This shakshuka recipe creates the most flavorful North African dish with perfectly poached eggs nestled in a rich, spiced tomato sauce.
As a chef who has made this Middle Eastern breakfast countless times, I can promise you’ll love how simple yet satisfying this one-pan meal becomes.
Whether you serve it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, shakshuka delivers incredible taste with minimal effort.
What You Need for This Shakshuka
Here are the essential ingredients that make this dish shine:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 green bell peppers, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 6 medium ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 6 large fresh eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
How to Make Perfect Shakshuka
Follow these simple steps for restaurant-quality results every time:
- Heat the oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat
- Add vegetables (onions, bell peppers, garlic) with spices, salt, and pepper
- Cook stirring occasionally until vegetables soften (about 5 minutes)
- Add tomatoes and tomato sauce to create the base
- Cover and simmer for 15 minutes until sauce thickens
- Make wells in the sauce using a wooden spoon
- Crack eggs gently into each well you created
- Reduce heat and cover, cooking until egg whites set
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately
Tips for the Best Shakshuka Sauce
These techniques ensure your tomato base tastes incredible:
- Use ripe, soft tomatoes for the best flavor and texture
- Let the sauce simmer uncovered after 15 minutes to thicken properly
- Taste and adjust seasoning before adding eggs
- Don’t skip the fresh herbs – they add brightness to the rich sauce
- Keep the heat low when cooking eggs to prevent overcooking
Serving Ideas That Work
Shakshuka pairs beautifully with these accompaniments:
- Warm pita bread for dipping into the sauce
- Crusty sourdough or artisan bread
- Fresh challah for a weekend brunch
- Mediterranean salad with cucumbers and olives
- Crumbled feta cheese sprinkled on top
- Hot sauce for those who love extra heat
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Planning ahead makes this dish even more convenient:
- Prepare sauce the night before and store in the refrigerator
- Reheat gently and add eggs fresh when ready to serve
- Store leftovers for 1-2 days in airtight containers
- Warm carefully over medium heat, adding liquid if needed
- Best served fresh for optimal egg texture and flavor
Variations You Can Try
Customize this versatile dish to match your preferences:
- Add ground meat (lamb or beef) for extra protein
- Use different peppers like red bells for sweetness
- Try green shakshuka with spinach and herbs instead of tomatoes
- Include cheese like goat cheese or feta for creaminess
- Adjust spices to make it milder or spicier
- Add vegetables like zucchini or eggplant for variety
Why This Recipe Works
My experience cooking shakshuka in professional kitchens taught me these key secrets:
- Layer flavors properly by caramelizing onions and peppers first
- Use authentic spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika for North African taste
- Cook vegetables slowly until they release their natural sweetness
- Wait for aromatics – garlic should smell fragrant before adding tomatoes
- Keep heat gentle when cooking eggs for creamy yolks and set whites
- Be patient with each step – rushing ruins the final texture
- Let sauce thicken properly before creating wells for eggs
Nutritional Benefits
This wholesome dish provides excellent nutrition for any meal:
- High protein from eggs supports muscle health
- Rich in vitamins A and C from peppers and tomatoes
- Healthy fats from olive oil aid nutrient absorption
- Fiber content from vegetables promotes digestive health
- Iron and potassium support overall wellness
This shakshuka recipe has become my go-to for weekend brunches and quick dinners.
The combination of simple ingredients creating such complex flavors never fails to impress guests.
Master this technique, and you’ll have a versatile dish that works for any occasion.
Easy Shakshuka Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat.
- Add vegetables (onions, bell peppers, garlic) with spices, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
- Cook stirring occasionally until vegetables soften, about 5 minutes.
- Add tomatoes and tomato sauce to create the base sauce.
- Cover and simmer for 15 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Uncover and cook a few more minutes to reduce the sauce further.
- Make wells in the sauce using a wooden spoon, spacing them evenly.
- Crack eggs gently into each well you created in the sauce.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook until egg whites are set but yolks remain runny.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and mint, then serve immediately with warm bread.