Before we start discussing anything, I’d like to tell you right away what not to do when you make Shakshuka. Do not burn it!
OK, now let’s take a few steps back and start from the beginning.
When I saw this photo in Sunset magazine (09/09 issue) for Paprika Tomatoes with Poached Eggs (Shakshouka), it has struck a chord with me. In an instant it reminded me of a similar dish that my father once cooked for us. It happened 6 years ago.
I told you a bit about my father and our family history in some posts, and you might know that he passed away about 7 weeks ago.
We did not share too many meals together as most of my life we lived in different continents. But the sight of that photo with the eggs cooked in tomato sauce brought up a very good memory of him which I would like to cherish.
Thank you Foodbuzz for accepting my proposal to write this post.
* * *
6 years ago my first child was born. I was in a new country away from my family and friends. At that time, with only one week apart, my best friend and my cousin gave birth to their first children in a different place across the ocean. It was very depressing for me to go through this exciting time pretty much alone. Shortly after the birth, my father came to visit us. He helped me a lot and supported me when I needed it the most. He was there, patient, helpful, understanding, supporting, and trying to do whatever he can to lend a hand.
He sure did a lot.
He taught me that wiping a baby’s tooches all day long with only wipes is not good. “You have to wash a baby’s bottom with water a soap”, he said and showed me how to do it.
He changed diapers too, gave baths, and even babysat for the kids
He played with them
… and he played for them (the guitar is now standing in the corner of our family room, waiting quietly to be played again)
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He made sure to come and celebrate our birthdays
And he cooked us a few dinners.
Only… he burnt most of them.
Well, some of it was still edible but each person got a smaller portion. I kind of like the taste of little bits of charred food,but in small quantities, you know… So this has started a joke and from that time on my husband and me used to tease him and say that he always burns the food when he cooks. He, of course, denied it.
In the past 8 years we got to meet 1-2 times a year. We ate out together, I cooked for him, he cooked for me, but I will never forget this particular dish that he cooked for us in our home. He had no recipe. In fact, he never used any written recipes. Like in many other areas of life so with cooking, he improvised and was optimistic about the results. His style of cooking was simple as he was a simple man who didn’t like to make things complex. He was down to earth, used basic ingredients, was a bit traditional, and not very fancy. A steak/chicken/salmon/lamb chops with mashed potatoes/fries and grilled vegetables kind of guy.
On that particular night, my husband and I were busy trying to calm down our non-stop crying baby. The only thing that calmed the baby down was when my husband put him in his car seat on the laundry dryer and turned the machine on. (Talk about feeling like failure as a new mom! I couldn’t calm my baby but the dryer was doing it!!!) Meanwhile, my dad cooked dinner, eggs cooked in tomato sauce. Burnt a la mode.
There are many recipes for this dish on the internet but I was looking for one that was the most simple and basic, like my father was, and with ingredients that I always have in the pantry (and most chances that you have them too) so whenever I think about him and I’m hungry, I can make it immediately.
I feel like this particular dish will always remind of him. One recipe that connects us and another way to remember him and the few good years that we had together.
I miss you, David.
My recipe is based on one I found on Epicurious.com as the story behind it was very convincing that this IS the one recipe.
Simple Shakshuka
Makes 2-4 servings
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
salt
black pepper, ground
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1 tablespoon tomato paste
4 eggs
In a 10-12 inch skillet, heat the olive oil and garlic over medium heat until the garlic starts to release its aroma.
Remove the skillet from the heat source and carefully add the canned tomatoes (it will sizzle). Add the salt, black pepper, paprika, and tomato paste, stir. Bring to a simmer and cook, uncovered, over low heat until it thickens, for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Break the eggs over the tomato sauce and season with more salt and pepper. Increase the heat to medium, cover and continue to cook for about 4-7 minutes, until the eggs are set and their tops look white and not runny (but still soft inside), or cook longer as you like.
Bring the skillet to the table. Serve with rustic bread or warmed pita.
Variations:
Use fire roasted tomatoes for a more smoky flavor
Add onions, peppers, arugula, spinach, chilies… Sauté them before adding the tomatoes.
Add spices: chili powder, cumin, hot paprika
Garnish with parsley, cilantro, cheese, sour cream
If you like (or even LOVE) my blog, please take 2 minutes to nominate it for a Foodbuzz Food Blog Award?
Thanks! Nurit
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Categories : Family, Main dishes/entrées, Recipes
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Joan Nova
September 27th, 2009 at 10:52 am
That’s a very touching and obviously heartfelt story that you shared with us.
Joan Nova´s last blog ..Foodbuzz 24, 24, 24: La Fiesta del Pavo Borracho (The Drunken Turkey Party)
Jennifer Nicole
September 28th, 2009 at 1:34 am
What a beautiful post, with a spectacular-looking dish to go along with it. Thank you so much for sharing.
(And I’m definitely nominating you. You more than deserve it.)
Jennifer Nicole´s last blog ..Aquired Aesthetics: Maris Naturals
Zahavah
September 28th, 2009 at 6:28 am
I love shakshuka and this looks like a great, basic recipe. Thank you for sharing the recipe and story. Food makes great memories.
Natasha - 5 Star Foodie
September 28th, 2009 at 8:04 am
What a beautiful post, great tribute to your dad. Shakshuka looks excellent, I’ve never had this specialty and would love to try soon.
Natasha – 5 Star Foodie´s last blog ..Foodbuzz 24, 24, 24: Dinner with Martha Washington
Chuck
September 28th, 2009 at 8:32 am
Great story! The Shakshuka looks amazing and wish I had it for breakfast instead of the Mcdonald’s borrito lol. I have to make this. Thanks for sharing!
Chuck´s last blog ..Harvest Squash Bread
Deb
September 28th, 2009 at 9:09 am
I think this is my favorite post that I’ve read on your blog! I loved the memories you’ve made with your dad and food. I know you must miss him a lot! And as much as I like food…I’m not sure I’ve ever tried anything like this egg/tomato dish!
Deb´s last blog ..A Jumper Remake
Belinda@zomppa
September 28th, 2009 at 10:28 am
He’s is PRECIOUS. And I’m gonna try this….
Belinda@zomppa´s last blog ..Photo of the Day: A Peachy Life
Cookie
September 28th, 2009 at 10:39 am
Eggs poached in tomato sauce sounds just perfect! I’m gonna have to try this!
Cookie´s last blog ..Being REALLY Creative with these Muffins!
Shirley
September 28th, 2009 at 12:54 pm
Your dad looks like a very special person. I can’t think of many grandfathers that are changing diapers (and washing the whole thing with soap and water!) and playing guitar…
Your post is very touching. Hope the new year will bring better and happier time for you.
Love your שקשוקה, wouldn’t mind to have one right now
lo
September 28th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
Wonderful — both the story and the recipe!
My memories of Chakchouka stem from eating it during a stay in Tunisia in the early nineties. Great stuff — but quite different from this version, as harissa paste is subbed in for the paprika. Great stuff — but definitely on the spicy side.
lo´s last blog ..Roasted Chicken with Provencale Pistou
Dana
September 28th, 2009 at 5:16 pm
Such a lovely post, Nurit. I love hearing the stories about your father. I still feel so sorry for your loss. I hope you are finding some healing through the writing.
Dana´s last blog ..Super Soba Noodles
Nate
September 28th, 2009 at 11:11 pm
Hellow, fellow “24″er!
Beautiful, touching post! The recipe so simple but who says the ultimate meal has to be complex?
Nate´s last blog ..Foodbuzz 24, 24, 24: The Making of a Sarawak Layer Cake
CakeSpy
September 29th, 2009 at 9:14 am
Love and delicious food: I’ve come to expect no less!! Funny timing as Danny and I JUST tried shakshuka for the first time and were wondering how one would go about making it. How apropos!
CakeSpy´s last blog ..A Cake Bakes in Brooklyn: An Outer-Borough Version of Basbousa for Serious Eats
sippitysup
September 29th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
It’s not easy to make me cry… but I have been on a “dad” thing recently lately. No tragedies like you have suffered, just that feeling that I want to be closer to him. This post really drives that home. Thanks GREG
lisaiscooking
September 29th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
This post was a lovely way to share your memories. Your shakshuka looks delicious!
lisaiscooking´s last blog ..MangO Salmon Salad
Tamar
September 29th, 2009 at 5:39 pm
Oh Ya!!! When abba and I went to Isreal I feel in love with Shakshuka. Thanks for the reminder. I’ll make is with Matt soon.
xoxoxo
Kelly
September 30th, 2009 at 10:25 am
I absolutely adore everything about this post. Made me smile while being misty-eyed. Thank you for sharing, you brought back memories of my Dad cooking. He never burned anything but he did use a TON of butter… Paula Deen had nothing on him hahaha
I have never had Shakshuka, this sounds absolutely divine, I MUST MUST try it! Thank you for the inspiration!
Alta
September 30th, 2009 at 12:09 pm
Thank you so much for sharing this about your father. It must have been hard, having him so far from you. But sounds wonderful that you could share wonderful times when you were together. And Shakshuka looks divine, I will have to make!
Nurit - 1 family. friendly. food.
October 1st, 2009 at 10:42 am
Hey everyone, thank you for your lovely words, they are heart warming. My father was indeed a special grandfather, yes, not too many men out there who will take care of a baby that way.
zehill
October 1st, 2009 at 11:52 am
I think I’ll make this tonight – what a wonderful way to remember your father, burnt bits and all.
Revital
October 2nd, 2009 at 2:21 pm
Nurit
I enjoyed very much reading your blog today. smells and tastes take us in our mind to many journies in our lifetime. It has a very special efect if it is a loved one who we are missing…I, as you know, lost my dad not long ago. My dad was a great cook,and in our family, everyone agree that his cooking was the best we have ever known. If I think about it more, I also would like to mention that my dad was not a verbal person, he spoke to us through cooking…What I realized when I read your blog today, is that both our dads shared the same name….My god bless their soul.
Kristin Price
October 2nd, 2009 at 4:56 pm
What a touching post. Thank you for sharing your stories and your recipes.
Sheryl
October 4th, 2009 at 6:53 pm
I had not checked on your blog for awhile. But when I read this I remembered why I had it bookmarked. Thank you for the reminder. It is such a nice piece.
Paula Thomas
October 5th, 2009 at 7:44 am
Shakshuka looks like an interesting dish. Never heard of it. Looks kind of like a mexican dish but the name doesn’t.
emiglia
October 6th, 2009 at 4:34 am
What a great way to remember your dad! Love the post…
emiglia´s last blog ..Decisions, decisions…
Sam@BingeNYC
October 7th, 2009 at 9:01 am
My mama used to make something very similar to this! Such delicious comfort food. That picture of the baby in the sink made me smile, what a lovely post!
Janis
October 19th, 2009 at 7:41 am
What a beautiful piece you wrote. Not only do I like the recipe but I really loved the story.
Janis´s last blog ..Lamb, Lobster and a whole lot of fun
Solina
November 4th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
I diddn’t know about this dish but,Sweet post on your dad. And what cute children you have!
Solina´s last blog ..Dolma – part 1
28 Comments