Lush Green Shakshuka
Green is good. Shakshuka traditionally features eggs poached on a spiced, red pepper and tomato base – but with summer just around the corner, I’m looking for a lighter alternative. The lushest green shakshuka has a base of perfectly cooked leeks, garlic and asparagus with the poached eggs finished with fresh herbs – I’ve used dill and basil. Cut into the runny yolk and use it as a sauce for your perfect lush green shakshuka. The warm heat from the Aleppo peppers is a must for me but there are a few alternatives from the region to try; marash pepper, which is a little smokier and hotter; and Antebi pepper with its fruity milder heat.
Serves 2
A knob of butter and 1tbsp of olive oil
½ small leek; halved and finely sliced
3 fat garlic cloves; finely sliced
Bunch of asparagus spears
a splash of vino rancio/ white wine or water
Handful of spinach leaves
3 free-range eggs
Crème fraîche (soured cream)
A few pinches of Aleppo pepper flakes
Basil leaves
Dill fronds
Instructions
Put a wide, heavy-bottomed pan on to heat. Add the butter and oil, swirl the pan to cover the bottom. Start with the asparagus spears, cooking for a couple of minutes before turning. Once you have turned the asparagus spears, add the leeks and garlic to the pan. Continue to cook over a low-medium heat until the asparagus, leeks, and garlic are cooked but not browned. Add the splash of liquid (wine or water) and lay over the spinach leaves to wilt. Reduce the heat to low – remember that heavy-bottomed pans retain heat for longer so you have to think ahead and reduce the heat accordingly; if not you will end up with overcooked eggs.
Now it is time to add the eggs; make little wells for the eggs and carefully crack them in. Cover the pan and cook the eggs until the white is almost completely opaque – but NOT completely set. Remove the cover and remove from the heat. Add the crème fraîche, aleppo pepper flakes and fresh herbs. Drizzle over a little good quality extra virgin olive oil. Serve with wholegrain bread.
James and the flat peach x
