Save It A vibrant, budget-friendly North African dish featuring poached eggs in a spiced tomato and pepper sauce. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner.
I first discovered shakshuka while exploring Middle Eastern street food stalls, and it quickly became a staple for family weekend brunches.
Ingredients
- Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons
- Onion: 1 large, finely chopped
- Green bell pepper: 1, chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Diced tomatoes: 1 can (400 g/14 oz) or 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
- Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon
- Sweet paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Ground cayenne pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon (optional, to balance acidity)
- Eggs: 4 large
- Fresh parsley or cilantro: chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Crusty bread: for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prep vegetables:
- Heat vegetable oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic:
- Add garlic and cook 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Add spices:
- Stir in cumin, paprika, cayenne (if using), and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add tomatoes:
- Add diced tomatoes with juice. Season with salt, pepper, and sugar if using. Simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens.
- Season and adjust:
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Add eggs:
- Make 4 wells in the sauce with a spoon. Crack an egg into each well.
- Cook eggs:
- Cover the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until whites are set but yolks are still soft.
- Serve:
- Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Save It Every time I made shakshuka on cool Sunday mornings, my family would gather around the skillet, eager for warm bread to dip into the fragrant sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy shakshuka with crusty bread or warm pita for a satisfying meal. Fresh chopped herbs add brightness.
Nutrition Information
Each serving contains about 210 calories, 11 g total fat, 17 g carbohydrates, and 10 g protein.
Allergen Information
Contains eggs. Check bread ingredients if serving. This dish is free from dairy and nuts.
Save It Try shakshuka for a simple, rewarding meal any time of day. You will love its bold taste and versatility.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pan is best for making this dish?
A large skillet with a lid works best to cook the sauce and poach the eggs evenly.
- → Can I adjust the spiciness of the sauce?
Yes, adding or omitting the ground cayenne pepper or chili flakes allows you to control heat levels.
- → What alternatives can I use for bell pepper?
You can substitute any color bell pepper or use jarred roasted peppers for a different flavor.
- → How do I know when the eggs are done?
Egg whites should be fully set while yolks remain soft but warm, usually taking 6 to 8 minutes under the covered skillet.
- → Can additional ingredients be added for variety?
Adding canned beans or fresh spinach boosts nutrition and adds texture to the dish.