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 made shakshuka on a weekend brunch when a friend visited. We both loved the comforting sauce and how easy it was to cook with just a few basic ingredients.
Ingredients
- Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons
- Onion: 1 large, finely chopped
- Green bell pepper: 1, chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, 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 vegetables:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 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. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the sauce:
- Add diced tomatoes with juice. Season with salt, pepper, and sugar. Simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Check seasoning:
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Add eggs:
- Make 4 wells in the sauce with a spoon. Crack an egg into each well.
- Cook eggs:
- Cover the skillet and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, or until whites are set but yolks remain soft.
- Finish and serve:
- Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro, if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Save This dish always reminds me of family gatherings where we pass the skillet around the table and scoop out saucy eggs with warm bread. The vibrant color and aroma get everyone excited.
Variations
Add canned beans or spinach for extra nutrition and substance. Swap bell pepper for any color or use jarred roasted peppers to change the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Shakshuka is best enjoyed hot and fresh. Serve directly from the skillet with crusty bread for dunking into the sauce and eggs.
Nutrition Info
Each serving contains approximately 210 calories, 11 g total fat, 17 g carbohydrates, and 10 g protein.
Save Enjoy shakshuka straight from the skillet with plenty of crusty bread. It is a simple yet impressive meal that brings friends and family together.