The Traditional, Most Authentic Tunisian Pumpkin Shakshuka4 min read

Who hasn’t heard of Shakshuka? It has become a trend in cuisine worldwide in the last couple of years. The origin of this fabulous dish is debated; some say it is from Morocco, others say Yemen. I believe it is the Tunisians who created this dish — but I might be biased.

If you go to every household in Tunisia, they would tell you that they make Shakshuka AT LEAST once a week for either lunch or dinner. It is a staple! Regardless of the origin, it is a delicious dish worth making, over and over again.

In Tunisia, we have different kinds of Shakshuka; there is Shakshuka for winter and Shakshouka for summer. There is a vegetarian one, and a meat one. Another made with beans, and yet another made with spinach and collard greens. Tunisians got really creative with their Shakshuka.

My all-time favorite is the pumpkin Shakshuka. This dish is relatively easy and requires only one pot which is a huge bonus point. It is creamy, warm, and cozy — perfect for the chilly months coming ahead.

This dish can be vegetarian if you remove the dried meat “Gaddid”. It is usually served with a fresh baguette. For a healthier option, make sure you use whole grain bread instead.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 medium onion
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp of tomato paste
• 1 tomato
• 1/3 cup chickpeas
• 6 pieces of dried meat (optional)
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp chili flakes
• 1/2 tsp coriander & caraway
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 2 cups diced pumpkin
• 1 cup diced potato
• 1 pepper
• 1 tsp dried mint
• 3 eggs

Pumpkin Shakshuka Recipe: (serves 3)

How to Cook Shakshuka:

• In a medium pot, sauté onions with olive oil for about 3- 5min. Then add the tomato paste, the chickpeas, the diced tomato, and the dried meat (optional). Sauté for another 3 min.
• Add the garlic, the spices (turmeric, paprika, chili flakes, coriander & caraway, salt & pepper). Let cook for 15 min while adding a bit of water every 2-3 min or so.
• Add the pumpkin cubes and let cook for about 5 min. Add the diced potatoes, then add enough water to cover the pumpkin and potatoes completely. Cover, reduce the heat to medium/low and let simmer for 20-30 min. Make sure there is enough water to cook the veggies.
• Once the sauce starts to become thick, add the sliced peppers and the dried mint.
• After 5 min, make three wells and crack an egg in each well. Cover and let cook for 3-5 min depending on how you want the egg to be. If you want a runny yolk, don’t cook it for long. If you want a hard yolk, don’t worry too much about time. Turn off the heat. Serve and garnish with parsley.

This Tunisian Shakshouka recipe is part of the #TasteTunisia initiative launched by Carthage Magazine. In search of Tunisian cuisine, through a series of articles/videos, Carthage Magazine offers a window to the Tunisian food, recipes and how they are prepared.

The Taste Tunisia initiative is supported by Carthage Magazine and led by international registered dietitians-nutritionists from Tunisia, making it the ultimate initiative that celebrates and promotes Tunisian cuisine.

#TasteTunisia Articles:

• The Best Tunisian Grilled Salad — Salad Mechouia
• Tunisia’s Seafood Pasta — A Tunisian Delicacy
• Slata Tounsia – Tunisia’s Summer Salad
• Tunisian Stuffed Peppers: “Felfel Mehchi”
• Tunisia’s National Dish: COUSCOUS
• Omek Houria: Tunisian Mashed Carrot Salad
• The Coziest Vegetable Stew – Tunisia’s Go-To Dish for the Cold Months
• Octopus Barley Soup “Tchich” — Tunisia’s Favorite Ramadan Soup
• Delicious Tunisian-Style Lamb Borghol (Bulgur)
• Tunisian Masfouf — Tunisia’s Most Famous Sweet Version of Couscous
• The Best Authentic Tunisian Rice Dish – “Rouz Jerbi”
• Date & Walnut Bread — The Perfect Healthy Dessert
• Tunisian-Style Stuffed Dates — Tunisia’s Healthiest Sweet Appetizer
• Tajine El Bey: Tunisia’s Finest Appetizer
• Tunisia’s Traditional Mini Doughnuts: Kaa’k Yoyo
• Assidat Zgougou — Tunisia’s Sweetness in a Bowl
• The Famous “Khobz Ch3ir” — Tunisian Barley Bread
• Tunisian Mloukhiya, Your Grandma’s Favorite Dish
• Kafteji: a Healthy Version of your Favorite Tunisian Dish
• A Unique Pizza with a Taste of Tunisia: Harissa Infused Veggie Pizza
• Tunisia’s Octopus Salad: The Best Tunisian Seafood Salad
• Tunisian Breakfast for Champions: “Zamit” with Pomegranate
• Mom’s Orange Cake — Tunisia’s Winter Dessert
• Tunisia’s Lentil Soup – Your Favorite Winter Warmer Dish
• Lablebi: One of Tunisia’s Most Popular Street Foods
• All Tunisian food recipes.

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