Tomatoes and bell peppers stewed with fragrant curry spices and finished with creamy coconut milk make this coconut curry shakshuka stand apart from the crowd. Adapted from Vegetarian Heartland by Shelly Westerhausen.
I spent last weekend on Fox Island, Washington holed up in a cozy cabin with a handful of blogger friends (more on this soon!) Among them was Shelly from Vegetarian ‘Ventures, whose beautiful cookbook Vegetarian Heartland: Recipes for Life’s Adventures published this year. I’ve been eager to share this coconut curry shakshuka recipe since I got a copy in my hot little hands. It was the first recipe to catch my eye because of my love for both shakshuka and all things curry, and now I’m predictably hooked.
Vegetarian Heartland travels the seasons though chapters broken into outdoor excursions – think Farmer’s Market Day, Cookout, Playing in the Snow, Holiday Hosting, Fruit Picking, and more. When you’re vegetarian or have another specific diet, it’s especially helpful to have some potluck-appropriate recipes at your fingertips. Barbecues, road trips, brunches, and group camping excursions can leave people like us hangry when meaty options abound, but Vegetarian Heartland overflows with recipes to pack and share that will please even the staunchest carnivores. There are Wild Rice Veggie Sliders with Herbed Ricotta for cook-outs, Roasted Carrot and White Bean Dip for picnics, and Mediterranean Hoagie Sandwiches for camping trips. In the Brunch Potluck chapter, this herb-topped pan of eggy deliciousness jumped off the page.
Brunch can be a particularly unfriendly meal to vegetarians, but shakshuka (aka shakshouka), a dish of stewed tomatoes and eggs that hails from Tunisia, is full of umami and protein. In this version, curry spices change up the flavor profile and coconut milk adds creamy richness. Shelly thought up this genius variation one day when she found herself with some extra flatbread wanting an accompaniment. Unable to decide between shakshuka or curry, she combined the two and this dish was born. We’ve been making it on repeat.
Shakshuka sounds fancy due to its poetic, onomatopoeic name, but it’s really just a thick tomato sauce seasoned with sweet peppers and spices, and several eggs simmered in it until just set. It’s the sort of one-pot meal that can be whipped up in less than an hour on a Sunday morning for brunch or a weekday evening for dinner. The stew can also be made in advance if you like; when ready to serve, just heat in a skillet and add the eggs. The flavors just get better as it sits.
One time when I made this, I had some pretty radish greens that I didn’t want to go to waste. I sautéed some onion and garlic, and added the greens and a splash of water and lemon to help them wilt. They paired beautifully with the shakshuka along with a few slices of toasted baguette (I love Arise Bakery’s whole grain-flecked gluten-free baguettes, which can be ordered through their site).
Give Shelly’s coconut curry shakshuka a go and you’ll likely find yourself as hooked as we are. While you’re at it, page through her book and ogle her stunning photographs, all created by her talented self. Her book has a magazine-like sensibility full of rich photographs shot on location all over the Midwest where she lives. It’s a book that’s at home on a coffee table for leisurely reading as well as lying open in the kitchen waiting to get spluttering tomato sauce all over its pages.
Other recipes I’ve tried are the Brown Sugar & Rosemary Popcorn (divine) and Roasted Vegetables with Creamy Romesco, which Sarah shared here and which we served at our food photography workshop. Other dishes I’ve got my eye on are:
- Ginger Whiskey Cider
- Peanut Butter Trail Mix Cookies (naturally gluten-free)
- Caramelized Onion & Fennel Tart with Rosemary Crust
- Iced Rhubarb Hibiscus Tea
- Minted Baba Ganoush (which Amanda shared a beautiful version of)
- Raspberry Hazelnut Pancakes (yesssss)
- Smoky Maple Baked Beans
- Coffee Crunch Chocolate Ice Cream with Bourbon Fudge Ripple
- Spelt Crepes Stuffed with Spiced Pumpkin, Apple, and Onion
Vegetarian Heartland isn’t gluten-free, but it has many naturally GF dishes, and many are dairy-free and/or vegan to boot. Whether you’re an adventurer outdoors or just within your own kitchen, Vegetarian Heartland is a must-have.
*Thanks for reading! For more Bojon Gourmet in your life, follow along on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest, or subscribe to receive new posts via email. And if you make this coconut curry shakshuka, I’d love to see! Tag me on Instagram @The_Bojon_Gourmet and #bojongourmet.*
Coconut Curry Shakshuka
Print Recipe / Pin RecipeIngredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ a large onion, diced
- 1 large red bell pepper, quartered and sliced crosswise into ¼-inch thick strips
- 1 large garlic clove, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 ½ teaspoons curry powder
- ¾ teaspoon sweet paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 (18-ounce) jar diced tomatoes (I like Jovial brand)
- the thick cream from 1 (13-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
- 4 - 6 fresh farm eggs
- cilantro or basil leaves, for garnish
- lime wedges, for serving
- crusty bread, flatbread, or steamed rice, for serving (I like slices of GF baguette brushed with olive oil and toasted on a griddle)
Instructions
- In a 10-inch non-reactive skillet with a lid (enamel or stainless steel), heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and beginning to caramelize, 8-10 minutes. Stir in the curry powder, paprika, ginger, and red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds. Add the salt, tomatoes, and coconut cream. Bring to a low simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened to a stew-like consistency, 10-20 minutes. Taste, adding more salt if you feel the dish needs it.
- Remove the stew from the heat. Make 4 - 6 divots in the stew and crack an egg into each one. Cover the pan and return to a bare simmer. Cook until the eggs are gently set, 5-10 minutes. Serve the shakshuka topped with cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and plenty of bread on the side.
Looks brilliant.
Thanks Jack!
This recipe looks amazing and perfect for brunch, particularly on meat free days. Do you have a particular curry powder that you prefer? Thanks for sharing, Pauline.
Hi Pauline, Thanks for the kind words! Shakshuka makes a wonderful vegetarian lunch IMO. :) I don’t have a favorite brand of curry powder, I just use the kind available in bulk at my co-op. Anything fresh and brightly hued should do the trick!
That looks super gorgeous and delicious sounding Alanna.
xx
Aw, thank you Asha! <3
I’m food planning today, which usually translates to 6 hours of recipe googling and 6 years worth of ideas. It’s all your fault because I remembered your golden milk overnight oats – they fall on and off my radar and are a delight – an unexpected and welcome surprise! That thought led to your original shakshouka and here I am thinking – what a great breakfast for a single person! Just make the stew and voila! four breakfasts ready to go. I am ashamed it took me 6 years to figure this out. On my list – will report back in with results ;-) Already drooling!
Hi Katherine! I feel you on the food planning front, haha. You reminded me that the shakshuka works great if you just make the stew sans eggs, then heat individual portions to order and slap a fried egg on top. I’ve been doing that this week and I added a note into the recipe! Please let me know how you like it if you give it a go. I’m thrilled that you like the golden oats, too – I make those all the time as well! xo
i love Shelly’s book so much, and of course, the midwest! i am totally making the pimento cheese potato skins for the holidays. and soon enough, this shakshuka for brunch. and thank you for sharing the link to the post i did about the baba ganoush from her beautiful book! xo
Those pimento cheese potato skins sound INSANE and I want to try that minted baba ganoush so bad! Eggplant anything, yes please, and you captured it SO beautifully. <3
Every recipe I’ve seen coming from Shelly’s book has looked so good, and this just speaks to all my cravings at the moment. I love shakshuka and all the twists it can take so well. This looks especially beautiful with your creative touch, Alanna! xo
Aw, thank you Christine! Agree 100% re: shakshuka – I’ve seen so many beautiful versions over the years. There was a green shakshuka at a restaurant in Brooklyn when I was there earlier this month and now I’m kicking myself for not ordering it. Next time! I think you’d love Shelly’s book – holiday gift?? ;)
Hello have to order Shell’s book that recipe look so good will try it
Do it! And thank you!
Hey Alanna!
I can’t wait to try this recipe (and to think that when I was little I hated shakshuka!)
As always, I adore all of your photos! :-)
Aw, I’m envious that you got to try (and hate) shakshuka as a kid, but I can see why it wouldn’t be particularly kid friendly! Thanks so much for the kind note, and please let me know if you try the recipe!
This book is on the wishlist! Thanks for sharing the shakshuka recipe to make me even more eager to get my hands on it ;) It truly looks delicious and gorgeous. xoxo
Aw, thank you Kelsey! I hope you love the book.
what a lovely recipe, love all of these flavors but am unfamiliar with shakshukas, so thank you for sharing this, you had me with the eggs on top by the way!
Aw, thank you Sabrina! Nothing quite like an egg cooked right into a spicy stew. Let me know if you try it!
I loved the look of this Shakshuka, but didn’t care for the flavor combo at all. It just goes to show not all things need to be reinvented.
Totally respect your opinion, and thanks for giving this a go. I’m surprised because I find the flavors to be very subtle. Did you make the recipe as written?
My god, your photography is stunning. I’m obsessed with the gray background you used, it really makes your recipe pop. And speaking of the recipe, I’m dying to try shakshuka. I’ve heard so much about it, but haven’t gotten around to making it. The fact yours is coconut curry just sealed the deal I need to make this recipe ASAP.
Aw, thank you Christina! Huge shakshuka fan here, obv! Let me know if you give it a try. And the background is from Erickson Woodworks – they’re the best!
I just discovered your site and am going to make the Coconut Curry Shakshuka tonight! I would love to be on any mailings/blogs you have. TY
I’m so glad you found your way here! Please let me know how you like the shakshuka. And you can subscribe to get new posts in your inbox on the homepage of bojongourmet.com, right hand side where it says “never miss a post.” :)
We’ve been making Ottolenghi’s shakshuka out of Plenty for years, and this was exactly the twist I needed to get excited about shakahuka again. It turned out amazingly delicious! AND it was easy to make. Will be adding to our regular weeknight rotation. Thanks so much for sharing!
Wow looks delicious! Love you photography! Can I ask where you purchased this backdrop? It’s gorgeous with your lighting and food!
Aw thank you! It’s from Erickson Surfaces :)