Guest Post: Cafe Ella Jerusalem

 Thank you to a long-time reader and shakshuka mentor for this post.

A Satisfying Skillet: The Thessaloniki Shakshuka

At Cafe Ella in Jerusalem, the "Thessaloniki shakshuka"  arrived in a sizzling cast-iron skillet with a vibrant, fresh tomato sauce.

This version of the Mediterranean classic is defined by its key ingredients: charred eggplant and roasted peppers blended into the sauce, all topped with two farm eggs and feta cheese. Prepared in a stone oven, the dish has a well-developed flavor. The charred eggplant was a dominant and pleasant note, giving the sauce a smoky depth.

A small but important detail was that the eggs were cooked exactly as requested. The meal was served with a basket of fresh sourdough bread, suitable for dipping, and a personal side salad with a simple vinaigrette, providing a fresh contrast to the rich skillet. Give it a try, especially if you're a fan of eggplant.