SHAKSHOUKAHave you ever heard of Shakshouka? No? Me neither. But apparently it is a popular breakfast for millions of people across North Africa, the Middle East and Turkey.
This breakfast with the fun, percussive name (which means "shaken" or a "mixed up") seems to have originated in Tunisia and travelled across to Israel where today it is very popular. A similar dish called Menemen is popular in Turkey. (But that's the subject of another post...)
Shakshouka is a lovely spicy tomato stew with poached eggs that is sopped up with french baguette. I decided to go with the Tunisian version mainly because it meant I got to use up the Harissa paste that had been lingering in my fridge. (Harissa is a Tunisian spice mixture made with many chilis, garlic, coriander, caraway seeds and other secret ingredients.)
It seems to be that the breakfasts I look forward to the least end up being the best and Shakshouka definitely fell into that category. The instant Shakshouka hit my tongue I was in love - it was amazingly fragrant and delicious. Spicy and savoury with just a hint of licorice, this is one breakfast that wakes up your senses.
Shakshouka has the added bonus of being a really healthy well-rounded meal as well. The stew is chock-full of vegetables, the eggs add some protein, and the bread, well that's just there because fresh baguette is delightful...
The Verdict:
For Ease of Preparation:
Unfortunately, Shakshouka took quite a bit of work and some time to prepare. The good news is that it makes for fantastic leftovers.
For Degree of Separation:
Five Cheerios! I've never eaten anything like this before.
For Guestabililty:
Shakshouka loses points in this category just because it is so spicy!
For Sustainability:
For Overall Appeal:
Shakshouka was hearty, nutritious and best of all scrumptious. Everything you want in a great breakfast. Word has it that it makes a great supper too!
Stay tuned, I promise we'll get to those fun Christmas breakfasts very soon....
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