Shakshouka Focaccia: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

Shakshouka Focaccia is a delightful blend of Middle Eastern and Italian flavors that will truly awaken your taste buds. This dish marries the traditional flavors of shakshouka with the comforting characteristics of focaccia bread. The result is nothing short of extraordinary. Perfect for brunch or a light dinner, Shakshouka Focaccia will impress your family and friends and leave them requesting seconds.

Imagine biting into a soft, crispy focaccia topped with a rich tomato sauce, spices, and perfectly poached eggs. The combination of spices, including cumin and paprika, adds depth to each bite. This dish is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a wonderfully vibrant display, showcasing the beauty of fresh ingredients.

If you’re seeking a way to shake up your usual meal rotation or impress guests at your next gathering, Shakshouka Focaccia is an incredible option. In this guide, I'll walk you through what makes this dish so special, how to make it, and tips for serving it beautifully. Let’s dive into the world of Shakshouka Focaccia and discover why this recipe should be your next culinary adventure!

Preparation and Cooking Time

In total, preparing Shakshouka Focaccia will take about 2 hours, which includes preparation, resting, and baking. Here’s a breakdown of the time needed:

• Preparation Time: 30-40 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Resting Time: 45 minutes

These times can vary slightly depending on your kitchen skills and equipment, but this outline will provide a solid estimate for your cooking timeline.

Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups warm water
• 1/4 cup olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 large eggs
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Feta cheese (optional, for topping)

Step-by-Step Instructions

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

1. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Gradually add warm water and olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
2. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for about 45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
4. Prepare the Shakshouka Sauce: In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onion and bell pepper until soft. Add garlic, diced tomatoes, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes until flavorful.
5. Roll Out the Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and transfer it to a greased baking sheet. Press it out into a rectangle, about ½ inch thick.
6. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
7. Create Wells for Eggs: Using your fingers, make little wells in the dough. Spoon the shakshouka sauce evenly over the focaccia.
8. Add Eggs: Crack the eggs into the wells of sauce.
9. Bake: Drizzle with olive oil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and the eggs are set to your liking.
10. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley and feta cheese if using. Cut into slices and serve warm.

How to Serve

When it comes to enjoying your Shakshouka Focaccia, presentation and pairings can elevate the experience:

1. Serve Warm: This dish is best enjoyed right out of the oven. The warm eggs and savory sauce create a comforting meal.
2. Pair with Side Dishes: Think of serving with a fresh green salad or a yogurt-based dip for added freshness.
3. Use Beautiful Plates: Present the focaccia on a rustic wooden board or a colorful platter to enhance its visual appeal.
4. Garnish Generously: Don’t forget to add that finishing touch with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. A sprinkle of chili flakes can add a nice kick too!
5. Beverage Pairings: Offer a refreshing drink like iced tea, sparkling water, or even a light white wine to complement the flavors.

This Shakshouka Focaccia recipe is sure to become a staple in your home, merging delightful flavors and beautiful presentation into one incredible dish!

Additional Tips

• Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to try different toppings such as olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or even spicy peppers for an extra kick.
• Serve with Bread: Offer extra pieces of focaccia or crusty bread on the side for dipping into the shakshouka sauce.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the shakshouka sauce a day in advance to save time when you're ready to make the focaccia.
• Adjust Spice Levels: If you enjoy a spicier dish, consider adding harissa or a dash of red pepper flakes to the shakshouka sauce.

Recipe Variation

Get creative! Here are a few variations you might enjoy:

1. Vegetarian Delight: Add more vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or spinach to the shakshouka sauce for added nutrition and flavor.
2. Serve as Mini Focaccia: Instead of making one large focaccia, divide the dough into smaller portions and make individual servings.
3. Cheese Lovers: Incorporate your favorite cheese into the shakshouka sauce, such as mozzarella or goat cheese, for a creamy texture.
4. Breakfast Style: Make mini shakshouka focaccia to enjoy as a breakfast option, using quail eggs if you want something more delicate.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Keep any leftover Shakshouka Focaccia covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the focaccia before baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Special Equipment

Though you will need some basic kitchen tools, here are a few to consider for the best experience:

• Mixing Bowls: For preparing dough and mixing ingredients.
• Baking Sheet: A large baking tray or pan is needed for the focaccia.
• Skillet: For preparing the shakshouka sauce, a skillet or frying pan will work best.
• Parchment Paper: To line your baking sheet and prevent sticking, if desired.
• Pastry Brush: Useful for drizzling olive oil over the focaccia before baking.

Conclusion

Shakshouka Focaccia is a unique culinary creation that beautifully marries the flavors of Middle Eastern and Italian cuisines. Ideal for brunch, lunch, or dinner, this dish is sure to impress. The combination of spices, fresh ingredients, and perfectly poached eggs on golden focaccia makes it truly irresistible. Best of all, it’s adaptable and can be prepared in various ways to suit your tastes. Try this delightful recipe, and let it become a family favorite in your home!