Leave bread behind: exploring the world of flavourful dinners with shakshuka and more
Dinner isn't just about repetitive sandwiches that we frequently conclude our day with. It's rewarding to experiment with a range of dishes that aren't bread-based, exposing yourself to fresh flavours and fragrances. Indulge in some culinary expeditions. We've compiled several engaging suggestions for you.
Revamp your evenings with eggs in tomatoes: shakshuka
Embark on a culinary adventure to North Africa, where shakshuka is a widely enjoyed dish. This supremely aromatic recipe, comprising of eggs simmered in a tomato sauce, is an ideal dinner option. The following shakshuka recipe is certain to revolutionise your perception of the evening meal.
Ingredients:
- 0.4kg of tomatoes (fresh or canned),
- 4 eggs,
- red onion,
- 2 cloves of garlic,
- bell pepper (any colour or a mix),
- a tablespoon of olive oil,
- Spices: 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of harissa, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of brown sugar, salt, pepper,
- optional: chili pepper.
Preparation:
- Warm the olive oil in a pan and sauté finely chopped onion. Introduce garlic, bell pepper and optionally, chili pepper.
- Add and mix all the spices. Include the tomatoes (peel if using fresh ones) and let it simmer, covered, over low heat for approximately 10 minutes.
- Make four wells in the sauce and crack the eggs into them. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover the pan and let the eggs cook until you achieve your preferred yolk consistency.
- You can garnish the finished shakshuka with chives or cilantro.
Other inspiring dinner ideas without bread:
- Salad with salmon and grilled vegetables: Mix grilled salmon with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and sweetcorn. Finish with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Baked chicken with vegetables: Roast chicken breast with sweet potatoes, broccoli, and carrots. Add in herbs and spices as you fancy.
- Scrambled tofu with spinach: Sauté scrambled tofu with spinach, tomatoes, and onion. Season with salt, pepper, and your choice of spices.
- Hummus with vegetables and crispy toast: Create a hummus dip with chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. Enjoy with a medley of cut vegetables (bell pepper, carrot, celery) and crispy toast.
Remember, a bread-free dinner can be just as savoury and ample as a standard meal. Experiment with divergent ingredients and identify your favoured blends!
