Monthly Archives: December 2024

Shakshuka with Chickpeas & Feta

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This Shakshuka with Chickpeas & Feta is what healthy comfort food is all about. We’re talking a ton of Mediterranean flavors, simple everyday ingredients, and all done in under 30 minutes using just one pan. Serve it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and always next to a crunchy baguette for a great meal.

TIPS & TRICKS to Make this Recipe: It took me about 5 minutes to perfectly cook the eggs. With the egg whites set and the yolks slightly creamy. It might take you more or less. Just keep an eye on the eggs as they are cooking. 

Watch Albert making this recipe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzAwLI2lnm0
Shakshuka with Chickpeas & Feta

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 35 ml
  • 1 onion
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 1 tsp sweet smoked Spanish paprika 2.50 grams
  • 3/4 tsp ground cumin 2 grams
  • 1 can tomato sauce (passata) 15 oz / 425 grams
  • 1 can diced tomatoes 15 oz / 425 grams
  • 1 can chickpeas (garbanzo beans) 15.5 oz / 440 grams
  • 4 cage-free organic eggs
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese 35 grams
  • sea salt & black pepper
  • fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat a large fry pan with a medium heat and add in the olive oil
  2. While the oil is heating, finely chop the onion, roughly chop the garlic, and finely chop the red bell pepper
  3. Add the chopped ingredients into the hot fry pan, mix together, then mix every minute so it all evenly sautes
  4. After 4 to 5 minutes and the onions are translucent, add in the paprika and cumin, quickly mix together, then add in the canned tomato sauce, canned diced tomatoes, canned chickpeas (drained & rinsed), and season with sea salt & black pepper, mix together, then simmer on a medium heat for 10 minutes
  5. After 10 minutes and the tomatoes have slightly thickened, crack in the eggs, all evenly spaced out, just create little pockets so the eggs perfectly sit in there, season the eggs with sea salt & black pepper, then place a lid on the pan and lower to a low-medium heat, simmer for 5 minutes or until the egg whites are set but you still have slightly creamy yolks, then remove from the heat
  6. Sprinkle the feta cheese over the skillet and some chopped parsley, serve at once enjoy!

Understanding Oleuropein’s Role in Extra Virgin Olive Oil

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Understanding Oleuropein’s Role in Extra Virgin Olive Oil

At Apollo, we do not specifically test for oleuropein because all polyphenols in extra virgin olive oil contribute to its remarkable health benefits. However, we believe it is always valuable to explore and understand the unique properties of each polyphenol individually.

Oleuropein, a key polyphenol in extra virgin olive oil, significantly influences both its sensory characteristics and health benefits. This compound contributes to the oil’s bitterness and pungency, serving as a natural defense mechanism in olive trees and indicating high-quality oil. The concentration of oleuropein varies based on olive variety, milling techniques, and storage conditions.

Research has shown that oleuropein and its derivatives activate specific bitter taste receptors, enhancing the distinctive flavor profile of extra virgin olive oil. Beyond taste, oleuropein exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, potentially aiding in disease prevention and overall health promotion. Studies suggest its beneficial effects on conditions such as cancer, hypertension, and heart diseases. 

In summary, oleuropein is integral to the unique taste and numerous health advantages associated with extra virgin olive oil, underscoring the importance of this compound in both culinary and medicinal contexts. For more information visit this article.