Classic Shakshuka with Sourdough
Shakshuka is a beloved North African and Mediterranean dish made of poached eggs in a spiced tomato and pepper sauce. Served with crusty sourdough bread, it’s hearty, comforting, and brimming with flavor.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings:4
Ingredients
For the Shakshuka:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp ground coriander
¼ tsp chili flakes
1 can (400g / 14 oz) crushed tomatoes (or 4 fresh ripe tomatoes, chopped)
2 tbsp tomato paste
Salt & black pepper, to taste
4–6 large eggs
¼ cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
For Serving:
4 slices crusty sourdough bread
Olive oil drizzle
Crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
Cook the base:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper; sauté until softened (5–6 minutes). Stir in garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, and chili flakes. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
Simmer the sauce:
Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Poach the eggs:
Make small wells in the sauce with a spoon. Crack eggs into the wells. Cover skillet and cook 5–8 minutes, until egg whites are set but yolks remain runny (or to your preference).
Finish:
Sprinkle with fresh parsley (and feta if using).
Serve:
Toast sourdough slices until crisp. Serve shakshuka hot with sourdough for dipping.
Notes & Tips
For extra flavor, add harissa paste to the sauce.
If you like a richer shakshuka, stir in a handful of spinach or kale near the end.
To avoid overcooking eggs, remove pan from heat as soon as whites set — they’ll keep cooking in the hot sauce.
You can bake the whole dish in the oven at 190°C (375°F) after adding eggs, instead of stovetop poaching.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I prep shakshuka ahead of time?
Yes — make the tomato sauce in advance. When ready to serve, reheat, add eggs, and cook fresh.
Q: What if I don’t have sourdough?
Any crusty bread, pita, or flatbread works perfectly.
Q: Can I add protein?
Yes! Spiced ground lamb, chickpeas, or chorizo make delicious additions.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~280
Protein: 12g
Carbs: 27g
Fat: 13g
Fiber: 4g