Traditional Shakshuka
This Traditional Shakshuka is a one-skillet recipe built from pantry staples including crushed tomatoes, bold spices, and eggs poached directly in the sauce. Ready in about 30 minutes and easy to make Whole30 compatible.
Servings: 3
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ yellow onion diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 can 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
- 6 eggs 2 eggs per serving
For serving
- Fresh parsley chopped
- Feta cheese optional (omit for Whole30)
- Sliced avocado
- Red pepper flakes
- Crusty bread torn or sliced (omit for Whole30)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and sauté for about 5 minutes, until the onion is translucent. Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer and season with kosher salt and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Use a wooden spoon to create wells in the sauce, one per egg. Crack each egg into its well. Cover and cook for 6 to 10 minutes, until egg whites are set and yolks are cooked to your preference.
- Top with fresh parsley, feta if using, sliced avocado, and red pepper flakes. Serve directly from the skillet with crusty bread for dipping.
Notes
- Whole30: The base recipe is Whole30 compatible. Skip the feta and bread. Serve alongside Make-Ahead Breakfast Potatoes for a complete meal.
- Egg quantity: Plan on 2 to 3 eggs per serving. This recipe serves 3 if you include 2 eggs per serving. There's plenty of sauce to accommodate 6 eggs.
- Spice level: Increase the chili powder for more heat, or reduce for a milder sauce. A spoonful of harissa adds heat and complexity.
- Ingredient swaps: Yellow or orange bell pepper works in place of red. Whole peeled tomatoes, roughly chopped, substitute for crushed.
- Add protein: Stir in drained chickpeas or white beans with the tomatoes for extra protein and fiber.
- Green variation: Try my green shakshuka for a completely different take using the same technique.