Explore a culinary journey that marries Middle Eastern and North African traditions with the hearty, tangy delights of German cuisine. Our German-Inspired Shakshuka is a distinctive twist on the beloved classic, combining the vibrant spices and rich tomato base of traditional Shakshuka with a touch of German flair. 

This mouthwatering recipe includes sauerkraut for a unique tangy twist and is garnished with crumbled German feta or quark cheese. It's a true cross-cultural delight that's perfect for a hearty breakfast or brunch. 

Discover the harmonious blend of flavors and try this German-inspired Shakshuka for a memorable and flavorful culinary experience.

Ingredients:

For the Shakshuka Base:

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 2 cloves of garlic, minced

- 1 red bell pepper, diced

- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced

- 2 teaspoons paprika (German sweet paprika or smoked paprika)

- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds

- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes

- 1 teaspoon sugar

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 1/4 cup sauerkraut (for a German twist)

For the Egg Topping:

- 4-6 large eggs

- Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish:

- Chopped fresh parsley

- Crumbled German feta cheese or quark cheese

- German-style bread, like pretzel bread, for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat.

2. Add the chopped onions and garlic, and sauté until they become translucent.

3. Stir in the diced red and yellow bell peppers and sauté for another 5 minutes, or until they begin to soften.

4. Add the paprika and caraway seeds and sauté for an additional 2 minutes to release their flavors.

5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer the mixture for about 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

6. Add the sauerkraut to the sauce and stir it in. This adds a German twist to the dish and imparts a slightly tangy flavor.

7. Make small wells in the sauce using a spoon and crack an egg into each well. This will allow the eggs to poach in the tomato mixture.

8. Cover the pan and cook for about 7-10 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still slightly runny. You can cook them longer if you prefer fully set yolks.

9. Once the eggs are cooked to your liking, remove the pan from the heat.

10. Garnish the Shakshuka with chopped fresh parsley and crumbled German feta or quark cheese.

11. Serve your German-inspired Shakshuka with slices of German-style bread, such as pretzel bread.

Enjoy your unique fusion of Shakshuka with German flavors, combining the Middle Eastern and North African staple with a touch of German cuisine. It's a flavorful and satisfying dish that's perfect for brunch or a hearty breakfast.

Nutrition Value

For the Shakshuka Base:

1. Olive Oil (2 tablespoons):

  - Calories: 240 kcal

  - Fat: 28 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

  - Protein: 0 grams

  - Sodium: 0 milligrams

2. Onion (1 medium-sized, finely chopped):

  - Calories: 46 kcal

  - Fat: 0 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 11 grams

  - Protein: 1 gram

  - Sodium: 2 milligrams

3. Garlic (2 cloves, minced):

  - Calories: 8 kcal

  - Fat: 0 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 2 grams

  - Protein: 0.4 grams

  - Sodium: 1 milligram

4. Red Bell Pepper (1, diced):

  - Calories: 46 kcal

  - Fat: 0.5 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 9 grams

  - Protein: 1 gram

  - Sodium: 2 milligrams

5. Yellow Bell Pepper (1, diced):

  - Calories: 50 kcal

  - Fat: 0.5 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 12 grams

  - Protein: 1 gram

  - Sodium: 3 milligrams

6. Paprika (2 teaspoons):

  - Calories: 6-10 kcal (varies based on type)

  - Fat: 0.4-0.6 grams (varies based on type)

  - Carbohydrates: 1-2 grams (varies based on type)

  - Protein: 0.3-0.5 grams (varies based on type)

  - Sodium: 1-3 milligrams (varies based on type)

7. Caraway Seeds (1 teaspoon):

  - Calories: 8 kcal

  - Fat: 0.4 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 0.9 grams

  - Protein: 0.3 grams

  - Sodium: 0 milligrams

8. Crushed Tomatoes (14 ounces can, drained weight):

  - Calories: Approximately 70-90 kcal

  - Fat: 0-1 gram

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 14-20 grams

  - Protein: Approximately 2-4 grams

  - Sodium: Approximately 350-450 milligrams

9. Sugar (1 teaspoon):

  - Calories: 16 kcal

  - Fat: 0 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 4 grams

  - Protein: 0 grams

  - Sodium: 0 milligrams

10. Sauerkraut (1/4 cup):

  - Calories: Approximately 5-10 kcal (varies based on brand)

  - Fat: 0 grams

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 1-2 grams (varies based on brand)

  - Protein: 0-1 gram (varies based on brand)

  - Sodium: Approximately 150-300 milligrams (varies based on brand)

For the Egg Topping:

1. Large Eggs (1 egg):

  - Calories: 68 kcal

  - Fat: 5 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 0.6 grams

  - Protein: 6 grams

  - Sodium: 64 milligrams

2. Salt (1 pinch):

  - Calories: 0 kcal

  - Fat: 0 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

  - Protein: 0 grams

  - Sodium: Sodium content varies depending on the amount of salt used, but it's primarily sodium.

3. Pepper (1 pinch):

  - Calories: 0 kcal

  - Fat: 0 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

  - Protein: 0 grams

  - Sodium: Sodium content in ground pepper is minimal and not typically a significant dietary source of sodium.

For Garnish:

Chopped Fresh Parsley (1 tablespoon):

- Calories: 1-2 kcal

- Carbohydrates: Less than 0.5 grams

- Protein: Less than 0.1 grams

- Fat: Less than 0.1 grams

- Sodium: Less than 1 milligram

German Feta Cheese (1 ounce, crumbled):

- Calories: Approximately 80-90 kcal

- Carbohydrates: Less than 1 gram

- Protein: Approximately 4-5 grams

- Fat: Approximately 7 grams

- Sodium: Approximately 300-400 milligrams (varies by brand)

Quark Cheese (1 ounce):

- Calories: Approximately 40-60 kcal (varies by type and brand)

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 2-3 grams

- Protein: Approximately 5-7 grams

- Fat: Approximately 1-3 grams

- Sodium: Approximately 10-40 milligrams (varies by type and brand)

German-Style Bread (1 serving, such as pretzel bread):

- Calories: Approximately 150-250 kcal (varies by size and type)

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-45 grams (varies by type)

- Protein: Approximately 4-10 grams (varies by type)

- Fat: Approximately 1-5 grams (varies by type)

- Sodium: Approximately 300-500 milligrams (varies by type)

Notes

The German-inspired Shakshuka, like many dishes, can be enjoyed by a wide range of individuals without negatively affecting their health, especially when prepared with wholesome ingredients and consumed in moderation. However, there are some considerations to keep in mind:

1. Vegetarians and Meat-Eaters: The dish is suitable for both vegetarians and meat-eaters. It's a flavorful and satisfying option for those looking for a meatless meal, and you can adjust the ingredients to accommodate various dietary preferences.

2. People with No Dietary Restrictions: Individuals without specific dietary restrictions or allergies can generally enjoy this dish, provided they don't have any particular sensitivities to ingredients like onions, garlic, bell peppers, eggs, or dairy.

3. Most Adults and Children: This dish can be suitable for adults and children, but portion size should be adjusted based on age and individual dietary needs.

4. Those with No Lactose Intolerance: People without lactose intolerance can enjoy the German-style cheeses used as a garnish, like feta or quark. However, if lactose intolerance is a concern, there are lactose-free cheese alternatives available.

5. People Without High Blood Pressure Concerns: The sodium content in the dish, primarily from the canned crushed tomatoes, sauerkraut, and cheese, may be a consideration for individuals with high blood pressure. In such cases, you can opt for low-sodium versions of these ingredients or reduce the amount of added salt.

6. People Without Specific Dietary Goals: If someone is watching their calorie intake, they should be mindful of portion sizes and the overall caloric content of the dish.

7. Non-Vegans: This dish contains eggs and dairy (cheese), so it's not suitable for vegans. However, you can make vegan versions of Shakshuka using plant-based ingredients.

As with any food, it's important to consider individual dietary needs and restrictions. Additionally, the overall healthiness of the dish can be influenced by factors such as ingredient quality, preparation methods, and portion sizes. If you have specific dietary concerns or health conditions, it's a good practice to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian to determine how this dish fits into your diet.