Shakshuka is a dish that brings together bold flavors and simple ingredients in the most delicious way. Originating from North Africa and popular in the Middle East, this dish features poached eggs cooked in a rich, spiced tomato sauce with peppers, onions, and garlic. It’s the kind of comforting meal that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner.
To make shakshuka, start by sautéing onions, garlic, and bell peppers in olive oil until they’re soft and fragrant. Add in crushed tomatoes, along with spices like cumin, paprika, and a pinch of chili flakes for a little heat. Let the sauce simmer and thicken, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Once your tomato sauce is ready, make small wells in the sauce with a spoon and crack fresh eggs into each well. Cover the pan and cook the eggs until the whites are set but the yolks remain soft and runny, usually about 5-7 minutes, depending on how well-done you like your eggs.
Shakshuka is incredibly versatile, so feel free to adjust the seasoning and spice levels to suit your tastes. Some variations include adding feta cheese for a creamy contrast, or olives and harissa for an extra depth of flavor. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can be sprinkled over the top just before serving for a burst of color and freshness.
Serve your shakshuka directly from the pan for a rustic presentation, and don’t forget the bread! Warm pita or crusty sourdough is perfect for dipping into the flavorful tomato sauce and runny egg yolks.
This dish is a great way to start the day with a hearty, flavorful breakfast that’s packed with nutrients. It’s also easy to make and perfect for sharing with friends or family. Whether you’re looking for something new to try for brunch or a satisfying weeknight dinner, shakshuka will surely become a favorite.

Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion medium, diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 can diced tomatoes 400g
- 4-6 eggs large
- parsley chopped fresh for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the onion and bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
- Add the diced tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Make small wells in the sauce and crack the eggs into them. Cover the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the eggs are cooked to your liking.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
Why do you put eggs in it? Like what if you’re vegan?!
This is the best breakfast dish ever! So flavorful and filling. I can’t believe I never tried making it before! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I used green peppers instead of red, and I think it ruined the taste. Idk if I would make it again.
I actually love green peppers! But I get it, red ones have a sweeter taste. Maybe try adding a bit of sugar next time to balance it out?
I’m not sure about the cumin. It was a bit strong for my taste. Maybe I’ll cut back next time.
Nah, cumin is the best part! It gives it that authentic flavor. Don’t cut back too much!
I totally understand! Cumin can be overpowering sometimes. Maybe try half a teaspoon next time? It might balance the flavors better.
Tasted like a fancy breakfast! I added some feta cheese on top, and it was delish!
Yum! Feta sounds like a great addition! I’ll have to try that next time! 🥗
I dunno, sounds kinda weird. Eggs and tomatoes? But if you like it, that’s cool.
This was amazing! The spices really make it pop. 🔥
Totally agree! This dish is just bursting with flavor! 🤤
Shakshuka? Sounds fancy. Is it just eggs and salsa? I don’t know if I’ll try this. 🤷
I didn’t have chili powder so I used paprika twice. Still yum! 🤷♀️
Paprika is a great substitute! Glad it turned out yummy! 🌟
This is how you say it: shakshuka. It’s a middle eastern dish from Israel, if I am right. Not my thing tho.
It’s good, but the eggs were too runny for my taste. Next time I’ll cook them longer.
Shakshuka is one of my favs! This recipe is super easy to follow!
I think I messed it up. My sauce got burnt and the eggs were hard. Gotta try again.
Maybe you left it on the stove too long? Eggs should be runny, not rock hard. Better luck next time!
Don’t be too hard on yourself! Cooking can be tricky sometimes. Just remember to keep an eye on the heat next time. You got this!
This was absolutely delicious! I’ve never made shakshuka before. My family loved it!
Shakshuka is life! I never knew breakfast could be this delicious. Thank you for this recipe!
I added feta cheese on top! Made it even better. Highly recommend! 👍
This dish is so pretty! I took a picture and posted it online. My friends all want the recipe now!
i dont get it, why people like eggs in sauce? messed up my dish
I don’t get why this dish is so popular. It’s just eggs and sauce… Not worthy.
I don’t get why you would cook eggs in tomato… Seems odd. Just scrambled eggs are better.
I totally get what you mean! Eggs are great on their own, but Shakshuka is like a party in a pan! You should give it a shot, it may surprise you.
Why no cook eggs in tomatos? It’s delish! But hey, if ya like scrambled, stick with it! Different strokes, right?
Fore real, this was simple and delicious for sure! I made it for my friends and they were impressed! 🙌
why did you use canned tomatoes? fresh is the way to go, man! 😤
Is this supposed to be spicy? I didn’t think it was spicy at all. My kids liked it tho!
Honestly not great. The eggs were just too runny for me. 😕
I LOVE shakshuka! It’s so easy and tasty. Perfect for breakfast or brunch. Thank you for this recipe!
I totally agree! Shakshuka is like the perfect dish to wake up to. Your recipe makes it so simple to whip up! 🌟
It looks good, but I’ve never tried it with eggs. Isn’t it gonna be weird with tomatoes and spices? 🤔
Shakshuka? More like Shak-shook-my-head, idk why people like it.
You gotta try it before judging! It’s packed with flavor and perfect for brunch. Just saying!
I don’t get it either! It looks so messy and has that weird runny egg thing going on. Yuck!
Didn’t turn out like the pic. My eggs got a bit overcooked. I guess I’m not a pro cook. LOL.
Yummy but why is it so expensive to make? Tomatoes are $3 a can! This is a poor man’s dish? 😬
It’s true! Prices for ingredients can be crazy. But you can try using fresh tomatoes in season, they might be cheaper. 😅
This was really bland. I added some cheese and hot sauce to spice it up, but it still wasn’t great.
Tasted great but I think I put too much salt. Oops!
Yum, but I used jalapeños instead of the bell pepper. Gave it a nice kick! 🌶️
This was amazing! The flavors were spot on and it was super easy to make.
Shakshuka sounds fancy but it’s just eggs and stuff. I’m not impressed. 🙄
Looks great! But why you put eggs in a skillet? Shouldn’t they be boiled? 🤔
Eggs in a skillet makes them poached kinda! Much better than boiled. You gotta try it!
Delicious! I added feta for extra flavor. Highly recommend! 🌟
Absolutely loved this recipe! It was so easy to make and tasted amazing. Will definitely make it again!
I’m so glad you loved it! Shakshuka is such a comforting dish. I always add a pinch of feta for extra flavor!
Easy and quick! Perfect for brunch. Will make again for sure.
This was amazing! I never knew putting eggs in tomato sauce could be so delicious. Definitely making this again.
Yum! I added feta cheese on top, and wow, it was delicious. Also served it with some bread. Will make again! ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Feta on shakshuka? That’s interesting! I usually stick to the classic recipe, but I might give it a shot. Thanks for the tip!
Bread? That’s not traditional! Isn’t it supposed to be eaten by itself? 🤔
It was good but too much oil for my taste. Can I use less? 🤔
I think it won’t be the same without that much oil. Shakshuka should be a bit luxurious, you know? But do what works for you!
You can definitely use less oil! Just start with a tablespoon and add more if needed. Cooking is all about personal preference!
Just ok, I guess. I don’t think I really get the point of this dish. Just eggs in sauce? Kinda boring to me. ⭐⭐
It was ok, but I think it needed more spices. I feel like something’s missing. I added some cheese, which helped!
I followed the recipe but it turned out too spicy for my taste. Maybe cut down on the chili powder next time. ⭐⭐⭐
I don’t like tomatoes, but I used green peppers instead. Weird but good! 🤷♂️
Green peppers?! That sounds interesting! I might try that next time! 😊
My little bro helped me make this and he loved it! A win! 👍