Shakshouka Focaccia: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You Must Try

Shakshouka Focaccia is a delightful twist on two beloved dishes: Shakshouka and focaccia. This amazing recipe combines the fluffy, herb-infused bread of focaccia with the vibrant, spiced tomato sauce and poached eggs typically found in Shakshouka. The result is a dish that’s not only visually stunning but also packed with flavor. If you’re looking for a unique and satisfying dish that can be served for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner, this is the recipe for you!

Shakshouka is a North African dish that has won hearts all over the globe. Its combination of eggs, tomatoes, and spices creates a wonderful medley of flavors. Focaccia, on the other hand, is a classic Italian bread that’s known for its soft, chewy texture and olive oil richness. By merging these two recipes, we create a beautifully layered dish, perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Imagine cutting into a crispy, homemade focaccia, revealing the luscious flavors of Shakshouka nestled within. Each bite delivers a warm, comforting blend of spices, freshness from herbs, and rich, textured bread that absorbs the delicious sauce. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about making Shakshouka Focaccia, including why you’ll love this recipe, preparation time, and easy step-by-step instructions.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Making Shakshouka Focaccia is a joyfully engaging process. Here’s how the time breaks down:

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
• Rising Time: 1-2 hours (depends on room temperature)

In total, expect to spend about 2 hours on this dish, including both preparation and rising time. The hands-on work is relatively short!

Ingredients

• For the Focaccia:
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 ½ cups warm water
• ¼ cup olive oil

• For the Shakshouka:
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 bell peppers (any color), diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 6 large eggs
• Fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro), for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating Shakshouka Focaccia is straightforward if you follow these simple steps:

1. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Gradually add warm water and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms.
2. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. First Rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Prepare the Shakshouka Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell peppers, and sauté until softened (about 5-7 minutes). Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in crushed tomatoes, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. Shape the Focaccia: Once dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a greased baking tray. Press the dough out to fit the tray, creating a slight lip on the edges.
7. Layer the Shakshouka: Pour the prepared Shakshouka sauce evenly over the focaccia dough. Make small wells in the sauce and carefully crack the eggs into each well.
8. Final Rise: Cover the dish and let it rest for about 20-30 minutes to rise again.
9. Preheat Oven: While the dough rises, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
10. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden and the eggs are set to your liking.
11. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle fresh herbs on top before serving.

These steps will guide you in creating this incredible dish with ease.

How to Serve

When it comes to serving Shakshouka Focaccia, consider the following tips to enhance the experience:

1. Sharing Style: Serve directly from the baking tray, allowing guests to help themselves. This creates a warm, communal atmosphere.
2. Cut and Serve: Cut into squares or slices, ensuring each portion has a piece of egg and a generous amount of sauce.
3. Dressing Up: Drizzle a little more olive oil or balsamic glaze on top for added flavor and presentation.
4. Accompaniments: Offer crusty bread on the side for dipping, or a fresh salad to balance the dish.
5. Beverage Pairing: This dish pairs beautifully with a light white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

By taking the time to consider how you serve your Shakshouka Focaccia, you’ll create a memorable dining experience for everyone involved. Enjoy this incredible fusion dish that’s sure to impress!

Additional Tips

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for the freshest vegetables and herbs to enhance the flavor of your Shakshouka Focaccia.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste. Adding more cumin or a bit of cinnamon can personalize the flavor.
• Test the Dough: Before baking, make sure the focaccia dough is properly risen. A well-risen dough will create a fluffy texture.

Recipe Variation

Get creative with variations on Shakshouka Focaccia to keep things exciting:

1. Add Meat: Incorporate ground lamb or beef into the shakshouka sauce for added protein and heartiness.
2. Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle feta or goat cheese on top before baking for a creamy addition.
3. Vegetable Boost: Add diced zucchini or spinach to the shakshouka mix for extra nutrition.
4. Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like oregano, thyme, or dill for a unique aromatic touch.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked Shakshouka Focaccia for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn.

Special Equipment

Here are some essential tools you might need while preparing your Shakshouka Focaccia:

• Large Mixing Bowl: Necessary for mixing and kneading the focaccia dough.
• Skillet: A sturdy skillet for sautéing the vegetables and cooking the shakshouka sauce.
• Baking Tray: Use a rimmed baking tray to keep everything contained while baking.
• Towel or Plastic Wrap: For covering the dough during the rising process.

Conclusion

Shakshouka Focaccia is a vibrant and hearty dish that beautifully marries the flavors of two culinary favorites. The airy focaccia serves as a perfect base for the rich and spicy shakshouka sauce, creating a meal that's comforting yet unique. This recipe encourages creativity and can easily adapt to different tastes, making it a delightful choice for any occasion. Your friends and family will surely be impressed, and you will find joy in every delicious bite!