Description
Shakshuka is a vibrant Middle Eastern and North African dish featuring poached eggs in a spicy, flavorful tomato and bell pepper sauce. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, it’s a wholesome, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with aromatic spices like cumin and smoked paprika. Serve it hot with crusty bread or pita for a satisfying start to your day.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Eggs and Garnish
- 4–6 large eggs
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Serving
- Warm crusty bread or pita for serving
Instructions
- Heat the oil and sauté vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper, sautéing for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add spices and garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and optional chili flakes. Cook for about 1 minute until the spices become aromatic.
- Simmer the tomato sauce: Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.
- Create wells and add eggs: Use a spoon to make small wells in the thickened sauce. Crack one egg into each well carefully to keep them intact.
- Cook the eggs: Cover the skillet with a lid and cook the eggs for 5–8 minutes, depending on your preferred doneness, until the egg whites are set and yolks are cooked to your liking.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro and crumbled feta cheese if desired. Serve immediately with warm crusty bread or pita on the side.
Notes
- You can prepare the tomato sauce ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it before adding eggs to save time.
- For a spicier shakshuka, add harissa paste or increase the amount of chili flakes.
- To keep it gluten-free, skip the bread or serve with gluten-free alternatives.
- Adjust cooking time of eggs to personal preference for runny or firm yolks.
