How to Make Şakşuka - Traditional Turkish Meze

Ingredients

• 2 large eggplants, cubed
• 2 green peppers, cubed
• 2 zucchini, cubed (optional)
• 3 tomatoes, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/2 cup olive oil for frying
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Fry Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a pan. Fry eggplant cubes until golden. Remove and set aside. Repeat with peppers and zucchini.
2. Make Sauce: In the same pan, sauté garlic briefly. Add chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook for 10 minutes until sauce thickens.
3. Combine: Add fried vegetables to the tomato sauce. Gently mix and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Cool: Let it cool to room temperature or refrigerate.
5. Serve: Serve cold as a meze, garnished with fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil.

Tips

Şakşuka is best served cold or at room temperature. It tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together.