01/18/2026
Shakshuka is a popular one-pan dish from the Middle East and North Africa, and for good reason. It features eggs gently poached in a flavorful, spiced tomato and pepper sauce. It’s hearty, healthy, and comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a quick dinner. The combination of the savory sauce, rich runny egg yolks, salty feta, and fresh herbs is simply irresistible.
Ingredient Amount
Olive Oil 2 tbsp
Yellow Onion, chopped 1 large
Red Bell Pepper, chopped 1
Garlic, minced 3-4 cloves
Cumin 1 tsp
Smoked Paprika 1 tsp
Chili Powder (or pinch of cayenne) ½ tsp (to taste)
Crushed Tomatoes, canned 1 (28 oz) can
Salt and Black Pepper To taste
Large Eggs 4-5
Crumbled Feta Cheese ¼ cup
Fresh Cilantro or Parsley, chopped for garnish
Crusty Bread or Pita for serving
Instructions:
Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet (cast-iron is ideal) over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, until softened.
Add Spices and Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder, and cook for about 30 seconds more to toast the spices.
Create the Sauce: Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes with their juices. Season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a simmer.
Simmer Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Add the Eggs: Using the back of a spoon, make small wells in the tomato sauce for each egg. Carefully crack one egg into each well.
Cook the Eggs: Cover the skillet and let the eggs cook for 5-8 minutes, depending on how you like your yolks. For runny yolks, cook for about 5 minutes. For firmer yolks, cook a few minutes longer. (Alternatively, you can place the skillet in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 7-10 minutes).
Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and fresh chopped cilantro over the top. Serve immediately, directly from the skillet, with plenty of crusty bread or warm pita for dipping into the delicious sauce and runny yolks.