Delicious Tomato and Feta Eggs or Chakchouka
Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey to the heart of North African cuisine? This recipe features the beloved Maghreb dish known as chakchouka – a vibrant blend of tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions, topped with perfectly poached eggs and creamy feta cheese. Perfect for any meal of the day, it’s time to discover the delightful flavors and colorful presentation that will impress your family and friends! Ready to get started?
Recipe Information
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 600 g canned peeled tomatoes
- 2 red bell peppers
- 1 yellow onion
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 pinch Espelette pepper
- 8 large organic eggs
- ½ bunch of chopped coriander
- ½ block of feta cheese
- ½ bunch of chopped parsley
- Olive oil
- Fine salt and fleur de sel (optional)
- 4 pita breads
Instructions
- Chop the bell peppers and onion.
- In a large skillet (preferably cast iron), drizzle olive oil and heat over medium fire. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until fragrant.
- Add the cumin, Espelette pepper, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir in the bell peppers and canned tomatoes.
- Let it cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens.
- Crack the eggs directly into the skillet on top of the vegetable mixture.
- Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for an additional 7 to 10 minutes until the eggs are cooked to your preference.
- Season with pepper, sprinkle chopped herbs, crumbled feta, a touch of fleur de sel, and additional Espelette pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, allowing everyone to dip pita bread into the flavorful sauce.
Notes
This dish can be customized with additional vegetables like zucchini or spinach. Feel free to add spices according to your preference.
Recipe Tips
- For a vegan version, substitute the eggs with tofu scramble and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Serve with a fresh salad for a vibrant and complete meal.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add sliced jalapeños along with the bell peppers.
Nutritional Information
This dish contains approximately 400 calories per serving, rich in protein and healthy fats.
FAQ
- Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make the tomato mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat and then add the eggs when ready to serve.
- What can I substitute for feta cheese?
- For a dairy-free option, crumble some tofu or use vegan cheese alternatives.
- Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
- Absolutely! Just peel and chop about 1 kg of fresh tomatoes to use in place of canned tomatoes.
- How do I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
- This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly, as it is made primarily with vegetables and eggs.
- Is chakchouka gluten-free?
- Yes, the dish itself is gluten-free; just make sure to use gluten-free pita bread for serving.