Tomatillos have always been easy for me to grow here in Zone 9A in Northeast Florida. So much so that I wanted something besides Salsa Verde this week, so I turned to the internet to do some research, and this is the recipe I discovered and gave a tomatillo twist.
In this video, I'll show you what I was able to accomplish. Join me!
Shakshuka is pronounced as “shahk-SHOO-kah”.
Here's a breakdown:
“shahk” rhymes with “rock”
“SHOO” rhymes with “too”
“kah” rhymes with “spa”
This dish is of North African origin, specifically Tunisia, and has become popular in the Middle East and around the world. It's a hearty, spicy, and flavorful dish typically eaten for breakfast or brunch.
Mrs. Michelle's Notes:
- More garlic! I doubled the amount in the recipe, but it wasn't enough.
- Don't overcook the eggs; they should be runny.
- Warm or toast the side bread. Try a pita next time.
- More cheese – the saltiness is really complimentary to the flavors.
Tomatillo Shakshuka Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 red or green bell pepper
- 2 chopped jalapenos, seeds removed (optional for heat)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound tomatillos, husked, rinsed, and chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4-6 large eggs – Cilantro for garnish
- Feta cheese, for garnish (optional)
- Bread or pita for serving
Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and jalapenos, and sauté until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the chopped tomatillos to the pan along with the cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let the mixture cook down until the tomatillos release their juice and it starts to reduce about 10-15 minutes.
4. Preheat your broiler.
5. Make wells in the tomatillo mixture and gently crack an egg into each well. Season the eggs with a little extra salt and pepper.
6. Place the skillet under the broiler. Broil until the eggs are just set, about 5 minutes for runny yolks. Monitor closely to avoid overcooking the eggs.
7. Remove from the oven, garnish with cilantro and optional feta cheese. Serve the shakshuka hot, right from the pan, with bread or pita for dipping.
8. Enjoy this twist on a traditional shakshuka with a tangy kick from the tomatillos!
GROWING TOMATILLOS:
In my garden, the tomatillos are growing in a Vego Garden raised garden bed. It really makes tending and harvesting so much easier. I don't have to crawl around on the ground looking for ripe tomatillos, and this season, they've had room to sprawl because I didn't finish planting out this bed.
My Top 7 Tips for Growing Tomatillos
1. Planting Time: Tomatillos are warm-season plants and they love heat. In Florida, you can plant them in early spring after the risk of frost has passed. If you want to extend the growing season, you can also do a second planting in late summer.
2. Heat and Humidity: While tomatillos are heat-loving plants, the high humidity in Florida can sometimes create issues. Make sure to provide ample space between your plants to promote air circulation and help prevent diseases like fungal infections.
3. Watering: Tomatillos are fairly drought tolerant once established but they will need regular watering, especially during hot, dry spells. However, they don't like waterlogged soil, so be sure to plant them in a spot with good drainage.
4. Soil: Tomatillos prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0). If you have sandy soil, which is common in Florida, consider adding organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to increase its fertility and improve water retention.
5. Pests: Watch out for common pests like aphids and tomato hornworms. Employ natural pest control methods like introducing beneficial insects (ladybugs, lacewings), using insecticidal soaps, or hand-picking larger pests off the plants.
6. Harvesting: In your region, tomatillos will probably be ready to harvest in late summer or early fall. The husks will begin to split and the fruit will be firm and brightly colored.
7. Crop Rotation: To reduce the chances of disease, try not to plant tomatillos (or related crops like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant) in the same spot each year. Remember, the key to gardening success is observation. Keep an eye on your plants to catch any potential issues early.
Enjoy your tomatillo-growing journey!
Affiliate Disclaimer: I am an affiliate for Vego Garden, and if you choose to make a purchase through my link, I'll receive a small commission which helps support my family and our work on this channel. Thank you for making this possible.
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