GREEN SHAKSHUKA WITH SMOKY SOCCA
Try this GREEN SHAKSHUKA WITH SMOKY SOCCA recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this GREEN SHAKSHUKA WITH SMOKY SOCCA recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 small onion minced
- 1 cup warm water
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
- 1 cup cilantro
- 3 large free range eggs
- 8 medium tomatillos (~1 pound) trimmed and cut in half
- 5 large lacinto kale leaves ribs removed
- 1 jalapeno pepper stem removed (i added some seeds f
- olive oil for sauteing
- smoky socca
- 1 cup garbanzo bean flour
- Carbohydrate 79.1931375 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 33.9174625 g
- Fiber 14.7151502714157 g
- Protein 27.217245 g
- Saturated Fat 4.5023365 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Recipe (1251g)
- Sodium 292699.4213269 mg
- Sugar 64.4779872285843 g
- Trans Fat 2.502472 g
- Calories 727 calories
Step-by-step
- Make the socca: In a medium bowl, whisk the garbanzo bean flour, salt, and smoked paprika. Add the warm water while whisking. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and minced garlic, whisk to combine. Cover mixture with plastic wrap and let it sit for 1 hour – or up to 12 hours.
- Place a 12” cast iron skillet (or oven-safe baking dish of the same size) in the oven and preheat to 450°.
- Once heated, remove from the oven and add 2 tablespoons olive oil to the pan; swirl to cover the surface and edges. Give the socca batter one more whisk and add to the hot skillet. Return to the oven and bake for about 13-15 minutes.
- Turn the oven to broil and bake until the edges and top of the socca bread are lightly browned and crisp – about 3-5 minutes.
- Carefully transfer the bread to a large plate or pizza pan and cut into wedges. Serve hot.
- Make the shakshuka: Combine halved tomatillos, kale, ¾ cup cilantro, cumin, and salt in a food processor, and pulse until contents are blended. Set aside.
- Heat a 10” skillet over medium heat, add about 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the onions until soft and translucent – about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté until garlic is soft and fragrant – about 2 minutes. Add the tomatillo mixture and bring the sauce to a light simmer. Cook over medium-low heat for about 12-15 minutes, until half the liquid has cooked off.
- Make divots in the sauce for the eggs. One at a time, crack the eggs into a small bowl and gently transfer to the green sauce. Repeat with remaining eggs. Cook eggs until whites have set (I generally use a cover to speed this process up) about 6-8 minutes.
- Garnish with leftover cilantro and serve with the socca. Enjoy!
A Busy Mom's Guide to a Delicious and Vibrant Green Shakshuka with Smoky Socca
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind of activity. Between juggling work deadlines, school runs, and household chores, finding time for a healthy and delicious meal often feels like a luxury. But what if I told you that a vibrant, flavourful, and surprisingly simple dish could be ready in under an hour? This Green Shakshuka with Smoky Socca is my secret weapon for weeknight dinners – it’s satisfying, packed with nutrients, and impressive enough for a weekend brunch, too.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and flexibility. The socca, a chickpea flour pancake, is incredibly versatile. I often make a double batch on the weekend and keep it in the fridge for quick breakfasts or snacks throughout the week. Its slightly smoky flavour adds a delightful depth to the overall dish. The shakshuka itself is a celebration of fresh, vibrant greens. The tomatillos give it a tartness that balances the richness of the eggs beautifully. I love using lacinto kale for its tender leaves and slightly peppery taste, but spinach or even Swiss chard would work perfectly well, too.
The Socca: A Simple Pleasure
The socca is the star of the show, adding a crispy, satisfying base to this vibrant dish. The simple combination of chickpea flour, water, olive oil, and spices creates a surprisingly light yet flavourful pancake. The secret to a perfectly crispy socca is to let the batter rest for at least an hour – this allows the flour to fully hydrate, resulting in a smoother, more tender texture. But if you're short on time, a shorter resting period will still yield delicious results. Preheat your oven-safe skillet – I love using cast iron for its even heat distribution and beautiful browning – and don't be afraid to crank up the broil at the end for an extra crispy top.
The Shakshuka: A Burst of Flavor
The vibrant green shakshuka is where the true magic happens. This isn't your typical red shakshuka; instead, we're using tomatillos and kale to create a fresh, herbaceous sauce. Tomatillos offer a unique, slightly tart flavour that beautifully complements the eggs and spices. I pulse them in a food processor with kale, cilantro, cumin, and salt for a smooth, vibrant sauce. The onions and garlic add a touch of sweetness and depth, and the cumin lends a warm, earthy note. Cooking the sauce down allows the flavours to meld beautifully, resulting in a rich, complex sauce that's the perfect canvas for the perfectly cooked eggs. Poaching the eggs gently in the sauce ensures their yolks stay wonderfully runny, adding a luxurious richness to each bite.
Making it Your Own: Adaptability is Key
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Feeling adventurous? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Prefer a different green? Spinach or Swiss chard are excellent substitutes for kale. Don't have tomatillos? A mixture of roasted tomatoes and green bell peppers could work well, too. The beauty of cooking is in its flexibility – feel free to experiment and adjust the recipe to suit your preferences and available ingredients.
More than Just a Meal: A Moment of Peace
In the midst of the daily chaos, taking a moment to nourish oneself with a healthy, delicious meal is a small act of self-care. This Green Shakshuka with Smoky Socca is more than just a recipe; it's a reminder to slow down, savor the flavors, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. It’s a testament to the fact that even amidst the busiest schedules, there's always time for a little bit of deliciousness, a little bit of healthy eating, and a whole lot of flavor.
So, the next time you're looking for a quick, healthy, and surprisingly impressive meal, reach for this recipe. It’s a winner in our household, and I hope it becomes a favorite in yours, too. Enjoy!
