Traditional Shakshuka – Flavorful and Easy Breakfast Dish

Traditional shakshuka is a vibrant and flavorful dish made with poached eggs in a spiced tomato and pepper sauce. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner, this shakshuka recipe is both comforting and satisfying. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy mornings or weekend gatherings. Its rich flavors, beautiful presentation, and simplicity make it a recipe you’ll return to again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright and flavorful with fresh tomatoes and peppers
• Quick and easy for breakfast or brunch
• Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly
• Beautiful, colorful presentation perfect for serving guests
• Satisfying, comforting, and hearty
• Can be served with bread for dipping or as a light main course
• Ideal for meal prep or make-ahead breakfast

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 1 red bell pepper chopped
• 1 yellow bell pepper chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes optional
• 1 can (400 g) crushed tomatoes
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 4 large eggs
• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
• Crusty bread for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft.
2. Add red and yellow bell peppers and sauté until tender.
3. Stir in minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and chili flakes, cooking until fragrant.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, season with salt and black pepper, and simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Create small wells in the tomato sauce and crack eggs into each well.
6. Cover the skillet and cook for 5–8 minutes until eggs are done to your preference.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve immediately with crusty bread.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh tomatoes when in season for more flavor
• Add feta cheese for creamy richness
• Include spinach or kale for extra greens
• Spice it up with harissa or hot sauce
• Serve with pita or sourdough for dipping
• Substitute eggs with poached tofu for vegan version

Storage & Freezer Instructions

• Shakshuka is best served fresh; however, tomato sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days
• Reheat sauce in a skillet and add fresh eggs when ready to serve
• Freezing cooked eggs is not recommended, but sauce can be frozen for up to 2 months
• Garnish with fresh herbs only after reheating

Serving & Pairing Ideas

• Serve with warm crusty bread or pita
• Pair with avocado slices for creaminess
• Add labneh or yogurt for a cooling touch
• Serve with a side salad for a complete brunch
• Sprinkle with za’atar for extra flavor

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make shakshuka ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the tomato-pepper sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and add fresh eggs to poach for a quick and flavorful meal.

What type of eggs work best?

Large, fresh eggs poach perfectly in the sauce. For runnier yolks, cook slightly less; for firmer yolks, cook a few minutes longer.

Can I make shakshuka vegan?

Yes! Replace eggs with tofu or chickpeas. Simmer them in the tomato sauce to absorb the flavors and maintain a satisfying texture.

How can I add more spice?

Include chili flakes, harissa, or cayenne pepper to taste. Adding fresh chili peppers to the sauce also enhances the heat naturally.

Ready to Make It?

Traditional shakshuka brings vibrant flavors, comforting textures, and colorful presentation to your breakfast or brunch table. Quick to prepare and fully customizable, this recipe is sure to become a weekend favorite. Save it, share it, and enjoy a cozy, flavorful meal any day of the week.

You Might Also Like

• Lemon Dill Potato Salad – fresh, creamy, and perfect for brunch.
• Garlic Butter Green Beans – quick, flavorful side dish.
• Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes – sweet, caramelized vegetable side.
• Crispy Oven Roasted Cauliflower – golden and crunchy, perfect with shakshuka.

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