Trader Joe's is finally bringing us some real food in addition to a whole bunch of snacks. So if Trader Joe's Shakshuka Starter is in any way unfamiliar to you, perhaps you are more familiar with a similar dish that can easily be made at home: eggs in purgatory. What's the difference you ask? Here, the difference is spice.
About this dish
In all fairness, let me back this discussion up a little bit. If you are unfamiliar with both, this is basically a tomato stew. Shakshuka is Middle Eastern in origins. But the addition of eggs might make this North African in origin as well. Eggs in purgatory might be the looser name for the same basic premise: a tomato stew with eggs cooked into it.
Taste and review
Premise aside, the key difference here is the spice blend. This particular shakshuka is mildly spicy. And while the ingredients don't list it, there is a good helping of cumin here. Or at least that was the flavor note that came through all the flavors here.
Basically, for $1.99, you are getting the pre-made tomato stew. If the name isn't clear enough, this is a starter, not a finisher. Everything else you'll need to add in. Eggs are the obvious answer, but you'll probably want some bread, naan, or Malabari paratha to dip into this to enjoy this more.
This is way more tomato than it is the bell pepper. So just be aware this is going to eat a lot like a thick pasta sauce.
Are you limited to just adding in eggs? I don't see why you would be limited to just that. Goat cheese, tofu, chicken or pretty much any other protein you have in the refrigerator would make for a satisfying mix in here. Just be sure to season that as well. If you notice the picture on the box, there is a really salted and peppered egg. That extra layer of flavor is totally worth it.
I made this on the stovetop and the directions worked perfectly. Except for the egg part. I was really wishing for a breakdown of how long to cook the eggs to get certain desired egg textures. Mine did take a touch longer than the 2 minutes. I like my egg yolks runny; the egg whites not so much.
Overall
If you are looking for a healthy meal this is a good one. And while I'm pretty sure this isn't something you'd try to make at work, it did make for a nice light lunch or brunch meal. But, be sure to bring something to dip into this. I enjoyed using some bread as a utensil to eat this with than I did any fork or knife.
Would I buy this again? I'd consider buying Trader Joe's Shakshuka again.
Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!
Product photos
The box of Trader Joe's Shakshuka Starter:
Calories and ingredients
Directions
After being cooked you get:
Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe’s for a searchable list.
Trader Joe's Shakshuka Starter
Product Name: Trader Joe's Shakshuka Starter
Product Description: Trader Joe's Shakshuka Starter is pre-made spiced tomato and pepper stew.
Price: $1.99
Summary
Trader Joe's Shakshuka Starter is a pre-made tomato stew.
-
Taste
-
Value
-
Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- An easy, fresh, and delicious meal that can serve one or two.
- A pretty healthy option.
Cons
- Cumin is one of those love it or leave it spices, so be aware this is the most pronounced spice.
Alek says
Why limit to shakshuka? Use it for pasta sauce, pizzas, and anything else that calls for tomato sauce. Also it's vegan so it is awesome! Many different approaches can be done here.
becomebetty says
Hey Alek! Thanks for the suggestions and for always stopping by!
Lysa says
I found the directions to be wayyyyy off. I would maybe cook this for about half as long. The sauce became burnt and acrid and the eggs were solid.
becomebetty says
Hey Lysa! Just out of curiosity- which way did you make it? Microwave or stove top?
Grubbing With Jess says
This looks so good! After having made Shakshuka with Blue Apron we are fans. Hubby has some sourdough starter so we may have to try this soon with some sourdough bread!
becomebetty says
Hey! This is a great one with bread. This has quite a bit of cumin taste so be ready for that flavor. But this is pretty good for something out of a freezer box. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Ttrockwood says
After you add the eggs once the whites are starting to set spoon some of the hot sauce over the whites only- not the yolks- and that will help them cook while keeping a runny yolk.
That said, I don’t eat eggs any more but i did buy this and make it with medium tofu- i think firm would be too firm here. I definitely added a good pinch of salt and just let it all simmer a while on a low heat. I didn’t have any bread around but i did have some of the harvest grains mix so i put that in the bottom of my bowl which worked well.
I’ll totally buy this again, it’s really flavorful and it went from frozen to my bowl in maybe 15min. Next time i’ll be sure to have some crusty bread around or toast instead of the grain mix, it just needed a crunchy thing to the meal for me
Ttrockwood Ttrockwood says
After you add the eggs and the whites start to set a little spoon some of the hot sauce over the whites- not the yolks- and that will help the whites cook all the way while the yolk stays runny.
The photo on the front of the box is misleading.
I don’t eat eggs anymore myself, but i did make this with medium tofu (firm would be too firm here i think) that i just cut into slices. I didn’t have bread around but i did have leftover cooked ancient grains harvest mix so that was in bowl and worked well. Really tasty and super fast! I’ll definitely pick up a few for the freezer next time I’m there, chickpeas or lentils would be great here too.
Linda Lewis says
Very tasty! I've always wanted to make shakshuka, but couldn't convince my family. This starter was incredibly easy to make and made a nice light meal for me, however I sprinkled Parmesan cheese over the top. I plan to buy more the next time I'm at Trader Joe's.
becomebetty says
Hey Linda! I'm glad you liked this too. Thanks so much for taking the time out of your day to stop by and share!
Kate Story says
I really want to make this in my cast iron pan and bake it a little, do you have any suggestions? Thanks!
becomebetty says
Hey Kate! How big is your pan? This only filled my smallest non stick pan.
Orly says
I make Shakshuka from scratch at least twice per month, and I found this starter to be quite good . The addition of Zhoug and chopped fresh cilantro help to balance the strong cumin flavor. Cooked chickpeas in addition to the eggs are also great in this dish .
becomebetty says
Hey Orly! Thanks so much for adding this. Good to hear how you paired other products with this. Thanks again for taking the time out of your day to stop by and share!
Libby says
I cooked already-roasted cauliflower in the shakshuka started, and topped it with crumbled feta. I had roasted the cauliflower with a bit of olive oil and curry powder. Very delicious. Haven't tried it it with eggs yet but will do it the next time I buy from TJ's.
becomebetty says
Hey Libby! Sounds delicious! Thanks for taking the time to share how you enjoy this. It helps other readers out quite a bit!