RECIPE: SKIN & GUT LOVING SHAKSHUKA

Your gut & skin health begins with nutrition. I put off attempting shakshuka for ages thinking it was a difficult dish for breakfast but it’s actually really easy. And PLUS both cooked tomatoes and the addition of cannellini beans will promote gut and skin health which we love.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

• 1 can (14 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 4 eggs

• 4 bocconcini balls

• Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish

• Sourdough bread, toasted, for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

2. Stir in tomato paste and smoked paprika, and cook for another minute.

3. Add the diced tomatoes with their juices to the pan and cannellini beans. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.

4. Using a spoon, create 4 wells in the tomato sauce. Crack an egg into each well. Season the eggs with salt and pepper. Scatter Bocconcini.

5. Cover the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still runny.

6. Remove the pan from heat. Let the residual heat melt the cheese slightly.

7. Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves.

8. Serve the shakshuka hot with crunchy, toasted sourdough bread for dipping and enjoy!

This Shakshuka recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrition. It's a great way to start your day or refuel after a workout. Give it a try and let us know what you think!

Benefits of Lycopene for Skin Health:

• Sun Protection: Lycopene has been shown to help protect the skin from sun damage. It can reduce the redness and inflammation caused by UV exposure and may help prevent sunburn.

• Anti-Aging: Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that can help neutralize free radicals in the skin, which can lead to premature aging. It may help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin texture.

Gut Health Benefits of Cannellini Beans:

• Digestive Regularity: Cannellini beans are a great source of dietary fibre, which is essential for digestive health. Fibre helps to promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation.

• Improved Gut Microbiota: The fibre in cannellini beans acts as a prebiotic, feeding the beneficial bacteria in your gut. This can help improve the balance of your gut microbiota, which is important for overall gut health.

• Reduced Risk of Digestive Disorders: A diet high in fibre, such as one that includes cannellini beans, has been linked to a reduced risk of digestive disorders such as diverticulitis, haemorrhoids, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day they say ! Even for your gut and skin. Let me know if you try this !