Huevos Shakshukos – Shakshuka Recipe with a Mexican Twist on ToriAvey.com
Shakshuka, like many Middle Eastern dishes, has roots in the Ottoman Empire. Originally a meat and vegetable stew known as saksuka, it evolved to an egg-centric dish in North Africa. From Tunisia and Morocco the dish spread throughout the Middle East. Jewish North African immigrants brought it to Israel, where it became very popular. My husband first taught me to make the dish, which he enjoyed throughout his childhood in Israel. For a traditional shakshuka recipe, click here.
I grew up thousands of miles away from Israel in California, where huevos rancheros is much more likely to be on the menu than shakshuka, so it seemed only natural to give this dish a Mexican twist. Huevos rancheros, or ranch-style eggs, are traditionally made from fried or poached eggs served over tortillas with a tomato-chili sauce. The history of brunch in Mexico can be traced to indigenous food customs and European colonialism. The idea to serve eggs during breakfast and brunch came from the United States; huevos rancheros were sort of like Mexico’s answer to America’s eggs Benedict. The dish was often served as a late-morning meal on Mexican farms in rural areas. Over time, huevos rancheros spread from Mexico to the United States. According to local legend Rudy Cisneros, the former owner of Cisco’s Bakery in Austin, Texas, helped to make the dish famous in the states. President Lyndon Johnson is said to have enjoyed huevos rancheros for breakfast at Cisco’s on more than one occasion.
My Mexican-style shakshuka has a nice kick to it; the heat can be adjusted to taste. Creamy avocado, shredded cheese and sour cream complete the dish. Both huevos rancheros and shakshuka are commonly served for breakfast, but I think this could just as easily be made for lunch or dinner. Served on top of warm tortillas or tortilla chips, this is one of my favorite meals for Meatless Monday.
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Huevos Shakshukos
6 servings
5 minutes
35 minutes
Dairy
Description
Two tasty egg dishes from two different parts of the world unite to make one tasty spiced-up breakfast dish. Gluten free, vegetarian, healthy.
Ingredients
- 1 jalapeño
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion peeled and minced
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 4 cups ripe diced tomatoes or 2 cans
- 14 oz prepared vegetarian refried beans 1 can
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 1/4 tsp chili powder
- Pinch cayenne pepper or more to taste
- Salt to taste
- 6 large eggs
- 1/3 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (Monterey jack and cheddar cheese) or 2 oz. cotija cheese
- 1 tbsp freshly chopped cilantro optional, for topping
- 1/2 ripe avocado, sliced thin optional, for topping
- sour cream (for serving - optional)
- Warm tortillas or tortilla chips for serving
Recipe Notes
You will also need: deep large skillet or sauté pan with lid
Instructions
Roast your jalapeño. Learn how here: How to Roast Jalapeños. Peel the charred skin off the jalapeño (if your skin is sensitive protect it with gloves). Most of the spice from the jalapeño comes from the seeds. I prefer this dish spicier, so I leave the seeds in. If you are spice sensitive, take the seeds out of the jalapeño before proceeding.
Heat a deep, large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Slowly warm olive oil in the pan. Add minced onion and sauté for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently, until it softens. Add garlic and continue to sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until mixture is fragrant.
Add tomatoes and refried beans to pan. Stir until blended. Turn heat to medium low and let the mixture heat up.
Mince the peeled roasted jalapeño and add it to the mixture. Stir in the chili powder and tomato paste, then add cayenne and salt to taste. Allow seasoned mixture to cook at a low simmer for about 10 minutes. Adjust seasoning if desired. Careful with the cayenne, it is extremely spicy! The jalapeño adds a kick on its own, so if you're spice sensitive feel free to omit the cayenne completely.
Crack the eggs, one at a time, directly over the tomato bean mixture, making sure to space them evenly over the sauce. The eggs will cook "over easy" style in the tomato bean sauce. Cover the pan.
Allow mixture to simmer for 10-20 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked to your desired doneness. Some people prefer their shakshuka eggs more runny, while others like them hard cooked. Keep an eye on the skillet to make sure that the sauce doesn't reduce too much, which can lead to burning.
Once the eggs have reached your desired doneness, sprinkle the top with shredded cheese or cotija cheese and replace the lid to allow the cheese time to melt. Garnish with sliced avocado and chopped cilantro, if desired. Serve with warm tortillas or tortilla chips. You may also top each serving with a dollop of sour cream.
