The BEST Shakshuka Recipe
This Shakshuka recipe is an EASY, healthy, 30-minute, irresistible one pot wonder celebrated for its bold flavors and versatile nature - LOTS of variations included! This recipe is elevated with adept seasonings, fire roasted crushed tomatoes, harissa, feta and skilled techniques that will having you stuffing your face for breakfast, lunch and dinner 😋. Follow the tips, tricks and how-to video for the best shakshuka you’ve ever tasted!
Servings 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 tsp EACH smoked paprika, ground cumin, ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes, preferable fire roasted (like Muir Glen)
- 1 tablespoon harissa (see notes)
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta, plus more for garnish
- 6 large eggs AT ROOM TEMPERATURE
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, flat-leaf parsley and/or mint (I recommend a combo), plus more for garnish
For serving
- crusty bread
Instructions
- Sauté onions and peppers: Heat the oil over medium heat in a 12-inch stainless steel or enamel-coated cast-iron skillet with a lid (this is my favorite braiser, pictured). Add the onion and bell peppers, and cook until onions are softened, 6-8 minutes.
- Sauté garlic and spices: Add the garlic and spices and cook 1 additional minute. Add the tomatoes and harissa paste.
- Simmer: Simmer until the sauce is thickened, about 10 minutes. It should be thick and chunky so the sauce doesn't run into the eggs.
- Add feta: Stir in 1/3 cup feta (don’t over-stir, you don’t want it to dissolve).
- Season to taste: Taste and adjust as desired – additional salt/pepper/harissa, etc.
- Add eggs: Reduce the heat to low. Use a spoon or spatula to make 6 wells in the sauce, starting around the perimeter and working your way in. Crack the eggs directly into each well.
- Poach eggs: Cover and cook on low until the eggs are set to your liking, about 5 to 8 minutes. There are several variables, so be flexible with the timing and watch the eggs closely, keeping in mind they will continue to cook a little from residual heat.
- Garnish: Garnish with remaining feta, and optional parsley, cilantro, and mint. Serve with crusty bread.
Video
Notes
- Use stainless steel or cast-iron enamel: These materials are nonreactive. You should not use a nonstick or cast iron pan because the acid in the tomatoes can mix with the metal and results in an unpleasant metallic taste. It also can accelerate the aging process of nonstick pans as it erodes the finish.
- To quickly bring eggs to room temperature: Add them to a bowl with warm (not hot) tap water for at least 20 minutes.
- Add as many eggs as you are currently serving: If you think there will be leftovers, I prefer to use less eggs, then add fresh eggs the next day.
- Check the harissa label: Look for brands that list peppers as the first ingredient. Harissa can sometimes be cut with tomato product, and that’s not what you want. Also, authentic tasting harissa will not just contain chili peppers, garlic and olive oil but should also contain spices (cumin, caraway, cardamom) and hopefully lemon juice.
- Check the harissa spice level: I have seen complaints on Amazon by people complaining the harissa wasn’t spicy at all – that is because many brands sell both hot and mild varieties. If you’re looking for a spicy condiment (as intended for this recipe) go for the hot. If you want sweeter, more floral pepper flavor with minimal heat, go for the mild. If the brand doesn’t specifically say hot or mild, then it is likely hot.
- To store: Shakshuka is best enjoyed immediately, or store the sauce without the eggs in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, bring the sauce to a simmer, then proceed with fresh eggs. I have also stored this recipe with cooked eggs, and they reheat fine, just without the runny yolks. See tips below.
- To reheat on the stove: Reheat the sauce without the eggs on the stovetop until simmering, then repeat adding fresh eggs and cooking per recipe directions. You can also reheat cooked eggs, but the egg yolks won't be runny. In order to prevent rubbery, over-cooked eggs, remove the eggs from the sauce and reheat it separately before adding the egg(s) back and cooking or microwaving briefly to warm through.
- Meal Prep/To reheat in the microwave: Heat individual servings in a microwave safe bowl with a lid by adding a fresh egg to each container and microwaving 3-5 minutes with the lid on but not closed. The eggs will cook in the sauce.
Recipe Variations
Egg Shakshuka is built for riffing. Keep the recipe simple or use the dish as a clean-out-the fridge meal. If you can add it to scrambled eggs, you can add it to shakshuka! Here are a few ideas:- Use scrambled eggs: Just don’t call it shakshuka! Stir some of the sauce into scrambled eggs to taste, or top scrambled eggs with the sauce.
- Add veggies: Artichokes (a classic Tunisian addition), cubed potatoes, cubed sweet potatoes, zucchini, spinach, kale, mushrooms, cauliflower, broccoli, grilled eggplant, corn, etc. would be tasty additions.
- Add meat: Sujuk (a heavily spiced beef sausage), chorizo, meatballs, sausage, ham, smoked salmon, etc. can all be added.
- Add beans: Any cooked beans would add great texture, particularly cannellini, favas or gigantes.
- Swap cheese: Goat cheese, pepper Jack, cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, Gruyere, etc.
- Swap harissa: Spice the dish up with a different chili sauce, cayenne pepper, or hot chili peppers instead. Keep in mind, these other sauces will be lacking in lemon and spices.
- Top with: Slivered almonds, cilantro, parsley, chives, dill, avocados, Greek yogurt, harissa, hot sauce, etc.
- Serve over or alongside: Hash browns, sweet potato mash, potatoes, lentils, chickpeas, or rice. The sauce is so scrumptious, you’ll want to serve it with everything!