WATCH: Discovering the irresistible allure of shakshuka
Join Kayla Sprague as she takes you on a mouthwatering journey to the heart of Jerusalem's Shuk (market) and introduces us to the one dish that has captivated the hearts and stomachs of Israelis everywhere: the beloved shakshuka.
Click on the video above to watch or read the transcript below.
Are you hungry? I'm Kayla Sprague here in the market in the heart of Jerusalem, bringing you a delicious All Israel 101. Let me tell you about one dish that is still in the hearts and stomachs of Israelis everywhere. Shakshuka.
Let me paint you a picture. Imagine a skillet filled with rich spicy tomato sauce and simmering with peppers, onions and garlic. Now imagine cracking a few eggs into that sauce and letting it poach to perfection. This, my friends, is shakshuka. But to Israelis, shakshuka is more than just a dish. It's a way of life.
They'll eat it for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and any time in between. It's like their version of pizza or tacos with a Middle Eastern twist.
Some like it with feta cheese, others prefer it with cumin. Some like it with the runny yolk, others like it fully cooked through. But one thing is for sure, they all agree it's delicious.
The origins of shakshuka is hotly debated, with claims tracing back to Algeria, Libya, Morocco, Egypt, Turkey and Yemen. However, it's important to note that tomatoes and peppers are New World ingredients introduced to the region after the Columbian exchange, suggesting the dish has likely evolved over time. It was North African Jewish immigrants who brought shakshuka to Israel in the 1950s during their mass migration.
Despite its long history in the region, the dish didn't gain widespread popularity on Israeli menus until the 1990s. Over time, it's become a staple. It's embraced by locals and visitors alike.
It's delicious. It's iconic. It represents the country's diverse culinary influences.
Now, I've got to be honest with you, when I first moved to Israel, I was a little skeptical about shakshuka. I mean, eggs and tomato sauce. It sounded a little strange to me, but after trying it, I also loved it.
I know you may be worried because you don't like spicy food, but don't worry, shakshuka can be made to suit any taste. You can try it with bread on the side to kind of tame it down but trust me, it really is delicious. If you ever are in Israel, be sure to come try some. Who knows, you may just fall in love with Israel as well. You can also make it at home.
Let me know in the comments how it goes.
Thank you for joining us for ALL ISRAEL 101. Stay tuned for more Israel-related content and visit allisraelnews.com for coverage from the Holy Land. Now let's try it.
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