Shakshuka with Tomato Pepper Eggs

Transport yourself to the bustling markets of the Middle East with this vibrant Shakshuka bowl. This cherished dish has warmed homes across North Africa and the Levant for generations, combining the simple magic of eggs poached in a fragrant tomato sauce. The melody of spices—cumin, paprika, and coriander—creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate with each bite.

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Shakshuka's beauty lies in its rustic simplicity. What began as a practical way to use up leftover vegetables has evolved into a celebrated dish that brings people together. The contrast between the silky egg yolks and the robust tomato sauce creates a textural masterpiece that begs to be sopped up with warm pita bread. This humble yet elegant meal transforms ordinary ingredients into extraordinary flavors.

• Vegetables: 1 large onion (finely chopped), 1 red bell pepper (diced), 1 yellow bell pepper (diced), 3 garlic cloves (minced), 2 cups baby spinach (optional), 1 jalapeño (seeded and finely chopped, optional for heat)
• Sauce: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon ground coriander, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional), 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon sugar, salt and black pepper (to taste)
• Eggs & Garnish: 4–6 large eggs, ¼ cup fresh cilantro or parsley (chopped), ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• To Serve: 4 pita breads, warmed

Step 1: Sauté the base

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened.

Step 2: Add peppers

Add bell peppers and jalapeño (if using); cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Step 3: Bloom the spices

Stir in garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, and cayenne. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Create the sauce

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add sugar, salt, and black pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.

Step 5: Add greens

Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes (if using).

Step 6: Prepare for eggs

Make small wells in the sauce with a spoon and crack eggs into each well.

Step 7: Cook eggs

Cover the skillet and cook for 6–8 minutes, or until egg whites are set but yolks remain runny.

Step 8: Garnish

Remove from heat. Garnish with cilantro or parsley and feta cheese if desired.

Step 9: Serve

Serve immediately with warm pita bread for dipping.

The key to perfect shakshuka lies in the timing. Keep a close eye on the eggs - they should be gently poached by the steam trapped under the lid. For a deeper flavor profile, allow your tomato sauce to simmer a few minutes longer to develop a richer taste. Don't rush the process of softening the vegetables, as this creates the foundation of your dish.

This shakshuka recipe welcomes creative adaptations. For a vegan version, omit the eggs and feta cheese, adding chickpeas or tofu for protein instead. Adjust the heat level by controlling the amount of jalapeño and cayenne pepper. For a more substantial meal, add crumbled merguez sausage or chorizo at the beginning of cooking. Green shakshuka offers an interesting twist, using a base of leafy greens instead of tomatoes.

Serve your shakshuka directly from the pan for a rustic presentation that invites communal dining. A dollop of labneh or Greek yogurt on the side offers a cooling counterpoint to the spiced tomato sauce. For a complete meal, add a simple side salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil. Fresh avocado slices provide a creamy contrast, while a sprinkle of za'atar or sumac just before serving adds an authentic Middle Eastern touch.

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Shakshuka reminds us that extraordinary cuisine often comes from humble ingredients and simple techniques. This dish carries the wisdom of generations who understood that food is more than sustenance—it's a vehicle for connection. As you break into those perfect yolks and watch them blend with the spiced tomato sauce, remember you're participating in a culinary tradition that has brought joy to countless tables across the Mediterranean and Middle East. Share it with those you love, and create your own memories around this beautiful bowl of comfort.

Recipe FAQs

→ What spices enhance the tomato sauce?

Cumin, paprika, coriander, and a touch of cayenne powder create a warm, aromatic flavor in the sauce.

→ Can I adjust the heat level in this dish?

Yes, the spice can be customized by adding more or less jalapeño and cayenne pepper according to taste.

→ What alternatives can be used for eggs?

For a vegan option, omit eggs and substitute with chickpeas or tofu to maintain protein content.

→ What breads pair well with this dish?

Warm pita bread is traditional and ideal for scooping, but gluten-free or other flatbreads can be used as preferred.

→ How long should the sauce simmer?

Simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes until the sauce thickens and flavors meld beautifully.