Smoky White Bean Shakshuka

This is a one pot meal that satisfies your hunger and makes use of summer’s bounty. It’s very versatile, adapting to your

tastes.

Ingredients:

 2-3 Tbsp olive oil

 1 yellow onion, diced finely

 green peppers, diced

 2-4 cloves garlic

 6 cups chopped tomatoes

 1 tsp ground coriander

 1 – 1-1/2 tsp smoked paprika (or use sweet paprika if you prefer)

 ½ - 1 tsp ground cumin

 ½ tsp dried oregano

 1/8 tsp crushed red pepper or pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

 Freshly cracked black pepper

 ¼ -1 tsp salt, or to taste

 1 15oz. can cannellini beans

 4-6 large eggs

 1 handful fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped

 2 oz. goat cheese crumbles or feta, crumbled

 ¼ cup mint leaves, chopped

Method:

 Mince the garlic and finely dice the onion and green peppers. Cook in a large deep skillet with olive oil over medium heat until the onions are soft and transparent (about 5 minutes).

 Add the chopped tomatoes and their juices to the skillet. Add the smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, red pepper flakes, and some freshly cracked pepper as well. Stir to combine.

 Allow the sauce to come to a simmer. Let the sauce simmer, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. Add 1/4 tsp salt, then taste the sauce and adjust the salt or other spices to your liking.

 Drain the white beans, add them to the skillet, then stir to combine. Allow the skillet to return to a simmer. Simmer for 2-3 minutes more. It should be thick enough to form a slight hollow with a spoon.

 Crack the eggs into the skillet, then place a lid on top and let them simmer for 5 minutes, or until the whites are set but the yolks are still soft. Top the skillet with crumbled goat cheese or feta and chopped cilantro or parsley.

Notes and Options:

When fresh tomatoes are unavailable substitute 1 28oz. can whole peeled tomatoes, crushing the tomatoes with your hands when adding to the pot. Simmer for 5-10 minutes instead of 20 minutes.

If you aren’t sure about the seasonings, add the smaller amount first. You can always add more after it simmers. For fresh tomatoes, you will probably like the larger amount of salt.

To make this ahead of time, complete all the steps prior to adding the eggs. Refrigerate. When ready to serve, bring the mixture back to a simmer and proceed with the remaining steps.

If you are not a fan of goat cheese or feta, other grated cheeses work well too. You can also change the spices to suit your preferences.