Spiced Shakshuka
A vibrant one-pan meal where eggs are gently poached in a rich, spicy tomato sauce infused with Indian spices. Perfect for a hearty breakfast or a quick weeknight dinner, best enjoyed with crusty bread.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Sauté Aromatics
- b.Heat the vegetable oil in a large, deep skillet or pan over medium heat.
- c.Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
- d.Add the chopped bell pepper and continue to cook for another 5 minutes until it softens.
- e.Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and green chilies. Cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Bloom Spices and Add Tomatoes
- b.Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, and coriander powder to the pan. Stir constantly for 30 seconds until the spices are aromatic.
- c.Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then add the sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Simmer the Sauce
- b.Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- c.Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it cook for 10-15 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Create Wells and Add Eggs
- b.Uncover the pan and stir the sauce. If it's too thick, add a splash of water.
- c.Using the back of a spoon, create 8 small wells in the tomato sauce, spaced evenly apart.
- d.Carefully crack one egg into each well. Try not to break the yolks.
- e.Lightly sprinkle a little salt and pepper directly over the eggs.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Poach the Eggs
- b.Cover the pan again and cook on low heat for 5-8 minutes.
- c.The cooking time depends on your preference: cook until the egg whites are fully set but the yolks are still runny, or cook longer for firmer yolks.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Turn off the heat. Sprinkle the garam masala and freshly chopped coriander leaves over the top.
- c.Serve immediately, straight from the pan, with crusty bread, naan, or roti for dipping into the sauce and runny yolks.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a richer sauce, use fire-roasted crushed tomatoes.
- 2The key to great shakshuka is a runny yolk. Keep a close eye on the eggs as they cook to avoid overcooking them.
- 3Make the wells in the sauce deep enough to hold the eggs, which helps them poach evenly.
- 4For extra creaminess, crumble feta cheese or add dollops of Greek yogurt on top before serving.
- 5Adjust the amount of red chili powder and green chilies to match your preferred spice level.
- 6Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, though the egg yolks will likely cook through.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan Shakshuka
Replace the eggs with firm, crumbled tofu or a can of drained chickpeas. Add them to the sauce during the last 5 minutes of simmering to heat through.
Meaty ShakshukaMeaty Shakshuka
Brown 200g of minced lamb, spicy sausage (like merguez or chorizo), or chicken along with the onions for a heartier, non-vegetarian version.
Green ShakshukaGreen Shakshuka
For a different flavor profile, add 2 cups of chopped spinach or kale to the sauce when you add the tomatoes. Garnish with fresh mint and parsley along with coriander.
Cheesy ShakshukaCheesy Shakshuka
After the eggs are cooked, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese over the top, cover the pan for a minute to let it melt.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
With two large eggs per serving, this dish provides high-quality protein essential for muscle repair, immune function, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
Rich in Antioxidants
Tomatoes are a fantastic source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to reduced risk of certain diseases. The spices, like turmeric and ginger, also have potent anti-inflammatory properties.
Packed with Vitamins
This one-pan meal is loaded with essential vitamins. Bell peppers and tomatoes provide a healthy dose of Vitamin C and Vitamin A, which are crucial for skin health and a strong immune system.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of this Spiced Shakshuka contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the exact size of the eggs and the amount of oil used. This does not include any bread served alongside it.