Saksuka - Aubgerine and Tomatoes
We offer a fabulous food tour in Turkey, an expert led food holiday aboard a traditional gulet. We have also created a marvellous escorted food tour in Sicily.
Recipe
This tasty Turkish treat is one of our absolute favourites, a delicious meze that is at the top of our list whenever we eat out in Turkey.
Ingredients (serves: 4):
2 eggplants (long type)
2-3 peppers, finely chopped
2 tomatoes, peeled and cubed
2 medium size potatoes (optional)
1 courgette/zucchini (optional)
Tomato purée/paste
2-3 cloves garlic, crushed or finely sliced
Olive oil
Preparation:
Peel alternate strips off the aubergines (eggplants) lengthwise to create a stripey pattern. Chop into chunky cubes, sprinkle generously with salt, and leave to soak in a bowl of water for about half an hour. You can make şakşuka with or without potatoes and courgettes. Without offers a much purer appearance and set of flavours. With provides additional colours, textures, and tastes. Why not try it both ways. If you decide you would like to include them, then chop them into cubes like the aubergine and fry them up until golden. The potatoes need a bit longer than the other vegetables so give them a little extra time.
To soak or not to soak: A debate continues to rage as to whether salting and soaking aubergines really does help to remove any bitterness, but the main orthodoxy is that is better to do than not.
Rinse the aubergine chunks, pat dry, and then fry in a light olive oil until golden brown. Stir in the finely chopped peppers and the tomatoes and cook over a gentle heat. When these start to break down and disintegrate, add the tomato puree/paste and garlic, and continue to simmer for a few minutes. If the tomatoes aren’t especially juicy then feel free to supplement with a little water. You should be aiming for a really moist and juicy consistency.
Leave to cool. Serve chilled. It’s superb eaten with hunks of fresh bread or with some cool fresh yoghurt on the side.
More Recipes
For more wonderful recipes visit our main Turkish food page
We offer a fabulous food tour in Turkey, an expert led food holiday aboard a traditional gulet. We have also created a marvellous escorted food tour in Sicily. To find out about our Gulet Cruises in Turkey, see our full schedule of Turkey tours.
