Shakshouka Focaccia: A Unique Twist on a Classic Dish

Shakshouka Focaccia is a delightful fusion dish that brings together the vibrant, savory flavors of the classic Middle Eastern shakshouka and the fluffy texture of homemade focaccia. This unique twist elevates your brunch game, making it not just a meal but an experience that youโ€™ll want to share with friends and family.

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Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe

  • A Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices in shakshouka paired with soft, yeasty bread creates a mouth-watering balance.
  • Perfect for Sharing: This dish is ideal for brunch gatherings, as itโ€™s easy to serve and everyone loves to dig in.
  • Customizable: You can easily adapt the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
  • Simple Ingredients: The recipe uses common pantry staples, making it both accessible and budget-friendly.
  • Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors and textures make this dish a stunning centerpiece on any table.

Ingredients Youโ€™ll Need

The ingredients for Shakshouka Focaccia are simple yet essential, each contributing to the incredible taste, texture, and color of the dish. Hereโ€™s what youโ€™ll need:

  • All-Purpose Flour: The base of the focaccia, providing a light and fluffy texture.
  • Active Dry Yeast: Essential for leavening, giving the bread its height and airy structure.
  • Warm Water: Activates the yeast, ensuring a proper rise.
  • Olive Oil: Adds richness to the dough and enhances the flavor of the focaccia.
  • Salt: Essential for flavor, balancing the sweetness of the dough.
  • Tomatoes: A core ingredient for shakshouka, providing a juicy, tangy base.
  • Bell Peppers: Adds color and sweetness, making the dish more vibrant.
  • Onion: Offers a savory depth to the shakshouka mix.
  • Garlic: Infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic flavor.
  • Spices (Cumin, Paprika, Chili Powder): These spices create the signature shakshouka flavor profile.
  • Eggs: The star of the shakshouka, adding protein and richness.
  • Fresh Herbs (Cilantro or Parsley): For garnish, adding a fresh, vibrant touch to the dish.

Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Variations for Shakshouka Focaccia

This Shakshouka Focaccia recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences or dietary needs. Feel free to get creative!

  • Vegetarian Delight: Add in more vegetables like zucchini or spinach for a hearty twist.
  • Cheesy Focaccia: Sprinkle some feta or mozzarella cheese into the shakshouka mix for added creaminess.
  • Spicy Kick: Incorporate sliced jalapeรฑos or a dash of hot sauce to give it a fiery edge.
  • Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano for a unique flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Shakshouka Focaccia: A Unique Twist on a Classic Dish

How to Make Shakshouka Focaccia

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. Then, add the olive oil, salt, and flour gradually, mixing until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth.

Step 2: Let It Rise

Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 to 2 hours or until it has doubled in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Shakshouka Sauce

While the dough is rising, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and bell peppers, sautรฉing until soft. Stir in minced garlic, diced tomatoes, and spices. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Assemble the Focaccia

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and spread it into a greased baking pan. Make dimples in the dough with your fingers and pour the shakshouka sauce over it, creating wells for the eggs.

Step 5: Bake and Add Eggs

Bake the focaccia in a preheated oven at 400ยฐF (200ยฐC) for about 20 minutes. Carefully crack the eggs into the wells of the sauce and return to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the eggs are set to your liking.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh herbs. Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Pro Tips for Making Shakshouka Focaccia

  • Measure Accurately: Ensure your ingredients are measured correctly for the best results.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs make a significant difference in flavor.
  • Experiment with Spices: Adjust the spice levels according to your taste preferences.
  • Be Patient with Rising: Allow the dough enough time to rise for optimal texture.
  • Watch the Eggs: Keep an eye on the eggs while baking to avoid overcooking.

How to Serve Shakshouka Focaccia

Garnishes

Enhance the visual appeal and flavor of your Shakshouka Focaccia by garnishing it with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil for added richness.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, yogurt, or even a side of crisp roasted vegetables to round out your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, serve the Shakshouka Focaccia directly from the baking dish, allowing guests to tear off pieces. Alternatively, slice it into squares and arrange them on a platter with dipping bowls of extra sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure it cools completely before sealing to maintain freshness.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this dish at a later time, you can freeze the fully baked focaccia. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it will last up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat your Shakshouka Focaccia, simply place it in the oven at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven will help keep the bread nice and crispy.

FAQs

Can I make Shakshouka Focaccia without eggs?

Absolutely! You can omit the eggs or use a vegan egg substitute to create a delicious egg-free version.

How do I know when the focaccia is done baking?

The focaccia should be golden brown on top, and the eggs should be set but still slightly runny in the center. A toothpick inserted into the bread part should come out clean.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the texture may be denser. You might need to adjust the water content slightly.

What other toppings can I add?

Feel free to add toppings like olives, capers, or different types of cheese before baking for a unique twist!

How long does the dough need to rise?

The dough should rise for about 1 to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. Warmer environments may shorten this time.

Final Thoughts

If youโ€™re looking to impress at your next brunch, look no further than this Shakshouka Focaccia. Itโ€™s not just a meal; itโ€™s a delightful experience waiting to unfold on your table. So roll up your sleeves, grab those simple ingredients, and let the magic happen in your kitchen. You wonโ€™t regret giving this unique twist a try!

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Shakshouka Focaccia

Shakshouka Focaccia

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  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Brunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Shakshouka Focaccia is a delightful fusion dish that combines the vibrant flavors of Middle Eastern shakshouka with the fluffy texture of homemade focaccia, creating an impressive brunch experience.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Focaccia Dough

  • 4 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups Warm Water
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil
  • 1 teaspoon Salt

Shakshouka Sauce

  • 2 cups Tomatoes, diced
  • 1 Bell Pepper, chopped
  • 1 Onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder

Eggs and Garnish

  • 4โ€“6 Eggs
  • Fresh Herbs (Cilantro or Parsley) for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. Then, add the olive oil, salt, and flour gradually, mixing until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth.
  2. Let It Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 to 2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
  3. Prepare the Shakshouka Sauce: While the dough is rising, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and bell peppers, sautรฉing until soft. Stir in minced garlic, diced tomatoes, and spices. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Assemble the Focaccia: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and spread it into a greased baking pan. Make dimples in the dough with your fingers and pour the shakshouka sauce over it, creating wells for the eggs.
  5. Bake and Add Eggs: Bake the focaccia in a preheated oven at 400ยฐF (200ยฐC) for about 20 minutes. Carefully crack the eggs into the wells of the sauce and return to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the eggs are set to your liking.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh herbs. Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Measure Accurately: Ensure your ingredients are measured correctly for the best results.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs make a significant difference in flavor.
  • Experiment with Spices: Adjust the spice levels according to your taste preferences.
  • Be Patient with Rising: Allow the dough enough time to rise for optimal texture.
  • Watch the Eggs: Keep an eye on the eggs while baking to avoid overcooking.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 180mg
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