Spanish-style Şakşuka

Ingredients

While the Turkish Şakşuka typically includes eggplant, this Spanish adaptation replaces it with zucchini, a common ingredient in Spanish cuisine. Additionally, the spices are adjusted to incorporate the flavors commonly found in Spanish dishes, such as smoked paprika and saffron. We alse have the original recipe for Şakşuka, so you can check it out.

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 zucchinis, diced 2 zucchinis, diced
• 4 ripe tomatoes, diced 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• A pinch of saffron threads A pinch of saffron threads
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 150 kcal / 628 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 18g, 10g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the diced red and green bell peppers to the pan. Cook for 5 minutes, until they start to soften.
4. 4.
   Stir in the diced zucchinis and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
5. 5.
   Add the diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, ground cumin, saffron threads, salt, and pepper to the pan. Mix well.
6. 6.
   Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. 7.
   Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Zucchini — Make sure to dice the zucchini into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Saffron threads — To enhance the flavor, soak the saffron threads in a tablespoon of warm water for a few minutes before adding them to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smoky flavor, you can grill the bell peppers before dicing them.
• Serve the Spanish-style Şakşuka with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Feel free to add a pinch of chili flakes if you prefer a spicier version.
• This dish tastes even better the next day, so consider making it in advance for enhanced flavors.
• Experiment with different herbs such as thyme or oregano to add a personal touch to the dish.

Serving advice

Serve the Spanish-style Şakşuka as a main course accompanied by a fresh green salad and crusty bread. It can also be served as a side dish alongside grilled meats or fish.

Presentation advice

Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add a pop of color. Serve it in a shallow bowl or on a large platter to showcase the vibrant colors of the vegetables.