Shakshuka is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that marries poached eggs with a rich, spiced tomato sauce. The aroma wafting from the kitchen as it simmers is enough to make anyone weak in the knees. It’s a dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you want to impress your friends with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

Picture this: your friends stroll in for brunch, and you present them with a pan of bubbling shakshuka topped with fresh herbs and feta, all while trying to look like you’ve effortlessly mastered the art of cooking. Spoiler alert: it’s easier than it looks!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This shakshuka recipe is not only easy to prepare but also bursts with complex flavors
- Its stunning colors and aromas will brighten any table
- Perfect for breakfast or brunch, it’s versatile enough for lunch or dinner too
I remember the first time I made shakshuka; my friends were wowed by the vibrant colors and even more delighted when they tasted it. We had such a good time dipping crusty bread into the sauce that I think we forgot we were supposed to be having a civilized brunch!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Fresh Tomatoes: Use ripe tomatoes or canned whole tomatoes for a rich base; both options work beautifully.
Bell Peppers: Choose colorful bell peppers for added sweetness and visual appeal.
Onions: Sweet onions are ideal; they caramelize nicely and add depth to your sauce.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves infuse the dish with irresistible fragrance—don’t skimp on these!
Spices: Cumin and paprika are essential; they create that warm, inviting flavor profile.
Eggs: Fresh eggs are key; their yolks provide richness when perfectly poached in the sauce.
Fresh Herbs: Cilantro or parsley adds freshness; sprinkle generously before serving.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds creaminess and tanginess—an absolute must!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Veggies: Start by finely chopping your onions and bell peppers. Sauté them in olive oil over medium heat until soft, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in minced garlic along with cumin and paprika. Cook until fragrant, which should take about 1 minute—your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Add Tomatoes to Create Sauce: Pour in your chopped tomatoes (or canned) along with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for about 10 minutes until thickened slightly.
Create Wells for Eggs: Using a spoon, make small wells in the sauce. Crack an egg into each well carefully so you don’t break the yolk—no one likes scrambled eggs here!
Cover and Cook Eggs: Reduce heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it cook until the egg whites are set but yolks remain runny—around 6-8 minutes works wonders.
Add Toppings and Serve!: Sprinkle crumbled feta on top along with fresh herbs before serving straight from the skillet! Serve warm with crusty bread for dipping.
Now you’re ready to dive into this delightful dish—a true feast for both eye and palate! Enjoy every bite of your shakshuka adventure!
You Must Know
- Shakshuka is not just a dish; it’s an experience full of vibrant flavors and aromas
- The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a warming sensation, perfect for breakfast or brunch
- Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new weekend favorite!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the perfect shakshuka, start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then add tomatoes and spices before gently cracking in the eggs. This method ensures even cooking and maximum flavor infusion.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize shakshuka by adding bell peppers, feta cheese, or even spicy sausage. Each ingredient adds unique flavor dimensions that elevate this classic dish.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover shakshuka in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop until heated through, avoiding overcooked eggs.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To make sure your shakshuka shines bright, always use ripe tomatoes for sweetness and acidity
- Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can brighten the dish
- Lastly, serve with crusty bread for a delightful dipping experience
There was that one time I made shakshuka for brunch with friends; they were so impressed that I received requests for seconds—and thirds! It felt amazing to share such a delicious dish.
FAQ
What is the best type of tomato for shakshuka?
Using ripe, juicy tomatoes will give your shakshuka a fresh and flavorful base.
Can I make shakshuka ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the sauce in advance and add eggs just before serving for freshness.
What variations can I try with my shakshuka?
Consider adding different vegetables or spices to personalize your shakshuka experience.
Shakshuka
Shakshuka is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring poached eggs nestled in a rich, spiced tomato sauce. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any meal, this Moroccan-inspired classic is not only visually stunning but also simple to prepare. With its delightful aroma and fresh ingredients, shakshuka will impress your guests while keeping you stress-free in the kitchen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Brunch
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Moroccan
Ingredients
- 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 large bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 4 large eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions and bell peppers until soft (5-7 minutes).
- Add minced garlic, cumin, and paprika; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes, salt, and pepper; simmer for about 10 minutes until thickened.
- Create small wells in the sauce and crack an egg into each well. Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 minutes until whites are set but yolks are runny.
- Top with crumbled feta and fresh herbs before serving warm with crusty bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 370mg