Spicy Mediterranean Shakshuka
Gently poached eggs in a rich, spiced tomato and red bell pepper sauce garnished with feta.
In a nutshell: This authentic middle eastern spicy mediterranean shakshuka comes together in just 30 mins using simple whole ingredients. Perfect for home cooks seeking a dependable, restaurant-quality finish with minimal effort.
Shakshuka is a traditional Middle Eastern and North African dish that has taken Pinterest by storm. It is hearty, spiced with cumin and paprika, and perfect for brunch served with crusty bread.
Key Equipment
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Chef's Pro-Tips
- Simmer Until Sauce Thickens: Allow the spiced tomato and bell pepper sauce to reduce gently until rich and jammy before creating wells for the eggs. A watery sauce prevents the eggs from setting properly.
- Cover for Velvety Yolks: Cover the skillet during the final 4-5 minutes of cooking. The trapped steam cooks the egg whites evenly while keeping the yolks luscious and runny for dipping warm crusty bread.
Ingredients
4
servings
-
1 tbsp olive oil
-
½ medium onion, diced
-
1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tsp ground cumin
-
1 tsp smoked paprika
-
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
-
4 large eggs
-
¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
-
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
The Smart Meal Planner & Grocery Calculator
Interactive Google Sheets & Excel system with auto-generating grocery lists, macro calculations, and 50 pre-loaded recipes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Sauté Aromatics
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat (approx. 350°F / 175°C). Add the diced onion and sliced red bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 6-8 minutes until the vegetables are soft, translucent, and just beginning to turn golden at the edges. Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, paprika, and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant (do not let the garlic brown or it will turn bitter).
Simmer Tomato Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine with the sautéed aromatics. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors are deeply melded.
Poach the Eggs
Use the back of a spoon to make 4 small wells in the simmering tomato sauce. Crack an egg directly into each well. Immediately cover the skillet with a lid and cook on low heat for 5-8 minutes. Keep a close eye: the eggs are perfectly poached when the whites are completely set and opaque, but the yolks remain soft and runny to the touch.
Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat. Crumble the white feta cheese and sprinkle it evenly over the simmering shakshuka, then top with fresh chopped cilantro leaves. Serve hot directly from the cast iron skillet with slices of crusty warm bread for dipping.
Chef Clara's Kitchen Picks
Kitchen EssentialsAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet, 2-Pack
Warp-resistant aluminum for even browning, from sheet-pan dinners to cookies.
View on AmazonVictorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef's Knife
Razor-sharp Fibrox Pro blade that home chefs and pros both reach for.
View on AmazonTILUCK Stainless Measuring Cups & Spoons, 10-Pc
Stainless steel cups and spoons that measure precisely and last.
View on AmazonMercer Culinary Locking Tongs, 9" + 12"
Locking tongs in two handy sizes for the stovetop and the grill.
View on AmazonAmazon Basics Non-Stick Parchment Paper Roll
Non-stick paper for lining pans – easy release, easy cleanup.
View on AmazonWoodenhouse Teak Wooden Spoons, 10-Pc
Teak spoons gentle on cookware and built for daily stirring.
View on AmazonOXO Good Grips Silicone Whisk Set, 9" + 11"
Silicone whisks safe for nonstick pans, in two sizes.
View on AmazonUltra Cuisine Stainless Cooling Rack Set of 2
Stainless racks that fit half sheets – for cooling bakes and crisping roasts.
View on AmazonUmite Chef Stainless Mixing Bowls with Lids, 8-Pc
Nesting stainless bowls with airtight lids, from prep to storage.
View on AmazonHamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer
Six speeds with a snap-on storage case for the beaters.
View on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Cover the skillet and cook 5-8 minutes on low. The whites should be fully set while the yolks stay soft and runny for dipping bread.
The tomato sauce needs a full 10-12 minute uncovered simmer until thick and jammy before you add the eggs. A watery sauce keeps the eggs from setting properly.
Crusty warm bread for dipping, as the recipe suggests. It is also great over couscous or with a simple green salad.
Yes. The spiced tomato sauce keeps 3-4 days refrigerated. Reheat it to a simmer, then crack in the eggs fresh.
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
An incredibly easy, one-pan dinner that is perfect for busy weeknights.
View Recipe
One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken Rice
The ultimate weeknight dinner: juicy chicken thighs and fluffy long-grain rice cooked together in a single...
View Recipe
Classic American Smash Burger
The secret to the ultimate diner-style cheeseburger is smashing the beef patties onto a ripping-hot...
View Recipe