What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This easy shakshuka recipe brings bold flavors and cozy vibes to your breakfast or brunch table. It’s simple to make yet feels special, perfect for lazy mornings or impressing guests.
- Rich and flavorful: Simmered tomatoes, spices, and eggs create a dish that’s hearty and satisfying.
- Quick and fuss-free: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep—great for busy days.
- Versatile and fun: Customize with your favorite toppings like feta, herbs, or a spicy kick.
Recipe
Shakshuka is a flavorful North African dish featuring poached eggs in a spiced tomato and pepper sauce. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner and is easy to make with simple ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional)
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4-6 large eggs
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Feta cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper, sauté until softened (5-7 minutes).
- Stir in garlic, cumin, paprika, and chili powder (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Make small wells in the sauce and crack eggs into them. Cover and cook for 5-8 minutes until eggs are set to your liking.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and feta cheese if desired. Serve warm with crusty bread.
Notes:
- Adjust spice levels to taste.
- For extra richness, stir in a spoonful of harissa or tomato paste.
Equipment:
- Large skillet with lid
- Wooden spoon
Time:
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: North African
Serving: 2-4
Nutrition
Shakshuka is a nutritious dish packed with vitamins and minerals. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
Calories: 220
Protein: 10g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 480mg
What To Serve With It
I love serving shakshuka with fresh bread, like warm pita or crusty sourdough, to soak up all the delicious sauce. A simple side salad, like cucumber and tomato with a zesty vinaigrette, adds a revitalizing crunch to balance the dish. These pairings make the meal feel complete without taking focus away from the star of the show.
Fresh Bread Options
Nothing beats dipping a warm, crusty piece of bread into the rich, flavorful sauce of shakshuka—it’s like they were made for each other. I love using fresh baguettes or ciabatta because their crisp exterior holds up perfectly when scooping up the tomato-y goodness. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll toast sourdough slices for that tangy kick that pairs so well with the dish. Pita bread is another classic option—it’s soft, fluffy, and ideal for soaking up every last bit of sauce. Whichever I choose, I always make sure it’s fresh and warm because, let’s be honest, cold bread just isn’t the same.
Side Salad Ideas
Alongside a warm loaf of bread, a fresh side salad can brighten up your shakshuka meal, adding a crisp contrast to its rich, savory flavors. I love tossing together a simple cucumber-tomato salad with red onion, parsley, and a lemony dressing—it’s light but full of zing. Arugula with shaved fennel and orange segments brings a peppery-sweet bite, while a classic Israeli salad (diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs) keeps things traditional. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll add roasted chickpeas for crunch. These salads balance the dish perfectly, making each bite of shakshuka even more satisfying.
