Breakfast

Korerima, Eggplant and Besobela Shakshuka

አሰራር

We love a cultural crossover, and this one brings Ethiopian spices to a North African favorite. Shakshuka (also spelled shakshouka) is traditionally made by cooking eggs in a spiced tomato sauce and is enjoyed across North Africa and the Middle East.

This version adds eggplant and two distinctly Ethiopian flavors: Korerima, often called Ethiopian black cardamom, and Bessobela (also spelled Besobela), Ethiopian sacred basil. Toasted Korerima brings a warm, aromatic depth to the tomato and eggplant, while Bessobela adds an herbaceous note that works beautifully with the eggs.

Korerima, Eggplant and Besobela Shakshuka

Bessobela Breakfast Easy Korerima Vegetarian
Prep Time: 5 min
Cook Time: 20 min

I love a cultural crossover, and something I absolutely love is Shakshuka. Traditionally a North African dish served for breakfast, I have added a bit of an Ethiopian twist with Korerima and Bessobela.

These two ingredients pack so much flavor, and compliment the eggplant and eggs so well. Absolutely delicious with some crusty bread, or a fluffy pita, perfect not just for breakfast - any time of the day. 

 

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 eggplant, cubed
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, finely diced  
  • 1 tbsp Korerima 
  • 2 tbsp olive oil 
  • 4 eggs 
  • 1 onion, finely diced 
  • 2 crushed garlic cloves 
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste 
  • ½ tsp Bessobela 
  • Fresh basil 
  • 1 lemon 


Steps:

  1. Sautee onions with toasted Korerima in olive oil until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add in crushed garlic and bell pepper. Let cook for a few minutes.
  3. Add in tomato paste and Bessobela. 
  4. Deglaze with water and add in your eggplant.
  5. Cover and let steam. Add in salt to taste.
  6. Create four openings in your skillet to nestle in your eggs.
  7. Crack eggs in openings and add in more salt and ground Korerima. 
  8. Cover and let steam. Once eggs are at desired doneness, garnish with fresh basil and freshly squeezed lemon.
  9. Serve with crusty bread or warm pita. 

 

FEATURED PRODUCTS

Close-up of finely ground wild turmeric powder with rich golden-orange tones.
KORERIMA | BLACK CARDAMOM
Brundo Spice Company Bessobela Ethiopian Sacred Basil pouch displayed on a bed of dried basil leaves.
BESSOBELA | BASIL

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About the Author ከባህል ሥር

Yalem is an Ethiopian-American cook based in New York City, passionate about educating people about the diversity of Ethiopian spices and cuisine. Born and raised in Washington DC, the largest Ethiopian diaspora in North America, Yalem takes pride in being able to blend her heritage and culture with her favorite cuisines around the world, paying homage to her diverse upbringing. She worked in corporate finance before transitioning into the food and restaurant industry full time, and loves to travel and cultivate connections with people from around the world. She looks forward to continuing to educate people about Ethiopian culture, while reimagining the future of Ethiopian inspired cuisine. 

You can find her on instagram @yalem_tef and tiktok @berberebaby