Description
Shakshuka is a flavorful and hearty Middle Eastern and North African dish featuring eggs poached in a spicy, savory tomato and bell pepper sauce. This vegetarian and gluten-free recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner and is traditionally cooked on the stovetop, making it a simple yet impressive one-pan meal. The dish is garnished with fresh herbs and optional crumbled cheese, adding a delicious finish.
Ingredients
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Eggs & Garnish:
- 6 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- Crumbled feta or goat cheese for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oil and sauté vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper and sauté for about 5 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
- Add spices and garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and optional cayenne pepper. Cook for another minute until the spices are well combined and aromatic.
- Add tomatoes and simmer sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and season with salt and black pepper. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Poach the eggs in sauce: Create six small wells in the tomato sauce with the back of a spoon. Gently crack one egg into each well, being careful not to break the yolks.
- Cook eggs covered: Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 6–8 minutes until egg whites are set and yolks remain runny. Adjust timing if you prefer firmer yolks.
- Finish and serve: Remove skillet from heat. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro and optionally crumbled feta or goat cheese. Serve hot alongside crusty bread or warm pita for dipping.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, add a pinch of sugar or a splash of balsamic vinegar to the tomato sauce.
- Shakshuka is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner.
- Incorporate greens such as spinach or kale into the sauce for added nutrition and variation.
