Spicy Shakshouka Recipe: Morning Magic in One Pan

Shakshouka bursts with vibrant colors and tantalizing aromas that immediately capture your culinary imagination.

Mediterranean kitchens have long celebrated this hearty dish as a comforting meal that transcends simple breakfast fare.

Robust tomato sauce forms the foundation of this rustic creation, simmering with warm spices and rich depth.

Eggs nestle perfectly within the fragrant sauce, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Sophisticated yet unpretentious, shakshouka represents a perfect balance between simplicity and gourmet elegance.

Each ingredient contributes its unique character to this delightful one-pan wonder.

The magic of this dish lies in its ability to change humble ingredients into something truly extraordinary.

Why Shakshouka Is Worth Waking Up For

• Savor Rustic Mediterranean Comfort: Shakshouka delivers a hearty one-pan meal bursting with vibrant flavors that transport you straight to the streets of North Africa and Middle East.
• Enjoy Perfectly Balanced Texture Sensation: Experience the magical combination of silky poached eggs nestled in a rich, thick tomato sauce with tender onions and peppers, creating a delightful contrast between soft and chunky elements.
• Master Quick and Easy Weeknight Cooking: This versatile dish comes together in under 40 minutes, requires minimal prep work, and uses simple ingredients that most home cooks already have in their pantry, making it an ideal solution for busy families seeking delicious and nutritious meals.

Everything in This One-Skillet Wonder

• Eggs: Fresh eggs are the star, providing protein and creating a rich, creamy texture when cooked in the spicy tomato sauce.
• Tomatoes: Ripe and juicy tomatoes form the foundation of the sauce, offering deep, tangy flavor and vibrant color.
• Vegetable Broth: Adds depth and moisture to the sauce, enhancing the overall richness of the dish.

• Onion, Bell Peppers: Create a sweet and slightly sharp base, adding complexity and texture to the sauce.
• Cumin, Paprika, Oregano: Warm spices that bring authentic Middle Eastern flavor, adding depth and earthiness to the dish.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the overall taste of the recipe.

• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds bright, clean flavor and visual appeal to the final dish.
• Feta Cheese: Salty and creamy cheese that provides a tangy contrast to the rich tomato sauce.
• Pita Bread: Soft, warm bread perfect for scooping up the sauce and eggs, completing the traditional serving style.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and creating a smooth cooking base with rich flavor.

How to Make Shakshouka Without Stress

Step 1: Prepare Sizzling Vegetable Base

Grab a large, deep skillet

Warm olive oil over medium-high heat

Chop fresh onions and bell peppers

Sauté vegetables until they turn golden and soft (around 7 minutes)

Step 2: Create Robust Tomato Sauce

Pour diced tomatoes into skillet

Add vegetable broth

• Ground cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Simmer sauce until it thickens (20-22 minutes)

Step 3: Nest Perfectly Cooked Eggs

Gently crack whole eggs directly onto simmering sauce

Space eggs evenly across surface

Cover skillet with lid

Cook until egg whites set and yolks remain slightly runny (6-8 minutes)

For firmer yolks, extend cooking time by 1-2 minutes

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley

Crumble tangy feta cheese on top

Accompany with warm, soft pita bread

Serve immediately while hot and vibrant

Tips to Get the Perfect Egg Every Time

• Select Fresh Ingredients: Choose ripe tomatoes and vibrant bell peppers for a more flavorful base that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Control Egg Doneness: Watch eggs closely during final cooking stage, using visual cues to achieve perfectly runny or firm yolks based on personal preference.
• Spice Balance Matters: Adjust cumin, paprika, and oregano proportions to create a personalized flavor profile that suits your taste buds.
• Skillet Selection Tip: Use a wide, deep skillet to ensure even cooking and sufficient space for eggs to nestle comfortably in the sauce.
• Serving Suggestion: Warm pita bread just before serving to create the perfect vehicle for scooping up the rich, spiced sauce and tender eggs.

Reheat and Save Shakshouka Without Losing Flavor

• Refrigerate: Store leftover shakshouka in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping the eggs and sauce together.
• Reheat Gently: Warm the dish in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking and maintain sauce consistency. Avoid high temperatures to prevent overcooking the eggs.
• Separate Serving: If eggs have become firm during storage, consider separating them from the sauce and gently reheating, then topping with fresh eggs when serving for the best texture and flavor.

What Pairs Beautifully with This Tomato-Egg Dish

• Pair Rustic Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Spanish or Mediterranean red wine like Tempranillo or Garnacha that complements the robust tomato and spice flavors, cutting through the richness of eggs and feta.
• Boost with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light, zesty side salad with fresh parsley, mint, and cucumber dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty shakshuka and provide a crisp, refreshing contrast.
• Serve with Crisp White Beverage: Choose a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or dry Riesling with bright acidity that echoes the tangy tomato base and cleanses the palate between bites of the spiced egg dish.
• Add Crusty Bread Accompaniment: Offer warm, toasted sourdough or traditional pita bread for dipping, allowing diners to soak up the rich, spiced tomato sauce and enjoy every delicious drop.

Shakshouka Variations You Haven’t Tried Yet

• Mediterranean Remix: Replace feta with crumbled goat cheese and add kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy North African Style: Increase heat by incorporating harissa paste and adding chopped merguez sausage for extra bold flavors.
• Vegetarian Green Power: Swap tomato sauce with green tomatillo sauce and add spinach and zucchini for a nutrient-packed green variation.
• Middle Eastern Fusion: Incorporate roasted eggplant chunks and sprinkle za'atar spice blend over the eggs for a rich, aromatic profile.

Shakshouka Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy North African shakshouka brings Mediterranean eggs poached in rich tomato sauce to your kitchen. Hearty skillet meal combines aromatic spices with runny eggs, promising a delicious breakfast or quick dinner you’ll savor with warm pita bread.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 6–8 eggs
• ¼ cup (40 g) crumbled feta cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 anaheim peppers, seeded and chopped
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 1 can (28 ounces / 794 g) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Spices and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup (120 g) vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

Serving:

• Fresh pita bread

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Instructions

1. Prepare a spacious, heavy-bottomed skillet and warm the cooking oil over medium-high temperature, creating an even heat distribution.
2. Introduce finely chopped onions and sliced bell peppers into the heated oil, allowing them to soften and caramelize, developing a rich golden-brown color through gentle sautéing.
3. Pour in diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and sprinkle aromatic spices including cumin, paprika, oregano, along with salt and freshly ground black pepper to create a robust sauce base.
4. Reduce heat and let the sauce gently simmer, allowing flavors to meld and liquid to reduce, creating a thick, luxurious consistency that will cradle the eggs.
5. Carefully crack whole eggs directly onto the simmering tomato sauce, spacing them evenly to ensure uniform cooking and visual appeal.
6. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, trapping steam and heat to cook the egg whites while maintaining delicate, runny yolks.
7. Monitor eggs closely, ensuring whites are fully set but yolks remain gloriously soft and golden, adjusting cooking time based on personal preference.
8. Garnish the finished dish with fresh, chopped parsley and crumbled feta cheese, adding vibrant color and tangy complexity.
9. Serve immediately alongside warm, pillowy pita bread for a complete and satisfying Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Notes

• Originating from North African and Middle Eastern cuisine, this vibrant one-pan dish combines spicy tomato sauce with perfectly poached eggs.
• Choose ripe, flavorful tomatoes for the most authentic and rich sauce base that brings depth to the entire meal.
• Cooking time for eggs is crucial; 6-8 minutes ensures runny yolks, while extra 1-2 minutes creates firmer yolk consistency.
• Fresh herbs and feta cheese are not optional but essential finishing touches that elevate the entire flavor profile.
• Use a deep skillet with a tight-fitting lid to help steam the eggs and create perfect, even cooking.
• Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the optimal texture of soft eggs and warm, spiced tomato sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 440 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 372 mg