A Flavorful One-Pan Dish Perfect for Any Meal
Shakshuka is a delicious and comforting dish of poached eggs simmered in a rich, spiced tomato sauce. Originating from North Africa and widely popular across the Middle East, it’s a versatile meal that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. The combination of hearty tomatoes, warming spices, and creamy eggs is elevated with tangy feta and fresh parsley, making it a flavorful, one-pan dish that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying. Best enjoyed with crusty bread to soak up every bit of the savory sauce!
Instructions
Gather all your ingredients, including the eggs, canned tomatoes, tomato paste, onion, garlic, bell pepper (paprika), spices (cumin, paprika, oregano), harissa, salt, pepper, oil, feta cheese, and fresh parsley.
Begin by finely chopping the onion, mincing the garlic, and dicing the red bell pepper into small cubes.
Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and diced bell pepper. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns translucent and the bell pepper softens.
Next, stir in 1 tablespoon of cumin, 1 tablespoon of paprika, 1 tablespoon of oregano and salt and pepper to taste. Cook for about 1 minute, until the spices become fragrant and release their aroma. Then, add 4 tablespoons of tomato paste and cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing it to thicken and slightly caramelize.
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, giving the flavors time to meld and deepen.
While the sauce is simmering, crumble 100g of feta cheese and chop a handful of fresh parsley for garnish.
Once the sauce has thickened slightly, make small wells in the sauce using a spoon, and crack an egg into each well. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 6–8 minutes, or until the eggs reach your desired consistency. If you prefer runny yolks, cook for less time; for firmer yolks, leave them a bit longer.
When the eggs are cooked to your liking, remove the pan from the heat. Top the shakshuka with crumbled feta and freshly chopped parsley. Serve it hot, ideally with crusty bread or pita to soak up the rich, flavorful sauce.
Shakshuka
Ingredients
- 5 eggs
- 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
- 4 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 red bell pepper
- 2 teaspoons harissa
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp oregano
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp neutral oil
- fresh parsley
- 100 g feta cheese
Instructions
- Heat oil in a skillet. Sauté onion and bell pepper until soft.
- Add garlic, cumin, paprika, oregano and salt and pepper to taste; cook until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste and harissa, then add canned tomatoes. Simmer for 10–15 mins.
- Make wells in the sauce, crack in the eggs. Cover and cook until eggs are set (6–8 mins).
- Garnish with feta and parsley. Serve hot with bread.
Tips for Success
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a spicier shakshuka, add more harissa or a pinch of chili flakes. The level of heat can be customized based on your preferences.
- Egg Consistency: For runny yolks, aim for 6 minutes of cooking. For firmer yolks, cook the eggs closer to 8 minutes. If you’re unsure, start checking the eggs at 5 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- Vegetable Variations: You can add other vegetables to the shakshuka, such as spinach, zucchini, or eggplant, for extra flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them along with the onion and bell pepper.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor to the dish, but you can also experiment with cilantro or mint for a different twist.
- Make It Ahead: Shakshuka can be made ahead of time and gently reheated before serving. Just cook the tomato base, store it in the fridge, and add the eggs when you’re ready to serve.
- Serve with Sides: For a complete meal, serve shakshuka with a side of roasted vegetables, a salad, or a simple yogurt dip to balance out the flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Comforting & Satisfying: The combination of rich tomato sauce, poached eggs, and creamy feta makes this dish comforting and filling, perfect for any time of day.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, shakshuka is a simple, one-pan dish that comes together with minimal effort and ingredients.
- Customizable: Whether you prefer more heat, extra veggies, or different cheeses, shakshuka is versatile and can be adapted to suit your taste.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of spices, tomatoes, and eggs creates a deeply flavorful dish that feels both comforting and sophisticated.
- Ideal for Sharing: This dish is perfect for family-style dining, allowing everyone to dip their bread into the rich, savory sauce and enjoy the eggs together.
