Easy Classic Shakshuka (30 Minutes)

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Shakshuka is a traditional North African and Middle Eastern dish that has gained popularity worldwide for its simplicity, rich flavors, and versatility. This dish features eggs poached in a hearty, spiced tomato sauce, often flavored with onions, peppers, and a blend of warm spices.

It’s a comforting meal that can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or even as a quick dinner. Shakshuka is not only nourishing but also a great way to showcase the power of simple ingredients coming together to create a flavorful and satisfying dish.

  • Prep Time: 3 minutes
  • Cook Time: 27 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for heat)
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4–6 large eggs
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Sauté Vegetables (5 minutes): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sliced bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and the onions are translucent.

  2. Add Spices (2 minutes): Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, paprika, and chili powder (if using). Cook for another minute until the spices are fragrant.

  3. Prepare Tomato Sauce (10 minutes): Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend together.

  4. Poach Eggs (10 minutes): Create small wells in the sauce with a spoon and crack an egg into each well. Cover the skillet and cook until the eggs are poached to your liking, usually about 7-10 minutes.

  5. Garnish and Serve (2 minutes): Once the eggs are cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley.

  6. Enjoy (1 minute): Serve the Shakshuka hot, directly from the skillet. It can be enjoyed with bread for dipping into the sauce and egg.

Notes

Shakshuka is all about the balance of flavors in the tomato sauce and the doneness of the poached eggs. The sauce should be rich and well-seasoned, with the spices adding depth without overpowering the dish.

Cooking the eggs to your preferred level of doneness is crucial – some prefer runny yolks, while others like them more set. Shakshuka is a versatile dish; you can add other ingredients like spinach, feta, or chorizo to customize it to your taste. Enjoy your meal!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 164mg

Pair this with...

Garlicky Sautéed Spinach

Begin with a generous bunch of fresh spinach, giving it a thorough rinse and patting it dry. In a large pan, heat a glug of olive oil until it's shimmering. Toss in finely chopped garlic — the more, the merrier for garlic lovers! Let the garlic sizzle just a bit, releasing its aromatic magic without letting it brown too much. Swiftly add in the spinach, watching as it wilts and soaks up that garlicky goodness. It'll reduce in size dramatically, but that's where the intense flavor comes in. Season with a pinch of salt and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, which brightens up the dish wonderfully. Serve it straight from the pan.

Fresh Mixed Greens Salad

Start with a base of mixed greens, combining varieties like arugula, spinach, romaine, or any leafy greens you love. Slice up a handful of cherry tomatoes for a burst of juiciness. Next, peel and shave or thinly slice a carrot for a sweet and crunchy addition. Now, here's where you get to be creative. Raid your fridge for veggies – maybe some leftover bell peppers, slices of cucumber, or even some steamed broccoli or green beans. Toss them all into your salad. Drizzle with your favorite vinaigrette or dressing, give it a good mix, and you've got a vibrant, crunchy, and fresh salad that goes well with just about any meal.

Garlic Bread

Grab a loaf of your favorite bread—baguette or ciabatta are classics. Slice it up, but not all the way through, so it fans out nicely. In a bowl, melt some butter and stir in minced garlic (as much or as little as you like), a sprinkle of salt, and maybe a touch of dried parsley for that extra flair. Generously brush or spread this garlicky goodness between the slices. Wrap the loaf in foil and pop it into a pre-heated oven. When it's golden and aromatic, pull it out and enjoy the buttery, crispy, garlicky delight.

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