Leave bread behind: exploring the world of flavourful dinners with shakshuka and more

Dinner isn't just about repetitive sandwiches that we frequently conclude our day with. It's rewarding to experiment with a range of dishes that aren't bread-based, exposing yourself to fresh flavours and fragrances. Indulge in some culinary expeditions. We've compiled several engaging suggestions for you.

Embark on a culinary adventure to North Africa, where shakshuka is a widely enjoyed dish. This supremely aromatic recipe, comprising of eggs simmered in a tomato sauce, is an ideal dinner option. The following shakshuka recipe is certain to revolutionise your perception of the evening meal.

Ingredients:

                              
• 0.4kg of tomatoes (fresh or canned),
• 4 eggs,
• red onion,
• 2 cloves of garlic,
• bell pepper (any colour or a mix),
• a tablespoon of olive oil,
• Spices: 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of harissa, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of brown sugar, salt, pepper,
• optional: chili pepper.

Preparation:

                  
1. Warm the olive oil in a pan and sauté finely chopped onion. Introduce garlic, bell pepper and optionally, chili pepper.
2. Add and mix all the spices. Include the tomatoes (peel if using fresh ones) and let it simmer, covered, over low heat for approximately 10 minutes.
3. Make four wells in the sauce and crack the eggs into them. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Cover the pan and let the eggs cook until you achieve your preferred yolk consistency.
5. You can garnish the finished shakshuka with chives or cilantro.

              
• Salad with salmon and grilled vegetables: Mix grilled salmon with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and sweetcorn. Finish with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
• Baked chicken with vegetables: Roast chicken breast with sweet potatoes, broccoli, and carrots. Add in herbs and spices as you fancy.
• Scrambled tofu with spinach: Sauté scrambled tofu with spinach, tomatoes, and onion. Season with salt, pepper, and your choice of spices.
• Hummus with vegetables and crispy toast: Create a hummus dip with chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. Enjoy with a medley of cut vegetables (bell pepper, carrot, celery) and crispy toast.

Remember, a bread-free dinner can be just as savoury and ample as a standard meal. Experiment with divergent ingredients and identify your favoured blends!