Description
Shakshuka is a traditional Middle Eastern and North African dish consisting of poached eggs in a flavorful, spiced tomato sauce. It’s a comforting, one-pan meal perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, served with warm crusty bread for dipping.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 1 bell pepper (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (drained)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika (preferably smoked)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground chili powder or cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4–6 large eggs
- Fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish)
- Crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- Warm crusty bread (for serving)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper, cooking for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in cumin, paprika, and chili powder (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes to bloom the spices. Add crushed and diced tomatoes, stir to combine, and season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Create small wells in the sauce with a spoon. Crack the eggs into the wells, being careful not to break the yolks. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked to your desired doneness.
- Once the eggs are cooked, remove the pan from the heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and crumbled feta cheese, if desired. Serve with warm crusty bread for dipping.
Notes
- For extra heat, add more chili powder, cayenne, or fresh chilies to the sauce.
- For a heartier version, add protein like crumbled sausage or lamb to the sauce before adding the eggs.
- Can be made vegan by skipping the eggs and feta and adding chickpeas or roasted vegetables.
- For a creamier touch, add a dollop of yogurt on top before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern/North African
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
