FoodExplore North African flavors: Easy shakshuka recipe and other bread-free dinner options

Explore North African flavors: Easy shakshuka recipe and other bread-free dinner options

A simple recipe for shakshuka.
A simple recipe for shakshuka.
Images source: © Adobe Stock

5:57 AM EST, February 3, 2024, updated: 4:25 AM EST, March 7, 2024

Dinner is more than monotonous sets of sandwiches that we often consume at the end of the day. It's beneficial to experiment with diverse dishes that go beyond bread. This opens you up to new flavors and aromas. Allow yourself the thrill of culinary discoveries. Here we present several intriguing proposals.

A taste of North Africa: Shakshuka for dinner

Join us on a culinary journey to North Africa, home of the popular dish, shakshuka. This exceptionally flavorful dish that includes eggs stewed in tomato sauce is an excellent choice for dinner. Here's a shakshuka recipe that will surely redefine your perception of the last meal of the day.

Ingredients:

  • 0.88 lb of tomatoes (fresh or canned),
  • 4 eggs,
  • red onion,
  • 2 cloves of garlic,
  • bell pepper (any color or a mix),
  • a tablespoon of olive oil,
  • spices: 1 teaspoon each of smoked paprika, harissa, cumin, brown sugar, salt, pepper,
  • optional: chili pepper.

Preparation:

  1. Heat the olive oil in a pan and glaze the finely chopped onion. Add garlic, bell pepper, and optionally, chili pepper.
  2. Add all the spices and mix thoroughly. Add the tomatoes (ensure fresh ones are peeled) and cook, covered, over low heat for about 10 minutes.
  3. Create 4 wells in the sauce and crack the eggs into them. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Cover the pan and fry the eggs until you reach the preferred level of egg yolk consistency.
  5. You can sprinkle the finished shakshuka with chives or cilantro if desired.

Exciting options for bread-free dinners:

  • Salad with salmon and grilled vegetables: Combine grilled salmon with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and corn. Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
  • Baked chicken with vegetables: Bake chicken breast with sweet potatoes, broccoli, and carrot. Season with herbs and spices according to your taste.
  • Scrambled tofu with spinach: Fry scrambled tofu with spinach, tomatoes, and onion. Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices.
  • Hummus with vegetables and crispy toast: Prepare hummus using chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. Serve with an assortment of sliced vegetables like bell pepper, carrot, and celery, accompanied by crispy toast.

Remember, a dinner without bread can be just as satisfying and delightful as a traditional meal. Don't hesitate to experiment with different ingredients and uncover your unique favorite combinations!

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