Shakshuka Recipe
Shakshuka is a flavorful and comforting Middle Eastern and North African dish featuring poached eggs simmered in a spicy tomato and bell pepper sauce. This easy one-pan recipe combines aromatic spices like paprika, cumin, and chili powder with fresh herbs, creating a vibrant and hearty meal perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time of day.
- Author: Joe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern, North African
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
- 6 large eggs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 small bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 small bunch fresh parsley, chopped
- Heat the Oil and Sauté Vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper, cooking for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the vegetables are softened.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the finely chopped garlic along with 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon cumin, and ¼ teaspoon chili powder. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Pour in the entire can of whole peeled tomatoes with their juice. Use a large spoon to break down the tomatoes into smaller pieces. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook gently to blend the flavors.
- Poach the Eggs: Using the spoon, create small wells in the simmering tomato sauce and crack one egg into each well. Cook the eggs for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the whites are set and the yolks reach your desired doneness. Cover the pan with a lid to speed up cooking if you like.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the top with chopped fresh cilantro and parsley. Serve immediately, optionally accompanied by pita bread, avocado slices, or crumbled feta for added richness.
Notes
- For added richness, crumble feta or goat cheese on top before serving, if not dairy-free.
- Traditionally served with pita bread, but avocado slices make a delicious accompaniment.
- Avoid cooking shakshuka in cast iron pans as the acidity of tomatoes may damage the seasoning and impart a metallic flavor; use stainless steel or non-reactive cookware instead.
Keywords: Shakshuka, eggs in tomato sauce, Middle Eastern breakfast, North African dish, poached eggs, spicy tomato sauce, easy breakfast recipe