Soulful Şakşuka

Ingredients

While the original Turkish Şakşuka is traditionally vegetarian, our Soulful Şakşuka incorporates elements of soul food by adding smoky bacon and a touch of spice. This adaptation infuses the dish with a rich and savory flavor profile, making it a perfect fit for soul food enthusiasts. We alse have the original recipe for Şakşuka, so you can check it out.

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 4 slices of bacon, diced 4 slices of bacon, diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 eggplant, diced 1 eggplant, diced
• 2 zucchinis, diced 2 zucchinis, diced
• 4 tomatoes, diced 4 tomatoes, diced
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 12g, 6g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside.
2. 2.
   In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the diced bell pepper, eggplant, and zucchinis to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.
4. 4.
   Stir in the diced tomatoes, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Return the crispy bacon to the skillet and mix well.
6. 6.
   Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bacon — For a healthier alternative, you can use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon. Make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly as turkey bacon tends to cook faster.

Tips & Tricks

• To add a smoky flavor, you can grill the diced eggplant and zucchinis before adding them to the skillet.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce.
• Serve the Soulful Şakşuka with a side of cornbread or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to develop and intensify over time.
• Feel free to customize the dish by adding other vegetables such as okra or corn.

Serving advice

Serve the Soulful Şakşuka hot, either as a main dish or as a side. It pairs well with grilled meats, fried chicken, or even as a topping for baked potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Presentation advice

For an appealing presentation, serve the Soulful Şakşuka in individual bowls or on a large platter. Arrange the colorful vegetables and bacon on top, and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve with a side of cornbread or crusty bread.