Oh my goodness, let me tell you about shakshuka! This incredible dish hails from North Africa and the Middle East, and it’s truly a celebration of flavors. Imagine perfectly poached eggs nestled in a vibrant, spicy tomato sauce that’s bursting with goodness. The combination of cumin, paprika, and garlic creates a warm hug for your taste buds. What I absolutely love is its versatility—whether you enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner, shakshuka is always a hit! Plus, you can easily customize the spice levels to match your mood. Trust me, once you try this shakshuka recipe, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients for Shakshuka Recipe
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 6 large eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
These ingredients come together to create the most delicious shakshuka. You’ll want to make sure your spices are fresh for the best flavor, and don’t skimp on that parsley—it really brightens things up! Trust me, having everything prepped and ready to go will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. Happy cooking!
How to Prepare the Shakshuka Recipe
Now, let’s dive into the delicious world of preparing shakshuka. I promise it’s easier than it sounds, and you’re going to love how everything comes together!
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
First things first, grab a skillet and heat up those 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. You want it nice and warm, but not smoking—just enough to get those flavors rolling!
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, toss in your chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re softened and just starting to get a little golden color. This is where the magic begins, and your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
Step 3: Add Aromatics and Spices
Now it’s time to add in the minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook these for 1 minute, stirring constantly to release those incredible aromas. This step is crucial for developing the rich flavors that make shakshuka so irresistible!
Step 4: Incorporate the Tomatoes
Pour in that can of crushed tomatoes along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Give it a good stir, then let it simmer for about 10 minutes. You want the sauce to thicken slightly and become a luscious, vibrant mixture. It should look rich and inviting!
Step 5: Create Wells and Add Eggs
Using a spoon, create little wells in the sauce and gently crack your eggs into each one. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect—rustic is the name of the game here!
Step 6: Cook the Eggs
Cover the skillet with a lid and let those eggs cook for about 5-7 minutes. You want the whites to be set but the yolks still slightly runny for that glorious shakshuka experience. Just keep an eye on them!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once the eggs are cooked to your liking, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor. Serve your shakshuka hot, ideally with some crusty bread for dipping. Trust me, this is comfort food at its finest!
Tips for Success in the Shakshuka Recipe
To make your shakshuka truly shine, don’t hesitate to adjust the spices to match your taste buds. If you like it spicy, add more cayenne or even a splash of hot sauce. On the flip side, if you prefer milder flavors, reduce the cayenne and use sweet paprika instead. Pair your shakshuka with crusty bread or pita to soak up that delicious sauce—it’s practically a must! You can also serve it with a side of creamy avocado or a dollop of yogurt for added richness. Trust me, these little tweaks will take your shakshuka to the next level!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftover shakshuka (which is rare, but it happens!), let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in a skillet over low heat. You might want to add a splash of water to help loosen the sauce and keep everything juicy. Cover the skillet to retain moisture, and heat until warmed through. Just like that, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to go without losing any of that amazing flavor!
Nutritional Information for Shakshuka Recipe
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into this shakshuka! Each serving is approximately 300 calories, making it a satisfying yet healthy option for any meal of the day. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
- Sodium: 400mg
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose. For instance, using a different type of oil or adding extra toppings can change the nutritional profile a bit. But one thing’s for sure—this shakshuka recipe is packed with flavor and nutrients that will leave you feeling great!
Frequently Asked Questions About Shakshuka Recipe
Can I make shakshuka ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make shakshuka ahead of time, which is great for meal prep. Just follow all the steps until you add the eggs, then let the dish cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply reheat in a skillet, add the eggs, and cook until they’re set. This way, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
What can I serve with shakshuka?
Shakshuka is fantastic on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate your meal. I love serving it with crusty bread or pita, perfect for scooping up that rich sauce. You could also add a fresh salad on the side for a crunchy contrast, or some creamy avocado slices to balance the spices. If you want to make it extra special, a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of feta cheese can really take it to the next level!
How can I adjust the spice level?
Adjusting the spice level in your shakshuka is super easy! If you like it spicy, you can increase the cayenne pepper or add a splash of hot sauce while cooking. On the flip side, if you prefer a milder dish, simply reduce the cayenne or omit it altogether, and stick with sweet paprika. You can always taste as you go to find that perfect balance that suits your palate. It’s all about making it your own!
Why You’ll Love This Shakshuka Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, ready in just 30 minutes!
- Packed with vibrant flavors that will impress your taste buds.
- Nutritious and filling, making it a wholesome meal option.
- Versatile—enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
- Customizable spice levels to suit everyone’s preferences.
- Perfect for sharing with friends or family—just serve it right from the skillet!
Shakshuka Recipe: 7 Reasons You’ll Crave This Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious North African and Middle Eastern dish made with poached eggs in a spicy tomato sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 6 large eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and bell pepper, cooking until soft.
- Stir in garlic, cumin, paprika, and cayenne. Cook for 1 minute.
- Add crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Make wells in the sauce and crack eggs into the wells.
- Cover and cook until eggs are set, about 5-7 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Serve with crusty bread.
- Adjust spice levels to your preference.
- This dish can be made in advance and reheated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: shakshuka recipe, poached eggs, tomato sauce
