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Home » Tasting Jerusalem » Shakshuka Recipe: An Easy Egg Dish for any Meal of the Day!

Shakshuka Recipe: An Easy Egg Dish for any Meal of the Day!

by Beth Lee · Published: Mar 26, 2019 · Modified: Sep 2, 2021

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This shakshuka recipe will be a new favorite in your meal plan rotation. Are you a fan of Middle Eastern and North African flavors? Then you’ll love this shakshuka and might even want to try this homemade rose harissa to go with it.

Another great dish is my flexible frittata recipe.

For ease of browsing, here are all my breakfast and brunch recipes in one place.

Face down view of shakshuka in pan ready to eat.

This post contains Amazon affiliate links – if you click on one and purchase something, I receive a very tiny percentage of the sale. Your price is never affected.

When my kids were younger, we ate breakfast for dinner at our house frequently. In 2013, I took a deep dive into Middle Eastern ingredients and soon discovered a new egg recipe called shakshuka (sometimes spelled shakshouka). Eggs are poached in a savory, soul-satisfying spicy red tomato sauce base. It’s simple but this shakshuka recipe is infinitely flexible and works for any meal of the day.

What is Shakshuka?

Shakshuka (say it three time fast) is of Tunisian descent but is also a very popular breakfast and brunch food in Israel. You'll find similar dishes in other cuisines.

For example, growing up my mom used to make what she called Spanish omelettes – they had a savory tomato filling. In Turkey, they serve a dish called menemen which has many similarities to shakshuka. And I don't think it's a stretch to see similarities in huevos rancheros.

Shakshuka in cast iron pan with pita bread.

What is Matboucha?

To make this shakshuka recipe, you create a spicy tomato mixture, called matboucha, that forms the bed for cooking the eggs. Matboucha consists of fresh or canned tomatoes, bell and spicy red or green peppers, smoky and/or sweet paprika at its most basic.

This mixture comes together quickly on the stovetop, then you make wells for the eggs, add them in, and just wait for the eggs to cook and your meal is ready.

Can Shakshuka be Prepared Ahead of Time?

Shakshuka could be prepared ahead of time, in part. The matboucha or tomato base can be refrigerated or frozen and then used on demand for a quick meal. If needed, thin the sauce with a bit of water when you reheat. If you have leftover sauce after serving it, reheat the next day and add another egg or two!

Full pan view of shakshuka with pita bread and cilantro and spices.

How Do you Serve Shakshuka?

Traditionally, serve your shakshuka with pita bread for dipping or accompany it with yogurt or yogurt cheese called labneh topped with a bit of olive oil and za’atar spice mix. For dinner, accompany this dish with a nice green salad or an Israeli salad and everybody’s taste buds and bellies will be happy.

How Flexible is this Shakshuka Recipe?

Shakshuka is a blank slate for creativity. Add some greens. Add some meat – lamb is an especially good accompaniment. Add some chickpeas. Sprinkle feta cheese on top. Some people even make a “green” shakshuka with a base of various green vegetables instead of tomatoes.

When we were in Tel Aviv in 2017, we went to a very famous shakshuka restaurant called Dr. Shakshuka. Here is a photo of their shakshuka menu – you can see they have many accompaniments you can order.

Dr. Shakshuka menu from Tel Aviv.

Can you make Substitutions in this Shakshuka Recipe?

  1. Use jarred roasted red bell peppers instead of fresh red bell pepper, if you're out.
  2. No whole tomatoes? Used two cans of diced tomatoes.
  3. Don’t like it spicy? Leave out the harissa or hot dried chili flakes or be sure to take the seeds and membranes out of the fresh spicy red or green pepper.
  4. Want to add more protein or leafy greens? Throw them into the matboucha (spicy tomato base).
  5. No pita bread? Use whatever bread you have or skip the bread completely if you are watching your carbs.
Partial view of cast iron pan showing za'atar and sumac on egg tomato mixture.

Optional Flavor Additions

Loving these North African and Middle Eastern flavors? Then the optional harissa, za'atar and sumac are for you!

Harissa

Harissa, like shakshuka, is of Tunisian origin. It is a spicy condiment, made even more popular by the rise in popularity of Eastern Mediterranean ingredients since Yotam Ottolenghi's cookbooks have grown so popular.

In fact, in his cookbook SIMPLE, he recommended a variation on traditional harissa called rose harissa. But it's hard to find in the states; many of his fans pointed that out. No fear - if you want to try it, you can make it yourself! I developed a recipe with my Tasting Jerusalem cohort Sarene Wallace just for you.

Prefer to just buy a jar? See my suggestions below or you can even find harissa in Trader Joe's these days. Always test the spice level before deciding how much harissa to add.

Sumac and Za'atar

Za’atar is a beguiling middle eastern spice blend that was my gateway into Middle Eastern cuisine. And sumac (not the poisonous kind) is a ground tart red berry that adds a lemony zing to dishes without adding the liquid of a lemon.

You can read more about za’atar here and sumac here. Neither is necessary on this dish but both add a zippy finishing touch if you have them.

Steps to Make Shakshuka:

4-picture collage showing how to make shakshuka from chopping vegetables to sauteing with spices.
  1. Gather ingredients and chop vegetables.
  2. Saute the onion and peppers until soft and translucent.
  3. Add your dry spices and harissa.
  4. Pour in the tomatoes.
  5. Let it simmer for 20 – 30 minutes.
  6. Carefully add the eggs and cover.
  7. When eggs are cooked, take off heat. Top with sumac and za’atar (if using), fresh cilantro (if using) and serve!
4-picture process collage showing how to make shakshuka from adding tomatoes to cooking the eggs.

Love the flavors of shakshuka? Explore the ingredients of the Middle East by joining our virtual cooking community Tasting Jerusalem on our Facebook page or in our Facebook group.

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P.S. If you try this recipe, please leave a star rating and/or a review in the comment section below. I so appreciate your feedback! AND find more inspiration on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram. Signup for my email list, too!

face down view of shakshuka in pan ready to eat

Shakshuka

Beth Lee
This is a versatile dish you can eat for any meal of the day. If serving a crowd with mixed tolerance for spicy, up the flavorful non-spicy ingredients and reduce the hot peppers. Short on time? Prepare the tomato mixture when you can, refrigerate, and then just reheat and add the eggs.
4.77 from 17 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Total Time 40 mins
Course Breakfast, Main Course
Cuisine Middle Eastern
Servings 6 servings
Calories 142 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • one small onion or ½ of a large one - white or brown red onion or shallots could work as well
  • ½ of a large red bell pepper finely diced
  • ½ of a spicy red pepper finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon sweet or smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon red chili flakes optional
  • 2 tablespoons homemade or store-bought harissa optional
  • 14 oz can of whole tomatoes
  • 14 oz can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes mine were flavored w green chilies
  • 6 eggs
  • kosher salt and pepper to taste
  • sumac or za'atar for sprinking optional
  • fresh parsley or cilantro for sprinkling optional

Instructions
 

  • Saute the onions and red peppers in the olive oil in a large frying pan on medium heat until the onions are transluscent and softened and just starting to show some color.
  • Add the spices and harissa and combine with the pepper/onion mixture.
  • Pour in the tomatoes, breaking up the whole tomatoes a bit with your hands.
  • Stir and let it cook on low heat partially covered for about 20 minutes, tasting it as it cooks to adjust for seasoning. When the tomatoes have broken down a bit and the flavors are blended, you're ready for the eggs.
  • Make 6 wells or indentations to pour the eggs in. I cracked my egg in a separate bowl and poured it in to ensure no shells. Put the heat on low to medium low, cover the pan and let the eggs set - this should take about 8 - 10 minutes. When the yolk is still soft but the white is just set, you're ready to serve. At this point, you can sprinkle with a bit of sumac or za'atar if you have some and also some fresh chopped cilantro or parsley.
  • Serve with soft bread for dipping. I also served some crisp veggies and labneh (yogurt cheese) topped with olive oil which my daughter used as a dip for the veggies.

Nutrition

Calories: 142kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 6gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 163mgSodium: 329mgPotassium: 236mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1090IUVitamin C: 26.2mgCalcium: 65mgIron: 2.1mg
Keyword brunch, eggs, shakshuka
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

This post was part of a group called Progressive Eats, a virtual version of a Progressive Dinner Party. This month was hosted by Carol Borchardt, the founder of the blog From A Chef's Kitchen. We featured all kinds of dishes prepared with eggs.

 

A Spring Eggstravaganza

Breakfast

  • Avocado Toast with Bacon and Egg on Naan - Creative Culinary
  • Akuri - Parsi Style Scrambled Eggs - Spice Roots
  • Cheesy Hash Brown Egg Nests - Mother Would Know

Appetizer

  • Deviled Eggs with Gremolata - Sarahís Cucina Bella

Bread

  • Raspberry Brioche Crescents - The Redhead Baker

Main Courses

  • Huevos Rancheros - Karenís Kitchen Stories
  • ProvenÁal Baked Eggs and Potatoes - The Heritage Cook
  • Shakshuka - OMG Yummy

Side Dishes

  • Arugula Egg and Asparagus Salad with Creamy Lemon Vinaigrette - From A Chefís Kitchen
  • Double Baked Artichoke - Gruyere Souffle - The Wimpy Vegetarian

Desserts

  • Individual Chocolate Souffles - That Skinny Chick Can Bake
  • Coconut Mango Custard with Candied Pepitas - Beyond Mere Sustenance

More Tasting Jerusalem

  • Stuffed Romano Peppers Recipe
  • Baharat Seasoning Blend
  • Roasted Harissa Potatoes with Preserved Lemon Gremolata
  • Harissa Chicken with Preserved Lemons

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Patti

    March 27, 2019 at 5:21 am

    5 stars
    My father was Middle Eastern and so I grew up loving these kinds of exotic flavors.

    Reply
    • Beth Lee

      March 27, 2019 at 8:11 am

      How has that influenced your cooking through the years? Aren't these flavors just beguiling once you try them?

      Reply
  2. Noelle

    March 27, 2019 at 5:02 am

    5 stars
    I tried this and I served it with a nice fresh pita bread and it really hit the spot! If I were to make this for dinner I can see a salad pairing with this would be perfect! Thanks for all the tips, we loved this recipe

    Reply
    • Beth Lee

      March 27, 2019 at 8:12 am

      Yay - I am so glad and what a great way to serve it!

      Reply
  3. Laura @motherwouldknow

    March 26, 2019 at 4:22 pm

    Beth, I'm a huge fan of shakshuka and love all your tips for how to make it - as you did, or with any of the substitutions. I'm also big on breakfast for dinner and have sometimes been lucky enough to find a container of matboucha in my freezer (though I didn't know its name until reading your post.) There's nothing better than having a craving for shakshuka and finding that you've already got the tomato sauce and just have to warm it up and poke the holes for the eggs. What a great contribution to this month's Progressive Eats!

    Reply
    • Beth Lee

      March 27, 2019 at 8:13 am

      It's a really inspired group of dishes this month - I still need to study each one but at a glance - I am just so impressed with all of us!

      Reply
  4. Jane

    March 26, 2019 at 1:58 pm

    5 stars
    This is so beautiful Beth, and I absolutely love the alternate flavoring options you give. I love them all and they make this a whole new dish!

    Reply
    • Beth Lee

      March 26, 2019 at 3:52 pm

      Variety is the spice of life, right?

      Reply
  5. Karen

    March 26, 2019 at 1:13 pm

    I recently was introduced to Shakshuka and loved it. That menu from Dr. Shakshuka is fabulous! yours looks amazing.

    Reply
    • Beth Lee

      March 26, 2019 at 3:51 pm

      Right - such a fun menu! It's a crazy place. Worth a visit just for the kitch of it all.

      Reply
  6. Ansh

    March 26, 2019 at 12:03 pm

    5 stars
    It's my go to for anything. Taught my daughter to cook it so she could impress her college friends. I love the addition of harissa in yours and the red peppers. I am going to try that soon!

    Reply
    • Beth Lee

      March 26, 2019 at 3:51 pm

      It's so versatile and allows everyone to put their own spin on it - a great technique to learn and then expand upon.

      Reply
  7. Liz

    March 26, 2019 at 7:35 am

    5 stars
    I have yet to make this dish, but now I'm thinking it's perfect for a meatless Friday during Lent. Such a gorgeous way to serve eggs!!

    Reply
    • Beth Lee

      March 26, 2019 at 7:48 am

      Oh do it Liz - you would make such a gorgeous version I have no doubt!

      Reply
  8. Rabia @ TheLiebers

    January 31, 2013 at 7:15 am

    My kids love frittata and quiche! I never had them growing up, so it's only been in the last year or so that I've made them. I am so glad I tried it out.

    Reply
  9. Allison (Spontaneous Tomato)

    January 29, 2013 at 9:28 pm

    Yum, your shakshuka looks great! I just got my own copy of Jerusalem and I'm so excited to cook from it! 🙂

    Reply
  10. Charlotte

    January 27, 2013 at 8:19 am

    I've never heard of this before, but, like you, I'm a HUGE fan of BFD. This looks like a great recipe. Thanks for sharing 🙂 Hope you're having a great weekend!

    Reply
    • Beth

      January 27, 2013 at 7:04 pm

      You too Charlotte. Thanks for popping by! Try this, you'll like it! BFD rocks!

      Reply
  11. Phil

    January 25, 2013 at 10:58 pm

    These photos make my mouth water! I'm having eggs for dinner tonight! Probably ALL WEEK! Thank YOU!

    Reply
    • Beth

      January 27, 2013 at 7:03 pm

      You're welcome Phil! Hungarian paprika on your eggs perhaps? 🙂

      Reply
  12. orly @yumivore

    January 24, 2013 at 7:37 pm

    Eggsellent eggs. Love that you made spicy shakshuka and finally got to enjoy it at home! So glad the Jerusalem cookbook inspired you to make it (and I so appreciate the shout out as well). B'tayavon!

    Reply
    • Beth

      January 24, 2013 at 9:13 pm

      I think you may have inspired me more than the cookbook 🙂 You and "jerusalem" are a pretty hard sell on getting into the kitchen to try new things! Sometime soon in Jerusalem, ok?

      Reply
  13. sandy corman

    January 24, 2013 at 4:24 pm

    Looks delicious. Wish I could remember having this dish when we were in Israel. However, you are right I am not an egg lover but I must say I would certainly try this one. And that dish in Zero Zero was delish. I do chop some hard boiled eggs with onions and mayo and add a salad for dinner sometime.

    Reply
    • Beth

      January 24, 2013 at 9:12 pm

      I can't believe you didn't eat shakshuka when you were there! I guess you'll just have to go back!

      Reply
  14. Sharon Vinick

    January 24, 2013 at 4:07 pm

    My kids LOVE shakshouka -- Reuben learned to love it at camp, when an Israeli scout cooked it for a camp out. Maya loves it from her time in Israel. I've never gotten a good recipe, but this one looks like it will be a hit.

    Reply
    • Beth

      January 24, 2013 at 9:11 pm

      I love saying the name so much, we should throw a shakshuka party - seems like there could be a dance (come on everybody, let's do the "shakshuka"), a drink (shaking shakshukas), and of course, lots and lots of the original dish - spicy, not spicy, and everything in between :-). I'll make it for your kids anytime!

      Reply
  15. Hannah

    January 24, 2013 at 3:51 pm

    This is one of those fabulous pantry meals that everyone always sighs with pleasure over, Beth! Your last photo has me drooling and planning an egg-inspired dinner for tonight. I look forward to trying your version of shakshuka...sounds delicious!

    Reply
    • Beth

      January 24, 2013 at 9:09 pm

      Thanks for circling back with a comment after my comment thread was opened back up! I don't know how that happened. Hope your egg dinner turned out eggsellent - and may we share shakshuka this year in Jerusalem!

      Reply
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Beth
Hi! I’m Beth Lee. In 2010, I realized I prefer pita chips to memory chips and started this blog. My family is a mix of Jewish/Hawaiian/Korean heritage and my food reflects our diversity. My virtual kitchen is always open. Let’s cook together!  See all my recipes...

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