Shakshuka
Shakshuka is a vibrant and savory Middle Eastern dish featuring poached eggs nestled in a rich, spiced tomato and bell pepper sauce. This easy-to-make recipe uses fresh, accessible ingredients and aromatic spices, delivering a colorful and hearty meal perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Enjoy the warmth and zest of Shakshuka in every comforting bite.
- Author: Lucas
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Base Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1–2 bell peppers (red or green), chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Tomato Sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Eggs and Garnish
- 4–6 large eggs
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Prepare the Base: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add diced onions and sauté until translucent and slightly golden to develop their natural sweetness.
- Add Peppers and Garlic: Toss in chopped bell peppers and minced garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until peppers soften and garlic becomes fragrant but not burnt.
- Create the Tomato Sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Sprinkle cumin, paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10-15 minutes to thicken and meld flavors.
- Poach the Eggs: Make small wells in the sauce and gently crack eggs into each. Cover the skillet and cook for 5-8 minutes until egg whites are set but yolks remain runny, or longer for firmer yolks.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or cilantro on top. Serve Shakshuka hot with crusty bread or warm pita to scoop up the sauce and eggs.
Notes
- Use ripe tomatoes or high-quality canned tomatoes for a rich sauce.
- Adjust cayenne and paprika to control spiciness.
- Cook eggs gently to achieve tender whites and creamy yolks without overcooking.
- Use a non-stick skillet for easier cooking and cleanup.
- Let the dish rest briefly after cooking to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 186 mg
Keywords: Shakshuka, poached eggs, tomato sauce, Middle Eastern, gluten free, one-pan meal, spicy eggs