Shakshuka Breakfast Sandwich
Makes 4 sandwiches
INGREDIENTS
For the spicy tomato sauce:
* 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
* 1 small yellow onion, chopped
* 1/2 large red bell pepper, seeded and cut into ½-inch dice
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon sweet or smoked paprika
* 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
* 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes
* Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
For everything else:
* 4 large eggs
* 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
* 2 tablespoons finely chopped, fresh flat-leaf parsley or cilantro
* 4 crusty round sandwich rolls, such as kaiser rolls, split, brushed with olive oil and toasted
DIRECTIONS
Make the spicy tomato sauce: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is tender, about 5 minutes. Add the cumin, paprika and cayenne and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes with their juices and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook at a brisk simmer, stirring often, until the juices thicken, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Using the back of a large spoon, make 4 evenly spaced wells in the sauce. Crack an egg into each well. Cover the skillet and simmer over medium-low heat until the whites are set, but the yolks are still runny, 4 to 5 minutes. Season the eggs with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with the cheese and parsley (feta cheese does not melt). Remove from the heat.
For each sandwich, place a roll on a dinner plate. Use a large spoon to transfer an egg and a serving of the sauce onto the roll bottom. Cap with the roll top, cut in half, and serve immediately with a fork and knife.
Conclusion
This shakshuka breakfast sandwich is a creative twist on the classic brunch dish. By incorporating the spicy tomato sauce into a sandwich, chef Owen Han has created a satisfying and filling meal. The addition of feta cheese and parsley adds a burst of flavor, while the avocado provides creaminess. This sandwich is perfect for a weekend brunch or a quick breakfast on-the-go.
FAQs
Q: What is shakshuka?
A: Shakshuka is a North African dish consisting of eggs poached in a spicy vegetable sauce.
Q: What is the significance of using feta cheese in this recipe?
A: Feta cheese adds a salty, tangy flavor to the sandwich and provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of the tomato sauce.
Q: Can I customize this recipe to my taste?
A: Yes, feel free to add or subtract ingredients to suit your taste preferences. For example, you could add sliced avocado or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Q: How do I store leftover shakshuka sauce?
A: Leftover shakshuka sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently before using.
