Cookbook:Shakshuka bil Lahm (Libyan Meat Shakshuka)

Shakshuka bil Lahm, also known as Libyan Meat Shakshuka, is a delicious and hearty dish that is popular in Libyan cuisine. This dish features a flavorful tomato-based sauce with tender chunks of meat, traditionally beef or lamb, and poached eggs. It is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or as a satisfying main course. The combination of spices and the richness of the meat make Shakshuka bil Lahm a truly comforting and flavorful culinary experience.

Ingredients

 * 2 tablespoons olive oil
 * 1 onion, finely chopped
 * 2 cloves of garlic, minced
 * 500 grams (1 lb) beef or lamb, cut into small cubes
 * 2 bell peppers, diced
 * 4 tomatoes, diced
 * 1 teaspoon ground cumin
 * 1 teaspoon ground paprika
 * ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
 * Salt, to taste
 * Pepper, to taste
 * 4–6 eggs
 * Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

 * Large skillet with a lid
 * Wooden spoon or spatula
 * Knife

Procedure

 * 1) Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
 * 2) Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
 * 3) Add the cubed meat to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides.
 * 4) Add the diced bell peppers and tomatoes to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
 * 5) Sprinkle the cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper over the ingredients in the skillet. Stir to evenly distribute the spices.
 * 6) Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the mixture simmer for about 15–20 minutes, or until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together.
 * 7) Using a spoon, create small wells in the sauce and carefully crack the eggs into each well.
 * 8) Cover the skillet again and let the shakshuka cook for an additional 5–7 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked to your desired level of doneness.
 * 9) Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro.

Tips

 * Ensure that the meat is well-browned before adding the vegetables. This step adds depth of flavor to the dish.
 * For a vegetarian version, you can omit the meat and increase the quantity of bell peppers or add other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.

Variations

 * Add a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese on top of the shakshuka before serving.
 * If you prefer a spicier shakshuka, you can add a few dashes of hot sauce or chili flakes to the sauce.
 * Experiment with different herbs and spices such as oregano or smoked paprika to enhance the flavor profile.