Shakshouka is a traditional Middle Eastern dish that combines poached eggs with sautéed vegetables, savory spices, and a rich tomato sauce. It’s a simple yet flavorful meal that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. In under 30 minutes, you can enjoy this comforting dish, which is packed with nutrients and bursting with bold flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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One-Pan Meal: Shakshouka is cooked in just one skillet, which means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy your meal. It’s incredibly easy to prepare and clean up afterward.
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Quick and Nutritious: This dish is packed with fresh vegetables, plant-based protein from eggs, and plenty of healthy fats from olive oil. Plus, it’s naturally vegetarian and gluten-free.
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Flavorful: The sautéed veggies and the spice mix create a rich, savory tomato sauce that perfectly complements the soft poached eggs. It’s a comforting, satisfying meal that will leave you full and happy.
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Versatile: You can customize this recipe by adding extra veggies like spinach, sausage for extra protein, or different cheeses based on what you have on hand.
Ingredients
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For the Shakshouka:
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2 tablespoons Olive oil
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1/2 Onion, peeled and diced
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1 clove Garlic, minced
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1/2 Bell pepper, diced
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1 Jalapeño, diced
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2 cups Ripe tomatoes, diced
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2 tablespoons Tomato paste
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1 teaspoon each: Cumin powder, coriander powder, chili powder or paprika, salt
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1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
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2-3 tablespoons Cilantro, minced
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5-6 large Eggs
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For Topping (optional):
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Mozzarella, feta, or cream cheese
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(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
1. Sauté the Vegetables
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Heat a large, heavy-duty skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and sauté the diced onions for 2-3 minutes, or until softened.
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Add the minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and jalapeño. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
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Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and spices (cumin, coriander, chili powder or paprika, salt, and black pepper). Let the mixture simmer for 4-5 minutes until it begins to reduce and thicken. If the sauce gets too thick, add 2-3 tablespoons of water to loosen it.
2. Add the Eggs
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Stir in the minced cilantro for added freshness and flavor.
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Make small wells in the sauce with the back of a spoon and crack the eggs into these wells.
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Top with cheese (mozzarella, feta, or cream cheese) if desired.
3. Simmer the Eggs
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Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the eggs simmer for about 5 minutes or until they are cooked to your desired level of doneness. If you prefer runny yolks, check the eggs earlier; if you like them firmer, let them cook for a few extra minutes.
4. Serve
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Once the eggs are cooked, remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley. If you like a little extra heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top.
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Serve the shakshouka with crusty bread, pita, or a toasted baguette to soak up the delicious sauce.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 2-3 servings
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations and Substitutions
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Make it Spicy: If you like more heat, add extra jalapeños or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
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Add Extra Veggies: You can add spinach, zucchini, or squash to the sautéed vegetables for more texture and nutrients.
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Protein Boost: Try adding cooked sausage or ground lamb for a non-vegetarian version of shakshouka.
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Cheese Variations: Use different cheeses like goat cheese or ricotta for a unique twist.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
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Reheating: Gently reheat shakshouka on the stove over low heat until warmed through. If you have leftovers with the eggs still intact, be careful not to overcook the eggs when reheating.
FAQs
What does shakshouka mean?
Shakshouka is a Middle Eastern dish with its roots in Tunisian cuisine. The name “shakshouka” roughly translates to “a mixture” or “shaken,” referring to the combination of eggs, vegetables, and spices in one pan.
How do I serve shakshouka?
Shakshouka is often served directly from the skillet, making it a perfect dish for sharing. Serve it with some crusty bread, pita, or toasted baguette to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Can I make shakshouka without the eggs?
Yes! While eggs are traditionally part of shakshouka, you can make a vegetarian version by simply leaving them out. You can add more vegetables or beans for extra protein and texture.
What should I serve with shakshouka?
For a complete meal, shakshouka pairs perfectly with a side of breakfast potatoes, pita, or flatbreads. If you’re craving some extra protein, you can add crispy bacon or sausage on the side.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes! Transfer any leftover shakshouka to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.
Conclusion
Shakshouka is a simple, flavorful, and nutrient-packed dish that brings together the best of Middle Eastern cuisine. With its combination of sautéed vegetables, poached eggs, and bold spices, it’s the perfect dish for any meal of the day. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this easy one-pan meal is sure to be a hit. Enjoy!
Print
Shakshouka: Easy and Flavorful Middle Eastern One-Pan Meal
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2-4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Shakshouka is a classic Middle Eastern one-pan dish made with sautéed vegetables, warm spices, poached eggs, and cheese. This flavorful vegetarian meal is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a delicious, easy-to-make dish that will be a hit with the whole family!
Ingredients
For the Shakshouka
2 tbsp olive oil
½ onion, peeled and diced
1 clove garlic, minced
½ bell pepper, diced
1 jalapeño, diced
2 cups ripe tomato, diced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp chili powder or paprika
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2–3 tbsp cilantro, minced
5–6 large eggs
For Topping
Mozzarella, feta, or cream cheese (optional)
Chopped parsley or cilantro (for garnish)
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Sauté the Vegetables:
Heat olive oil in a large heavy-duty skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and jalapeño, and continue sautéing for another 2-3 minutes.
Prepare the Sauce:
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and all the spices (cumin, coriander, chili powder, salt, and black pepper). Stir everything together and let it simmer over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until the sauce starts to reduce.
Stir in 2-3 tablespoons of water to loosen the mixture.
Add Cilantro and Eggs:
Stir in the fresh cilantro and create little wells in the sauce with a spoon. Crack the eggs into the wells and carefully cover the pan with a lid.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked to your desired doneness (you can keep the yolks runny or cook them longer for a firmer texture).
Add Toppings:
If desired, top the shakshouka with mozzarella, feta, or cream cheese. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro and red pepper flakes for extra flavor and heat.
Serve:
Serve your shakshouka immediately with pita or toasted baguette to soak up the delicious sauce. Enjoy!
Notes
Egg Cooking Tips: Feel free to cook your eggs however you like them best. You can keep them a bit runny or let them simmer longer for firmer eggs.
Spicy Option: If you want more heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Toppings: You can get creative with toppings! Try adding sliced avocado, beans, or even different cheeses to suit your taste.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is shakshouka?
Shakshouka is a traditional Middle Eastern dish made with poached eggs in a spicy tomato sauce, often served with vegetables and spices. It originated in Tunisia and is popular in other countries like Morocco and Israel.
How to serve shakshouka?
Shakshouka is often served directly from the pan as a communal dish. Pair it with slices of crusty bread or pita for a full meal.
What goes well with shakshouka?
Serve with a side of breakfast potatoes, crusty bread, or a light salad. For a non-vegetarian option, serve with crispy bacon or sausage on the side.
Storage:
In the refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat: Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat to avoid overcooking the eggs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Mediterranean
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
