Eggs for Dinner: A Hearty Shakshuka Recipe

Hello, permaculture pals! Are you wondering what to do with that fresh bounty of eggs your chickens have been generously providing? Well, we’ve got the perfect dinner solution for you. Let’s get adventurous and cook up a delicious, cozy, one-skillet dish called Shakshuka. Originally from North Africa and popular in Middle Eastern cuisine, this dish features poached eggs in a simmering tomato sauce, spiced with cumin, paprika, and cayenne. It’s a wonderful way to use your fresh, home-laid eggs!

Ingredients:

• 6 fresh eggs from your backyard chickens (or the grocery store)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of cumin
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (or adjust to your preferred heat level)
• 1 can (28 oz) of whole peeled tomatoes, or equivalent fresh if in season
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the pan, sautéing until they soften, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for another minute until the garlic is fragrant and the spices are well distributed.
3. Add the tomatoes with their juice. Break them up a bit with your spoon. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The sauce should thicken slightly.
4. Make little wells in the sauce with your spoon and carefully crack an egg into each one. Season the eggs with a little salt and pepper.
5. Cover the skillet again and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked to your liking.
6. Once done, remove from heat. Garnish your Shakshuka with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve it right out of the skillet. It pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread to mop up the delicious sauce.

This Shakshuka recipe is a testament to the versatility of eggs and the magic of simple, wholesome ingredients. It’s a great way to shake up your dinner routine while making the most of your garden’s and chicken coop’s bounty.

Enjoy your Shakshuka, and remember to share your culinary creations with us using the tags #permacultureposse and #guideyourgarden.

Happy cooking and happy farming!