Sometimes I crave eggs. Just my body’s way of telling me that I need some protein. On some nights, I will just throw together a quick and painless omelet to go with a quick salad. Other times, I want something a bit more substantial – a bit more flavorful. On nights like that, I turn to Shakshuka. Shakshuka is Israeli comfort food. It’s a dish of eggs, poached in a rich, tomato based sauce. For this shakshuka, I added some chickpeas and mushrooms for extra protein and texture.

Shakshuka
Ingredients:

 tbsp. olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
5 cloves of garlic, chopped
2 tsp. cumin
1 tbsp. smoked paprika
1 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. paprika
salt
1 green pepper, chopped
1/2 package of mushrooms, sliced
1 can fire roasted diced tomatoes
1 can diced tomatoes with peppers and onions (RoTel would also work)
2 tbsp. tomato paste
1/2 can of chickpeas
5 eggs
feta cheese
scallions for garnish

In a large, deep cast iron skillet or other oven-safe pan, saute the onion and garlic in the olive oil. Saute until soft/

Add in the spices and the chopped green pepper. Cook a few minutes.

Add in the chickpeas aand mushrooms. Cook two more minutes.

Add in the two cans of tomatoes and the tomato paste. Stir everything together. Cook a few more minutes.

Set your oven to broil.

Use your spoon to make indentations where you want your eggs to go.

Crack each egg in to each spot.

Cook eggs for just a minute or so.

Sprinkle on some feta.

Transfer the pan to the oven. Cook for another 4 minutes, or until the eggs are done to your preference. I like my eggs a little runny. Garnish with the chopped scallions.

Serve shakshuka with some pita and a green salad.

Enjoy!