Shakshouka


Another Turkish eggs recipe to try. I can’t get enough of them!

I promised myself that I’d try and eat more fruit in 2022, however I remain rebellious towards the ‘good stuff’. Finding a sensible substitute for a bacon or sausage butty is a tough gig, but it’s got to be done if you want to cut out unnecessary calories, or sheer greed in my case.

Shakshouka or Shakshuka, depending on which spelling you go with, is an egg-based recipe originating from Turkey. There are many variations of it, but I decided to try this version from Two Chubby Cubs having tried a previous adaption from Pinch of Nom. You certainly won’t go hungry or skint after eating it at a cost of about 85p per serving.

I found including two tins of peeled plum tomatoes was a little rich for my liking, so if you’re of a similar disposition maybe just try one tin and see how you get on? Even with using full-fat feta, there’s only 200 calories per serving if splitting it between four people, or 400 cals between two if you kid yourself that you’re ‘going to skip lunch’.

And if this floats your boat, make sure you have a bash at making Menemen – a similar Turkish eggs related dish in the Hairy Dieters’ series of books which remains my personal favourite.

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Turkish Turkey Flatbreads


Turking the piss – ready in under 20 mins and less than £1 per portion (if serving 4)

Turkish Turkey Flatbreads from the Hairy Dieters is a quirky and deceptively filling snack / lunch. It’s a bit like a spicy Turkish slice of pizza, not that I’ve ever tried Turkish pizza before but hopefully you know what I mean! Even if you don’t, give this a go because it’s really scrumptious and ready in a flash.

Pine nuts are very expensive for what they are, so I don’t they are essential for this recipe. But if you’re wondering what to do with the rest, try making Baked Sea Bass with Peppers and Pine Nuts which is a gorgeous dinner. As for any leftover turkey mince, then Speedy Turkey Chilli or Turkey Lettuce Wraps are great options.

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Menemen – Turkish eggs delight


Turkish eggs

The biggest compliment I can pay to ‘Menemen’ is that it has become my ‘go to’ breakfast, replacing bacon, sausage and eggs, for an incredible 61p per portion. This tasty Turkish recipe from the Hairy Dieters’ fourth book is very easy to make – it’s just a case of lobbing everything into one pan and doing a bit of stirring. The flavours are brilliant, and if you like a bit of a kick to your mornings you can be generous with the chilli powder!

Leave out the feta if you’re seeking a vegetarian version (or can’t be arsed buying cheese), or if you’re being strict on your calorie count and shopping budget. To save time,  prep the onions and peppers the night before and place them in an air-tight container and get all of your ingredients out ready before you start.

If you’re wondering what to do with the 200g of chopped tomatoes leftover why not try  making Chorizo with Butter Beans for a healthy, low-cal lunch? Continue reading “Menemen – Turkish eggs delight”