Where fresh herbs, creamy eggs, and warm spices meet in a skillet to create a symphony of flavor!
Serves: 2-4 | Time: 30 minutes
Skill Level: Easy to Medium
Introduction
Imagine a bubbling, vibrant green sauce—fragrant with garlic, leafy greens, fresh herbs, and a hint of spice—nestled with perfectly poached eggs. Unlike the classic red shakshuka made with tomatoes and peppers, Green Shakshuka is a verdant dream, as bright on the plate as it is in flavor. Serve it with crusty bread, pita, or even over rice, and your taste buds will be transported straight to brunch paradise.
Now let’s jump into this pan of green goodness and whip up a healthy, show-stopping meal you’ll want to eat any time of day. 🌞
Ingredients
For the Green Base:
- 🥬 2 cups spinach (fresh, washed, and chopped)
- 🌿 1 cup kale (stems removed, roughly chopped)
- 🍃 1 cup fresh herbs (cilantro, parsley, or a mix for max flavor)
- 🧄 4 cloves garlic (finely chopped or minced)
- 🧅 1 large onion (finely diced)
- 🌶️ 1 jalapeño or green chili (seeded for less heat, finely diced)
- 🥒 1 zucchini (grated or finely chopped, optional for texture)
- 🧂 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 🫒 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 🍋 Juice of 1/2 lemon (for a zesty kick!)
- 🧀 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, for a salty finish)
For the Eggs:
- 🍳 4-6 large eggs (depending on skillet size and serving portions)
- 🧂 Pinch of salt and pepper
For Serving:
- 🥖 Warm bread (like pita, sourdough, or naan)
- 🌶️ Chili flakes (optional for heat)
- 🥑 Sliced avocado (optional, for creaminess)
- 🍋 Extra lemon wedges
Equipment
- 1 large skillet (cast iron or non-stick preferred)
- A sharp knife for chopping
- A spatula or wooden spoon
- A lid to cover your skillet
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare Your Greens 🌱
Grab your cutting board and a playlist of your favorite tunes. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop your jalapeño. Then, prep the greens—chop up spinach, kale, and your fresh herbs. You’ll want everything roughly the same size so it cooks evenly.
Pro Tip: If you want an ultra-smooth green base, toss your greens into a blender with a splash of water for a quick blitz.
2️⃣ Sauté and Build the Flavor 🍳
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onion and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring until it’s soft and translucent.
- Stir in the garlic and jalapeño, cooking for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the cumin, and let it toast briefly (20 seconds)—this unlocks its nutty, earthy flavor.
3️⃣ Green It Up! 🥬
Add the spinach, kale, and zucchini (if using). Stir continuously as the greens wilt down and the mix softens.
- Reduce the heat to low.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a splash of water (2-3 tablespoons) if the greens start sticking.
- Once wilted and tender, stir in the fresh herbs and lemon juice for that bright green color and tang.
4️⃣ Make Space for the Eggs 🍳
- Using the back of a spoon, make small wells in the green mixture (one well per egg).
- Gently crack an egg into each well, trying not to break the yolks. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over the eggs.
5️⃣ Poach the Eggs to Perfection ⏲️
- Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook on low heat for 5-7 minutes.
- Check the eggs frequently—your goal is for the egg whites to set but the yolks to remain runny and golden.
Love firmer yolks? Cook for 8-10 minutes.
6️⃣ Finishing Touches ✨
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle generously with crumbled feta (if using) and a pinch of chili flakes for a pop of heat.
- Garnish with a few extra herbs and slices of avocado if you’re feeling fancy.
Serve & Enjoy! 🥖
- Place the skillet in the center of your table and serve warm with crusty bread, pita, or naan for dipping into those luscious greens and golden yolks.
- Add a squeeze of lemon over the top and dive in!
Why You’ll Love It 💚
- Fresh & Healthy: Packed with leafy greens, herbs, and protein-rich eggs, it’s a nutritious powerhouse.
- Bright & Flavorful: The lemon, cumin, and garlic complement the greens perfectly.
- Quick & Versatile: Ready in 30 minutes, this dish works for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.
Bonus Tip: Customize Your Shakshuka
- Add peas or asparagus for extra veggies.
- Want creaminess? Stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt before serving.
- Need more protein? Toss in some cooked chickpeas or shredded chicken.
Now grab your fork, scoop up those creamy eggs and herby greens, and enjoy the vibrant, soul-satisfying goodness of Green Shakshuka. 🌿🍳