This shakshuka recipe is hearty and filling, but still light and healthy. It's perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal, or even a weekend brunch. And it's so versatile - you can add whatever veggies you have on hand, or even throw in some cooked chicken or sausage.
There are a plethora of blogging friends I've made through Savoring Italy these last few years. Each friend is talented in different ways. One thing we all share in common is our love of great food and some of us even love to share a little bit more than the food. Some of my friends are great story tellers. An excellent food story will transform you in time and bring you to the table with the writer and their subject.
For continuing my #FoodMemory series I reached out to my friend Shulie from Food Wanderings. She right away stated she wanted to write a little about her dad and gave me a brief idea of what her story would entail. I was fascinated and couldn't wait to hear more. There were different recipes that reminded Shulie of her dad. It was so intriguing to hear that shakshuka was something he made when Shulie was growing up. It was even more special to me to have this as the recipe she is sharing because if I had to say what is Shulie's favorite recipe of mine, it would be her shakshuka. Here is Shulie and her Shakshuka story...
My dad grew up to be a joker and a charmer. He playfully cheated when playing with us a game of cards. It might have been poker. He was testing if we were on our toes, sharp. When we caught on to his shenanigans, and it took us a couple, actually more, rounds to realize we were being duped, he threw in the towel so to speak and called off the game before we had a chance to do so. He carried on the same playfulness with his grandchildren whether playing cards or backgammon. They adored him for that. He tickled them silly with his mischievous play. They admired and adored him, still do, for who he was and his tough life story. He is to them Sabba סבא, grandfather in Hebrew.
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, cored, seeded & sliced lengthwise into thin strips
- 1 jalapeño, stemmed, halved & sliced lengthwise into thin strips
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 Roma tomatoes, diced
- 4-8oz tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 4-6 eggs
foodwanderings says
Hey Lora, Thanks for having me in your beautiful space. It was such a pleasure working on this post for your Food Memory series. What a great project and can't wait to read the next food memories and recipes as they get published. 🙂
Susan says
Could this blog get any better? I am loving these family heritage recipes and stories. Shulie's story about her father is most interesting, and the recipe; yummy.
cakeduchess says
Thanks, Susan-your support is greatly appreciated! I love Shulie's story about her dad and her shakshuka-delicious!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
I love this story about your father, Shulie! There's nothing better than a pair of comfortable pj's! Your shakshuka looks wonderful!
foodwanderings says
TY Laura! 🙂
Carolyn says
Aw, great memories, Shulie. And I've been meaning to try shakshuka. Your version looks delish!
Alice // Hip Foodie Mom says
what a wonderful story. . Shulie, your dad sounds like he was a great, sweet man and hard worker. . isn't it so wonderful how our parents show us unconditional love and a good work ethic? at least that is what I have learned from my parents and father. thank you for sharing!
foodwanderings says
Thx so much, Carolyn. Let us know when you try.
foodwanderings says
Aww, Alice, so nice to hear about your parents. True, isn't it?! That generation had a great work ethics, didn't they?! We only hope to live up to that and pass it on. 🙂
Stacy | Wicked Good Kitchen says
Thank you for sharing the story of your father, Shulie! My grandfather was adopted and he was as particular about his PJs as your father was. Too funny! He, too, would stay in his 'lounge wear' past Noon on some days if he didn't need to leave the house when we would stay over night at grandma's house. He always made us kids laugh, too. I must make your shakshuka recipe soon. It looks scrumptious! Thanks again for sharing!
Liz says
Oh, I loved this post, Lora! Shulie is such a talented writer (and cook) and I love learning about her dear father. I met her through you...so thank you for connecting me and for both of your friendships!!! xo
foodwanderings says
Your story of your grandfather, Stacy, put a huge smile on my face. TY.
foodwanderings says
Thx Liz. Oh wow. I didn't remember how we connected. I need to thank Lora as well then for the friendship matchmaking. 🙂
Patty says
Loved this post Lora and Shulie! You've both inspired me with your straight forward heartfelt stories about your fathers. I lost my father this past July and am still feeling the waves of disbelief and memories that pop up -my father also had the 100% cotton pajama thing and a gift of pjs from Nordstrom was always appreciated 😉 thanks again 😉
elisabeth@foodanthrift says
Shulie, thanks for sharing your beautiful, heartfelt, and touching story about your dad. Such vivid memories of his favorite dish, which totally reminds me of a Hungarian style sauce, where we also use the paprika (which happens to be Hungarian)...and the tomatoes, and add the eggs in the end.
Your photos are superb, and the recipe is amazing. I've been wanting to make this dish for the longest time, and now...I got the privilege to have you share this wonderful recipe. Thanks for sharing! Hugs,
Lora, I love this #foodmemory guest post series you started...I would love to share a very special one about my father (your maternal grandfather)...and his favorite dish that he made for us just about every Sunday!
Congratulations, wonderful guest post! xoxo
foodwanderings says
Aww Patty, so sorry for your loss. It's so heartbreaking. Love that your father and mine shared the love for comfy pj's. Looking forward to your writing. It's so cathartic! Your comment is really very touching.
Nancy @ gottagetbaked says
This was such a lovely, vivid and fun tribute from Shulie to her dad. I loved every word and these photos are exquisite. The shakshuka looks incredible!
foodwanderings says
TY so much, Nancy. I am truly touched!
foodwanderings says
TY Elizabeth. Isn't it funny how universal this dish is and each culture can claim it as its own?! Love Hungarian paprika btw. Your words are so meaningful to me. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. 🙂
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen Notes says
Such an interesting story Shulie. Your dad went through really hard times, yet managed to leave a smiling mark on you. That's amazing. Love this post! Those look incredible for a brunch, and you reminded me of the 100% cotton pijamas my ex husband wore, lol!
foodwanderings says
ahahah ex-husband's pajamas, @Paula. 🙂
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