cleaner upper, but well, Alex works on Alex speed and that usually isn’t fast enough for me. Prep it. Cook it. Eat it. Clean it. Doesn’t always work that way with Al around. But like I said, he does clean up very well and happily; unlike his sister who is always rushing to get somewhere and is a bit of a boss woman when she is ready to go. She knows it!
Thinking back, I must say that taking the time out on Thanksgiving, even with the chaos of the day was very special. And comforting. And fun. Even Manservant came in from smoking the turkey. And damn, those eggs Alex made were good. Really good. So good that I now keep them in my repertoire. So good, that the friend that was over keeps asking for the recipe. As if he had one. I’m not even sure of where he came up with this because I never made them for him. He called them Eggs Purgatory. Purgatory wouldn’t be a bad place to be, if you could eat these eggs.
Shakshuka eggs come from Tunisia. Home of harissa and spicy things. They are believed to have made their way north to Italy where they became eggs from purgatory. These eggs probably started as a Jewish dish. You can read the history here and decide for yourself. Truth is, it doesn’t really matter. Just eat the damn things. Feel free to vary the recipe. Add some peppers. Add some chili, some smoked paprika, some cheese. Some cumin, some yogurt. Whatever you have around. Make them yours like Alex made them mine!
Shakshuka in Purgatory
Yield: 2-4 servings
Time: 30-45 minutes
1/2 t marjoram or more if you like
Heat olive oil in a medium to large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic and pepper. Cook for about 5-8 minutes to allow the veggies to soften and turn lightly colored. Add the chili paste if using, marjoram and the tomatoes. Let this cook at a gentle simmer for about 5-10 minutes so flavors can meld and the mixture thickens a bit. Make 4 wells in the tomatoes and crack an egg into each well. Dollop ricotta or goat’s cheese also into the tomatoes. Cook about 8-10 minutes until the egg whites are set. At this point you could also cover the skillet with a lid and the eggs will cook faster. When eggs are set, remove from heat and let sit for a few minutes so eggs can settle.Serve with good toast! Perhaps a beer. Lots of music. And make your family swoon.
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Roasted Za’atar Chickpeas
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Chicken Sofrito
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Freekeh
Spinach Salad with Za’atar, Dates and Almonds
Kadaif or Middle Eastern Cheesecake
Ma’aneesh with Za’atar
Sabrina
February 13, 2017 at 2:08 amThis shakshuka sounds amazing!!
Karen Harris
April 2, 2014 at 3:54 pmI don't know how I missed this post Abbe. Love me some shakshuka. I was introduced to it by a dear friend in London. I kind of fiddled with her recipe until I came up with a Mexican version that my family loves. I'll have to try Alex's recipe. It sounds fab.
Lea Ann (Cooking On The Ranch)
March 29, 2014 at 6:52 pmwell Shoot! I just got back from the store buying for dinner and tomorrow's breakfast. Or else I would have gotten ingredients to make this. I'll have to pin it for next weekend. My son cooks just like Alex. It's an event, with every dish dirtied, and countertops full.
Nazneen Hamilton
March 27, 2014 at 3:17 amThat looks wonderful! I haven't made shakshuka as such but we have an Indian version my mum used to make and I make that on occasion. There is something about tomato sauce and eggs, mmmm. I missed seeing you today! xx
Juliana
March 27, 2014 at 2:42 amI have never heard of shakshuka…but had similar dish before…looks delicious Abbe…I want mine with the egg yolk running…
Thanks for the recipe, hope you are enjoying your week 😀
Liz Berg
March 27, 2014 at 1:49 amMy sons need to hang out with Alex so they can learn to cook!! Gorgeous dish!!!
Zoe
March 26, 2014 at 11:57 pmHi Abbe,
I agree with you that this is an ultimate food to eat with beer, music and good company… but breakfast at 11am for me is definitely a NO NO. Can't survive mornings without any food :p
Zoe
kumars kitchen
March 26, 2014 at 12:32 pmThe most glorious shakshuka we have ever had/seen…..this dish and addictive pics have completely changed the way we thought about that dish….now we love it,thanks so much for sharing…HAVE A BEAUTIFUL DAY!!! 🙂
Abbe Odenwalder
March 26, 2014 at 3:38 pmReally a good one, Kumars! Thanks for commenting. Haven't seen you in awhile!
Guru Uru
March 26, 2014 at 5:12 pmSuch a delicious dish, it looks so hearty and full of good flavour!
Harissa chilli pasta is lovely!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Anna and Liz Recipes
March 26, 2014 at 12:33 pmSounds delicious! Never made this before, but willing to try it. Thanks for the recipe.
Abbe Odenwalder
March 26, 2014 at 3:38 pmOnce you try it, you will always make it. It is that good.
Angie Schneider
March 26, 2014 at 11:56 amThis is new to me and it looks so delicious with all the flavours.
Abbe Odenwalder
March 26, 2014 at 3:39 pmAngie, the way you cook, it is hard to believe it is new. But it is delicious and you will love it. And I know you have great bread for toast!
fromthebartolinikitchens.com
March 26, 2014 at 7:37 amThis is such a great dish, Abbe. I really do enjoy it, though I'd no idea of it's history prior to reaching the Italian peninsula. I like the idea of adding cheese to the pan. I've never tried that but will next time. Thanks for the inspiration. And how great was it to see your Son fix breakfast for the family? 🙂
Abbe Odenwalder
March 26, 2014 at 3:37 pmHistory of food fascinates me. Love knowing how certain dishes came to be. It was great, John. And it wasn't even Mother's Day!
CQUEK
March 26, 2014 at 4:31 amI want to be there to try it.
Holly @ abakershouse.com
March 26, 2014 at 3:08 amIs it time for breakfast yet? I think I'll put these on my list of what I'd like on Mother's Day. Wishful thinking and, yes, a bit in advance for May, but English Mother's Day is celebrated this coming weekend so maybe I should join in since my kids have English passports?? It's worth a shot!
Abbe Odenwalder
March 26, 2014 at 3:40 pmI say, get your expectations in early and even help with the grocery list. Though I must say that one thing I love about this recipe, is that most everything in it is a staple in my house, which makes this easy to make whenever I want!
Kitchen Riffs
March 26, 2014 at 1:51 amReally good dish. I've never made Shakshuka exactly, but I have several recipes that are cousins (including a great Moroccan recipe using kefta meatballs). Eggs and tomato work so wonderfully well together, don't they? And beer would make a great chaser. Oh, and I assume your suggestion that this dish is "best prepared after a very late night out on the town and while wearing only boxers" means if Alex (or the Manservant) is cooking it, and not you? 😀
Abbe Odenwalder
March 26, 2014 at 3:36 pmAbsolutely Mr. KR. I don't look very good in boxers! Never knew eggs and tomatoes worked so well together but they really do! Post that recipe!
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef
March 26, 2014 at 1:27 amI love this just as it's written. I'd be totally happy. Pinned!
mimi rippee
March 25, 2014 at 11:37 pmI've been seeing this around lately but have never made it! I must rectify this ASAP!
Abbe Odenwalder
March 26, 2014 at 3:34 pmYou must Mimi. I can't believe that it took me so long to make it. And now I won't stop!
zoe
March 25, 2014 at 11:09 pmYou forgot to mention that I made it the same day as yoy and read your mind. Julia is going to be SO happy!
Abbe Odenwalder
March 26, 2014 at 3:33 pmThat's right! I forgot. We both made it for breakfast on a Sunday morning, only you are in Philly and I am here. Great minds think alike. Was yours similar to mine?
Winnie
March 25, 2014 at 9:31 pmThat looks soooooooooooooooo DELICIOUS !!
I must say that shakshuka is very popular with my family
Usually we don't add cheese, but it's a great idea to do that next time
Abbe Odenwalder
March 26, 2014 at 3:41 pmCheese ins't necessary but it sure is good!
Biz
March 25, 2014 at 9:19 pmThat does look delicious! And I am a messy cook as well – drives my daughter and husband nuts – most of the time they put stuff away I haven't even used yet! And pretty much every pot, spoon and knife is used – no matter how small the cooking project. 😀
Abbe Odenwalder
March 26, 2014 at 3:42 pmDifferent strokes for different folks! My mom is like you. Luckily ,she has my dad to clean up for her. I, on the other hand, try to use as few implements as necessary.
Abbe Odenwalder
March 26, 2014 at 3:43 pmOMG! Does that mean Alex takes after my mom? No. She never played music-just the TV!
Anonymous
March 25, 2014 at 9:11 pmWish I had some goat cheese! I could make this for dinner today!
Abbe Odenwalder
March 26, 2014 at 3:32 pmNo need for cheese. This works well with or without!
Ansh
March 25, 2014 at 9:05 pmDoes that look divine or what! I would so eat this with pointy tips of breads and cool beer. Look at that gorgeous color!!
Abbe Odenwalder
March 26, 2014 at 3:43 pmThanks, Ansh! You have the right idea!