Shakshuka is a flavorful North African and Middle Eastern dish featuring poached eggs simmered in a rich, spiced tomato sauce. It is a comforting, one-pan meal often enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. With its bold flavors and simple ingredients, shakshuka is a satisfying and nutritious dish that pairs well with crusty bread or warm pita.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy One-Pan Meal: Shakshuka comes together in a single skillet, making cleanup effortless.
- Rich and Flavorful: The combination of tomatoes, onions, garlic, and warm spices creates a deeply satisfying dish.
- Customizable: You can adjust the spice level and add ingredients like bell peppers, cheese, or greens.
- Nutritious and Filling: Packed with protein from eggs and loaded with antioxidants from tomatoes and spices.
- Perfect for Any Meal: Whether for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, shakshuka is a versatile option.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Olive oil
- Onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Bell pepper, diced (optional)
- Crushed or diced tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Ground coriander
- Cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper
- Eggs
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Feta cheese (optional)
- Bread or pita for serving
Directions
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in the garlic and bell pepper, cooking for a few more minutes.
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir in cumin, paprika, coriander, and cayenne (if using). Season with salt and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Poach the Eggs: Create small wells in the sauce and carefully crack an egg into each. Cover the skillet and let the eggs cook for 5–7 minutes or until the whites are set but the yolks remain slightly runny.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro over the shakshuka. If desired, top with crumbled feta cheese. Serve hot with crusty bread or pita.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicier Version: Increase the amount of cayenne or add harissa paste for extra heat.
- Green Shakshuka: Use spinach, kale, or zucchini in place of tomatoes for a fresh twist.
- Cheesy Shakshuka: Add mozzarella, feta, or goat cheese for a creamy texture.
- Meaty Shakshuka: Brown ground beef, lamb, or chorizo before adding the tomatoes.
- Middle Eastern Style: Serve with hummus, labneh, or a side of tahini sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm shakshuka in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
- Freezing: The tomato sauce can be frozen for up to 2 months, but it is best to add fresh eggs when reheating.
FAQs
What is shakshuka?
Shakshuka is a traditional dish of poached eggs cooked in a spiced tomato sauce, originating from North Africa and the Middle East.
Can I make shakshuka ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tomato sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and poach the eggs fresh.
What should I serve with shakshuka?
It pairs well with crusty bread, pita, or flatbread to soak up the sauce. You can also serve it with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Can I use canned tomatoes?
Yes, canned crushed or diced tomatoes work well and provide a consistent texture and flavor.
How do I make shakshuka less spicy?
Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes to keep the dish mild.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, spinach, zucchini, and mushrooms are great additions.
What if I don’t have a lid for my skillet?
You can cover the skillet with aluminum foil or a large baking sheet to help the eggs cook evenly.
How do I know when the eggs are done?
The whites should be set, but the yolks should still be slightly runny. If you prefer firmer yolks, cook them a bit longer.
Can I make shakshuka vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the eggs and add chickpeas or tofu for protein.
Is shakshuka gluten-free?
Yes, the dish itself is gluten-free. Just make sure to serve it with gluten-free bread if needed.
Conclusion
Shakshuka is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Whether enjoyed for breakfast or dinner, its rich, spiced tomato sauce and perfectly poached eggs make it a satisfying choice. With endless variations and easy preparation, this one-pan meal is sure to become a favorite.
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Description
These Peanut Butter Chocolate Brownie Bars are the ultimate dessert for chocolate and peanut butter lovers. Fudgy brownies topped with a rich peanut butter layer and crunchy topping make them irresistible!
Ingredients
- Make Brownies: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix melted butter, sugar, cocoa powder, eggs, and vanilla. Stir in flour and salt. Pour into a pan and bake for 25 minutes. Let cool.
- Prepare Peanut Butter Layer: Mix peanut butter, powdered sugar, and heavy cream until smooth. Spread over brownies.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle crushed peanuts and peanut butter cups, then drizzle melted chocolate.
- Chill: Refrigerate for 1 hour before slicing.
Instructions
- Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
- Let brownies fully cool before adding the peanut butter layer.
Notes
- Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
- Let brownies fully cool before adding the peanut butter layer.