Monday, June 16, 2014

My take on the Morrocan Shakshouka(poached eggs in a tomato based gravy)

Ingredients:
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Eggs - 4 to 6
1 Onion - chopped
1 red bell pepper large - chopped
1 large tomato - chopped
green chillies (as per taste) - chopped
lots of garlic - thinly sliced
half a bunch of coriander - chopped
Half an orange (optional) - peel, film, seeds - basically any white/transparent things removed
coriander powder
cumin powder
paprika/red chilli powder
salt
sugar
olive oil
oregano(optional)
spring onion greens(optional)


Method:
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In a large skillet, heat some olive oil.
add garlic, cook 30 seconds till lightly fragrant
now add the coriander, sprinkle some sugar and paprika/red chilli powder and let the garlic caramelize.
Add the chopped onions and red peppers together and let them soften. Start adding spices to taste one by one -
coriander powder, cumin powder, salt, sugar, paprika. Once the mixture is well cooked (red peppers are still likely to retain their shape though), add the tomatoes. Cook another minute or two. If you are adding the orange, crumble with your fingers and add at this step.
Let the mixture absorb the orange juice and use the juice to deglaze the pan especially any spices sticking to the pan.
You may add about half to 1 cup of water. Let it cook 5-7 mins on medium. Let some of the water evaporate.
Spread the mixture evenly in the skillet. Break each egg and put it over the mixture, careful not to break the yolk.
sprinkle salt, pepper, oregano (or any herb u want) over each egg white and yolk. Cover immediately. Turn the heat to low.
if you like your eggs gooey, let it cook for 5-7 mins until the whites are completely cooked but the yolk is not completely done. If you are feeling less adventurous, make a small slit in the yolks after 3 minutes making sure it doesn’t ooze out and spread and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes so that the yolk is also completely set. Sprinkle chopped spring onion greens on top or coriander or parsley, basically any green for color.

Eat this with flatbread or any whole wheat bread for a wholesome breakfast
Eat this with sundried pita, olives and a green salad for a hearty brunch

Eat this with whole wheat rotis to turn it into an Indian dinner.