Shakshouka
Shakshouka is a vibrant and hearty Middle Eastern breakfast dish featuring poached eggs nestled in a rich, spiced tomato, pepper, and garlic sauce. Cooked in one pan, this flavorful and nutritious meal is quick to prepare and ideal for a warm, satisfying start to the day.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Base Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1–2 bell peppers, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4–6 large eggs
Spices
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and bell peppers and cook for about 5-7 minutes until softened and lightly golden. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Build the Tomato Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add paprika, cumin, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
- Poach the Eggs: Create small wells in the sauce and carefully crack the eggs into each well. Cover the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes or until the egg whites are set but yolks remain runny.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro on top. Serve immediately with warm crusty bread, pita, or your preferred side for dipping.
Notes
- Use fresh ripe tomatoes if possible for a sweeter, more vibrant sauce.
- Allow the sauce to simmer slowly to develop deeper flavors and a thicker texture.
- Cover the pan while poaching eggs to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust chili flakes bit by bit to control spiciness as desired.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 185 mg
Keywords: Shakshouka, Middle Eastern breakfast, poached eggs, tomato sauce, one-pan meal, spicy eggs