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breakfast

Shakshouka

By Grandma Millie

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A delicious serving of Shakshouka with poached eggs in a spicy tomato sauce, garnished with cilantro.

Shakshouka is a vibrant breakfast dish that transforms simple ingredients into a colorful, flavor-packed experience. Juicy tomatoes and sweet bell peppers simmer with garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika, filling the kitchen with irresistible aromas. As eggs are gently cracked into the bubbling sauce, their golden yolks settle into silky pools, soaking up the bold, spiced flavors. Topped with fresh herbs like basil and parsley, every bite of shakshouka offers a balance of tangy, smoky, and herbaceous notes. Pair it with crusty bread or soft pita for dipping, and you’ll have a hearty, comforting meal that makes any morning feel special.

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 25 mins
Total: 35 mins
Serves: 4 servings
Calories: 250

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Shakshouka

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Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Total Time
35 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 250

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
  • 1 medium onion (chopped, adds sweetness)
  • 1 red bell pepper chopped (for flavor)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced, adds aroma)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin (for warmth)
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika (enhances color and taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes (forms the base)
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 4 large eggs (the stars of the dish)
  • to taste fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish)

Equipment

  • 1 SkilletFor cooking the Shakshouka

Method

  1. 1

    Step 1: Heat the Oil – Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

  2. 2

    Step 2: Sauté the Veggies – Add chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 5–7 minutes.

  3. 3

    Step 3: Add Spices – Stir in minced garlic, cumin, paprika, and cayenne. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  4. 4

    Step 4: Make the Sauce – Pour in crushed tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens.

  5. 5

    Step 5: Add the Eggs – Create 4 wells in the sauce and crack an egg into each well.

  6. 6

    Step 6: Cook the Eggs – Cover the skillet and cook for 5–8 minutes until egg whites are set but yolks remain runny.

  7. 7

    Step 7: Garnish and Serve – Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley. Serve warm with crusty bread.

Notes

NutrientAmount per Serving
Nutrition FactsPer Serving
Calories250
Fat18g
Protein12g
Carbs15g

Why You’ll Love This Shakshouka

  • It’s a vibrant, one-pan dish that’s perfect for any meal of the day.
  • Loaded with fresh veggies and spices, it’s a feast for your taste buds.
  • Quick and easy to make, you’ll have a delicious meal in under 30 minutes.
  • Customizable to your liking—add your favorite veggies or spices!
  • Healthy and satisfying, it’s a guilt-free indulgence you’ll crave.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create a delightful Shakshouka!

A colorful assortment of ingredients for Shakshouka, including bell peppers, garlic, onion, and tomatoes, arranged on a kitchen table.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing
  • 1 medium onion – chopped, adds sweetness
  • 1 red bell pepper – chopped, for flavor
  • 3 garlic cloves – minced, adds aroma
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin – for warmth
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika – enhances color and taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper – optional, for heat
  • 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes – forms the base
  • salt and pepper – to taste
  • 4 large eggs – the stars of the dish
  • fresh cilantro or parsley – for garnish

How to Make Shakshouka

Shakshouka is a delightful dish that brings warmth and flavor to your table. With a preparation time of about 10 minutes and a cooking time of 25 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. Let’s dive into this easy recipe!

A step-by-step visual guide to making Shakshouka, showcasing the cooking process in a skillet.

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Add chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 5–7 minutes.

Step 3: Add Spices

Stir in minced garlic, cumin, paprika, and cayenne. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Pour in crushed tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 5: Add the Eggs

Create 4 wells in the sauce and crack an egg into each well.

Step 6: Cook the Eggs

Cover the skillet and cook for 5–8 minutes until egg whites are set but yolks remain runny.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley. Serve warm with crusty bread.

Recipe Snapshot

FeatureDetails
CategoryBreakfast
CuisineMiddle Eastern
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Extra Time0 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
DietaryVegetarian
Serves4
Best ServedWarm with crusty bread

Pro Tips for Making Shakshouka

  • Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for a vibrant flavor.
  • Experiment with spices like smoked paprika for depth.
  • Cook the eggs to your preferred doneness for a perfect bite.
  • Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
  • Add feta cheese for a creamy, tangy twist.

How to Serve this Shakshouka

  • Serve with warm, crusty bread for dipping.
  • Pair with a side of creamy avocado slices.
  • Top with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a burst of flavor.
  • Enjoy with a dollop of Greek yogurt or labneh for creaminess.
  • Accompany with a light salad for a refreshing contrast.
  • Try it with a sprinkle of feta cheese for added richness.
  • Serve alongside spiced roasted potatoes for a hearty meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Shakshouka can be prepared in advance and stored for later enjoyment:

Storing Shakshouka Leftovers

  • Allow the dish to cool completely.
  • Transfer to an airtight container.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Label with the date for easy tracking.

Freezing Shakshouka

  • Cool the dish completely before freezing.
  • Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags.
  • Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.
  • Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Shakshouka

  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
  • Reheat in a skillet over medium heat.
  • Add a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
  • Heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.

Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, tasty snacks, and delightful dessert.

Final Thoughts

Shakshouka is not just a dish; it’s a warm hug on a plate! With its vibrant flavors and simple preparation, it’s perfect for any meal. So gather your ingredients, invite a friend, and enjoy the delightful experience of cooking together. You’ll be amazed at how rewarding it is to savor this delicious creation. Happy cooking!

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Straight answers from the kitchen — storage, swaps, and common sticking points for this recipe.

Which country is shakshuka from?
Shakshuka is believed to have originated in North Africa, particularly in Tunisia. However, it has become a beloved dish in many Middle Eastern countries, including Israel, where it is often enjoyed for breakfast or brunch. Its rich flavors and vibrant colors make it a popular choice across various cultures.
What is the meaning of shakshouka?
The word ‘shakshouka’ comes from the Arabic word for ‘a mixture’ or ‘a blend.’ This is quite fitting, as the dish is a delightful combination of poached eggs in a spicy tomato sauce, often enhanced with peppers, onions, and spices. It’s a dish that brings together various ingredients in a harmonious way.
Why do Jews eat shakshuka?
Shakshuka has become a popular dish in Israeli cuisine, particularly among Jewish communities. It is often enjoyed as a communal meal, bringing people together around the table. The dish’s simplicity, flavor, and ability to be made in large quantities make it a favorite for gatherings and family meals.
What is the main ingredient in shakshuka?
The main ingredient in shakshuka is eggs, which are poached in a flavorful tomato sauce. The sauce typically includes tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices like cumin and paprika, creating a rich and savory base for the eggs. This combination is what makes shakshuka so delicious and satisfying.

Kitchen notes

Nutrition & sources

Calorie and nutrition figures on this page are estimates meant for general home-cooking guidance. Actual values vary with brands, portion size, and how the recipe is prepared.

Estimates draw on typical ingredient data from public nutrition databases such as the USDA FoodData Central. They are not a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice.

For how recipes are tested and when pages are updated, see How we test recipes. Full legal context lives in our disclaimers and affiliate disclosure.

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