Paleo Israeli Brunch: Shakshuka with Quinoa Stuffed Peppers and Zesty Cucumber Salad

Allergens

Eggs, Soy (in vegetable broth)

Ingredients

• 2 large bell peppers, halved and seeds removed
• 1 cup uncooked quinoa
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 4 large eggs
• 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a small saucepan, combine quinoa and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until cooked. Set aside.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in tomatoes, paprika, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5 7 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
5. Grease a baking dish large enough to hold both halves of each bell pepper. Place the bell pepper halves in the prepared dish, with the insides facing up.
6. Spoon the cooked quinoa into the bell pepper halves, filling them completely. Top with the tomato sauce, ensuring that it is evenly distributed among the peppers.
7. Create four small indentations in the sauce of each bell pepper half and crack an egg into each indentation. Season with salt and black pepper.
8. Bake for 20 25 minutes or until the egg whites are set but yolks are still runny.
9. Meanwhile, combine cucumber, red onion, parsley, cilantro, lemon juice, and olive oil in a bowl. Toss well to combine.
10. Remove shakshuka from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Chef’s Insight

To create the perfect shakshuka, be sure to cook the tomato sauce long enough to develop its rich flavors and slightly thicken it. This will enhance the overall mouthfeel of the dish.

Notes

Adjust the spice level of this dish to your preference by adding more or less cayenne pepper.