35-minute Shakshuka with Whipped Feta

Shakshuka

• 3/4 lbs sage sausage
• 3 tri-colored peppers (red, orange, yellow), seeded & chopped
• 1 small white onion, chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, diced
• 3/4 teaspoon paprika
• 3/4 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 28 oz can whole peeled tomatoes
• 2 small ripe tomatoes, diced
• 6 eggs
• 1 small bunch of cilantro, chopped
• 1 avocado, sliced
• salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: sourdough bread or garlic naan

Whipped feta

• 8 oz feta
• 1/3 plain greek yogurt
• 1/2 lemon, squeezed
• Optional: drizzle of honey or olive oil

Shakshuka

1. Using a large cast iron skillet or pan, cook sage sausage until browned. Set aside in a bowl.
2. Using the same pan, sauté peppers for five minutes in the fat (oil) from the sausage for five minutes on medium-high heat. Then, add onion and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté onions until translucent.
3. Mix in paprika, cumin, chili powder and cayenne pepper. Cook for an additional two minutes until everything is coated.
4. Add can of tomatoes to the pan, 1/4 cup water, a handful of fresh tomatoes and a pinch of sugar. Mix until well combined. Use a wooden spoon to break up the tomatoes.
5. Reduce sauce to a simmer for 5-10 minutes on medium-low heat.
6. Then using a wooden spoon, make a few small pockets within the sauce – like tiny little wells. Then crack an egg in each of the pockets. Cover the pan with a lid and poach the eggs to desired doneness for 5-7 minutes.
7. Garnish dish with chopped cilantro, avocado, whipped feta and a side of bread! May also serve dish on a bed of fresh greens.

Whipped Feta

1. Using an immersion blender or food processor, combine feta, greek yogurt and fresh lemon juice. Blend until soft and smooth.

Recipe Notes:

• For vegetarians – simply eliminate the meat!
• For a heartier meal – you can additionally roast eggplant, zucchini, chickpeas and serve the dish on a bed of fresh greens like arugula, baby spinach or collared greens.
• Don't skip the whipped feta! This truly makes the dish stand out. The smooth creaminess of the cheese compliments the warm spices well and gives the dish a great balance.