How To Make Your Own Shakshuka At Home

It’s my favourite dish for brunch with friends, as it’s always a crowd pleaser: a bright start to the day with a pile of crispy zaatar-spiced pitta for dipping in the soft-cooked egg. Serve with yoghurt and olives on the side. 

For the Shakshuka 
3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp fennel seeds
1 onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, sliced
1 large red pepper, de-seeded and thinly sliced 
6 tomatoes, coarsely chopped 
1 can chopped tomatoes 
1 tbsp tomato purée
1 tsp cayenne, or to taste 
1 tbsp sweet paprika 
Handful parsley and coriander, chopped  
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste 
Large chunk of feta, crumbled  
6 large eggs 

For the zaatar (if making your own) 
1 tbsp cumin seeds, toasted 
1 tbsp coriander, toasted  
1 tbsp dried thyme
1 tbsp dry mint
1 tbsp sesame seeds 
1 tbsp dry basil 
1 tbsp dried oregano 
1 tbsp sumac 
1 tsp sea salt 

For the zaatar pitta bread 
4 large round pitta breads 
4 tbsp olive oil 
4 tbsp zaatar mix

Method for the Shakshuka 
1. Heat large pan over a medium-low heat with the olive oil, cumin and fennel seeds.
2. As they start to sizzle, stir in the onion and garlic and cook for a few minutes.
3. Add the red pepper and cook for about 10 mins before adding the tomatoes (fresh and tinned), paprika, cayenne, and half the chopped herbs. Season to taste and leave to simmer for 15 minutes. Stir often so that the sauce doesn’t stick to the bottom, and add a splash of water if necessary. 
4. Remove from heat and make small holes in the sauce, before gently cracking in the eggs. Cook until eggs are just set, 7 to 10 minutes, and cover the pan with a large lid for the final few minutes. 
5. Sprinkle with feta, and the remaining herbs. Serve with yoghurt and zaatar spiced pitta bread for dipping. 

Zaatar spiced pitta bread
You can use store-bought zaatar or make your own (recipe below).  Zaatar is a flavourful Middle Eastern spice blend. 

Method for zaatar (if making your own) 
1. Dry-roast the cumin and coriander seeds in a frying pan for 1 minute, until fragrant.  
2. Mix together with remaining ingredients. Store in an airtight container.

Method for the zaatar pitta bread
1. Heat oven to 180 C
2. Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle 1 tablespoon zaatar on each pitta bread.
3. Bake in oven for 10 mins.

Whisked Away is a series by food writer and enthusiast Georgia Bateman. Unable to travel like she used to, Georgia is dreaming of places and food from around the world. Her recipes are inspired by these destinations but not intended to be true representations of local dishes.