Shakshuka Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that’s hearty, healthy, vibrant, and incredibly flavorful, then Shakshuka is your answer. A staple in North African and Middle Eastern cuisine, Shakshuka (also spelled shakshouka) features eggs poached in a richly spiced tomato and pepper sauce, served straight from the skillet — rustic, soul-warming, and downright addictive.

Best enjoyed with crusty bread or warm pita, this dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a satisfying weeknight dinner.

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Shakshuka

1. One-pan wonder — fewer dishes, more flavor
2. Ready in under 30 minutes
3. Naturally vegetarian and gluten-free
4. Customizable with add-ons like cheese, greens, or sausage
5. Perfect for scooping and sharing

🕒 Prep & Cook Time

1. Serves: 2–4 people

🛒 Ingredients

🧄 For the Tomato Sauce Base:

1. 2 tbsp olive oil
2. 1 medium onion, finely chopped
3. 1 red bell pepper, diced
4. 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
5. 1 tsp ground cumin
6. ½ tsp paprika (sweet or smoked)
7. ¼ tsp red chili flakes (optional)
8. 1 (400g) can crushed tomatoes or 4 large fresh tomatoes, chopped
9. Salt and pepper, to taste
10. ½ tsp sugar (balances acidity)

🍳 For the Eggs:

1. 4–6 large eggs
2. Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
3. Optional: feta cheese, olives, spinach, or harissa paste for variation

🫓 Serve with: toasted bread, pita, or flatbread

👨‍🍳 How to Make Shakshuka (Step-by-Step)

🔹 1. Sauté the Aromatics

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet (preferably cast iron).
2. Add chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

🔹 2. Add Spices & Tomatoes

1. Add cumin, paprika, and chili flakes.
2. Pour in crushed tomatoes (or chopped fresh tomatoes) and stir well.
3. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar.
4. Simmer for 10–12 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

🧠 Tip: For a chunkier shakshuka, don’t over-blend the tomatoes.

🔹 3. Create Wells & Add Eggs

1. Make little wells in the sauce with the back of a spoon.
2. Gently crack an egg into each well.
3. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 5–6 minutes for soft yolks, longer if you prefer firmer eggs.

🔹 4. Garnish & Serve

1. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro.
2. Optional: Crumble feta over the top.
3. Serve hot with bread for dipping into that saucy, yolky goodness.

🔄 Recipe Variations

🗂️ Recipe Summary

1. Cuisine: Middle Eastern / North African
2. Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner
3. Method: Sauté + Simmer
4. Skill Level: Easy
5. Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

❤️ Final Thoughts: Saucy, Simple, and Seriously Good

Shakshuka isn’t just a dish — it’s an experience. From the sizzling sauce to the runny yolks, every element sings with flavor. It’s the kind of meal that turns your kitchen into a Mediterranean café, without fancy tools or ingredients.

Whether you enjoy it solo with your morning coffee or serve it family-style at brunch, Shakshuka is guaranteed to win hearts.

📸 Share Your Skillet!

Made this shakshuka? Show it off! Tag it with #ShakshukaMagic or #SaucySkillet for a chance to be featured.

📌 Tags

#shakshuka #brunchrecipes #middleeasternfood #onepanmeals #vegetarianbrunch #poachedeggs #comfortfood