Description
Shakshuka is a traditional Middle Eastern and North African dish featuring poached eggs simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce with peppers, onions, and aromatic spices. It’s a hearty and healthy meal perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, celebrated for its vibrant flavors and simple preparation.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Spices
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Tomato Sauce
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes or 5 fresh tomatoes, chopped
Eggs and Garnish
- 5–6 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Crumbled feta cheese (optional, for serving)
Serving
- Warm crusty bread or pita (for dipping)
Instructions
- Heat oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare the base for the sauce.
- Sauté vegetables: Add diced onion and red bell pepper to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes, to develop sweetness and depth.
- Add spices and garlic: Stir in minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, and chili flakes (if using); cook for about 1 minute until fragrant to release the spices’ aroma.
- Simmer tomato sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then season with salt and black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 10–12 minutes until it thickens slightly and flavors combine.
- Create wells and add eggs: Using a spoon, make small indentations (wells) in the tomato sauce. Crack the eggs directly into these wells.
- Cook eggs: Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 5–7 minutes until the egg whites are set but yolks remain runny, adjusting cooking time for your preferred doneness.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro and crumbled feta cheese on top. Serve hot with warm crusty bread or pita for dipping.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add cayenne pepper or harissa paste to the tomato sauce during cooking.
- Adjust the egg cooking time to achieve your desired yolk consistency, whether runny or fully cooked.
- Add vegetables like chickpeas, spinach, or zucchini to the tomato sauce for added variety and nutrition.
- Leftover sauce can be refrigerated and reheated; fresh eggs can be added to the warmed sauce for another serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern, North African
