Save A vibrant, budget-friendly North African dish featuring poached eggs in a spiced tomato and pepper sauce. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner.
I first tried shakshuka at a weekend brunch and instantly loved the blend of spices with runny eggs. It's now my go-to for relaxed family breakfasts, as everyone can scoop their portion straight from the pan.
Ingredients
- Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons
- Onion: 1 large, finely chopped
- Green bell pepper: 1, chopped
- Garlic cloves: 2, minced
- Diced tomatoes: 1 can (400 g/14 oz) or 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
- Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon
- Sweet paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Ground cayenne pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper: To taste
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon (optional, to balance acidity)
- Eggs: 4 large
- Fresh parsley or cilantro: Chopped, for garnish (optional)
- Crusty bread: For serving (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic:
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Spice it up:
- Stir in cumin, paprika, cayenne (if using), and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Tomato base:
- Add diced tomatoes (with juice), season with salt, pepper, and sugar if using. Simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Adjust seasoning:
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Add eggs:
- Make 4 wells in the sauce with a spoon. Crack an egg into each well.
- Poach eggs:
- Cover the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until whites are set but yolks are still soft.
- Serve:
- Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro, if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Save My family likes to break fresh bread right into the pan and scoop up the sauce together, so it's always a hands-on meal that brings everyone to the table.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains about 210 calories with 11 g total fat, 17 g carbohydrates, and 10 g protein.
Required Tools
You will need a large skillet with lid, wooden spoon, knife, and chopping board.
Allergen Information
This dish contains eggs and is free of dairy and nuts. Be mindful of allergens in your choice of bread.
Save Serve shakshuka straight from the pan for maximum comfort and flavor. Enjoy every last scoop with crunchy bread.
Kitchen Help
- → What spices are used for the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with ground cumin, sweet paprika, and optionally a touch of cayenne pepper to add warmth and depth.
- → How do I achieve perfectly poached eggs in the sauce?
Create shallow wells in the thickened sauce, crack eggs into them, cover the pan, and cook gently until whites are set but yolks remain soft.
- → Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes, ingredients like beans, spinach, or roasted peppers can be added to boost nutrition and texture.
- → What bread pairs well with this dish?
Crusty breads, such as baguette or sourdough, work well to soak up the flavorful tomato sauce.
- → Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it contains vegetables, spices, and eggs without meat or dairy, aligning with vegetarian preferences.
- → How long does preparation and cooking take?
Preparation is about 10 minutes, with roughly 25 minutes of cooking time, totaling about 35 minutes.