A TAGINE FOR ALL SEASONS: TUNISIAN SHRIMP SHAKSHUKA RECIPE

Looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and versatility? Let us introduce you to Tunisian Shrimp Shakshuka, a Mediterranean twist on a classic favorite. Even better? We’re cooking it in a hand-crafted, beautiful tagine from Tunisia!

What is Shakshuka?

Shakshuka – the name might sound exotic, but it’s simply Arabic for “all mixed up,” which perfectly describes this rustic dish. Traditionally, shakshuka involves eggs poached in a rich, spiced tomato sauce, often served for breakfast, lunch, or even dinner. But the magic happens when you’re by the Mediterranean coast, and fresh seafood, like shrimp, takes center stage.

This Tunisian Shrimp Shakshuka is a delicious twist that combines shrimp’s brine sweetness with the earthy flavors of cumin, paprika, and garlic. Not a fan of seafood? No problem! You can easily swap in spicy merguez sausage, or keep it vegetarian by skipping the protein altogether. Shakshuka is as flexible as it gets.

Why Use a Tagine?

Now, you might be wondering, why a tagine? Sure, you could make this shakshuka in a regular skillet, but a tagine? That’s a whole different game. Tagines are  unsung heroes of slow cooking, and they’ve been used in North Africa for centuries. The conical shape allows steam to circulate, making sure your dish is cooked evenly, and retaining all that rich moisture and flavor.

All About Our Hand-Crafted Tagine

Meet your new kitchen sidekick: the Kamsah Tagine, a handcrafted masterpiece from Tunisia. Each tagine is made by skilled artisans using techniques passed down through generations. This isn’t just a piece of cookware; it’s a connection to history. And it looks gorgeous on your kitchen shelf.

Why We Love Kamsah’s Tagine

Founded in 2015 by two Tunisian brothers, Kamsah brings centuries-old artistry into modern homes. Their products aren’t churned out on assembly lines. Each piece, including these stunning tagines, is carefully hand-crafted, ensuring each one is a true original. These artisans pour their heart and soul into every detail, and the result is a tagine that’s both a work of art and a cooking tool you’ll treasure for years.

Want to learn more about the history of the tagine? Check out this fascinating article on the history and craftsmanship of tagines.

How to Season Your New Tagine

Before you jump into cooking, a quick word on tagine care: to get the most out of your new tagine, you’ll want to season it properly. Seasoning a tagine ensures it will last for years, become more durable, and give your dishes that extra-special flavor.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Soak the tagine in water for 24 hours.
2. Dry it thoroughly and coat it with olive oil.
3. Place it in a cold oven, set to 300°F (150°C), and bake for two hours.

For a detailed guide on seasoning, here’s a step-by-step video.

Tunisian Shrimp Shakshuka

October 19, 2024

Servings: 4

Prep: 5 min

Cook: 30 min

Total: 35 min

Difficulty: As simple as it gets.

Here’s how to make this zesty, seafood-filled shakshuka using your newly seasoned tagine.

By: Monte Mathews

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 green, yellow or red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for some heat)
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 4 eggs
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

• Step 1 Heat your tagine on medium heat and add olive oil. Sauté onions, garlic, and bell pepper until softened.
• Step 2 Spice it up! Add cumin, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.
• Step 3 Shrimp time. Nestle the shrimp into the sauce and cook for 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
• Step 4 Eggs, glorious eggs. Make small wells in the sauce and crack an egg into each. Cover your tagine and let it cook gently until the eggs are poached to your liking (about 5-7 minutes).
• Step 5 Garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with crusty bread for dipping.

Two More Tagine Recipes to Try

Fell in love with cooking in your new tagine? We don’t blame you. After this recipe, try this next: a hearty Lamb Shakshuka, perfect for cooler nights. Find the full recipe here. Or how about a Moroccan Flavored Tagine of Chicken?  Click on the link to add these recipes to your Tagine collection.

Final Thoughts

Shakshuka is the perfect way to make your tagine feel right at home in your kitchen. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick breakfast or impressing guests at dinner, this dish does it all. And with Kamsah’s hand-crafted tagine, you’re not just cooking a meal—you’re experiencing a slice of culinary history.

Ready to grab your own tagine? Order your Kamsah Tagine here, and bring the art of slow cooking into your home!