Print

Shakshuka

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Shakshuka is a vibrant Middle Eastern and North African dish consisting of poached eggs in a rich, spiced tomato sauce. It’s a flavorful, hearty meal perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, and can be customized with toppings like feta, olives, or fresh herbs.

Ingredients

  1. 1 tablespoon olive oil
    1 medium onion, finely chopped
    1 red bell pepper, chopped
    2 garlic cloves, minced
    1 teaspoon ground cumin
    1 teaspoon ground paprika (smoked paprika adds depth of flavor)
    1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
    1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes or 45 fresh tomatoes, chopped
    1 tablespoon tomato paste
    Salt and pepper to taste
    46 large eggs
    Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
    Optional: crumbled feta cheese or olives for topping
    Warm crusty bread, for serving

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper, cooking until the onion becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

  1. Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  3. Make small wells in the sauce using a spoon, then crack the eggs into the wells. Be careful not to break the yolks.
  4. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook the eggs on low to medium heat for 5-10 minutes, or until the whites are set but the yolks remain runny. Adjust cooking time for firmer eggs if desired.
  5. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, and optional toppings like crumbled feta or olives. Serve with warm crusty bread for dipping.

Notes

  1. Spicy Shakshuka: Add more cayenne pepper or fresh chopped chili peppers for added heat.
  2. Vegetarian Shakshuka: Add more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
  3. Meat Lovers Shakshuka: Add ground lamb, beef, or sausage for a heartier version.
  4. Cheesy Shakshuka: Sprinkle crumbled feta or goat cheese over the eggs before serving for added richness.
  5. Smoky Shakshuka: Use smoked paprika for an extra smoky depth of flavor.
  6. Storage: Store leftover Shakshuka in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  7. Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or in the microwave, but the eggs may lose their runniness.

Nutrition