Algerian Shakshuka
A vibrant and flavorful dish of eggs poached in a rich, spiced tomato and pepper sauce. This Algerian variation often includes a blend of aromatic spices, making it a hearty and satisfying meal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tbsp Unsalted butter(at room temperature)
- 1 medium Red onion(finely diced)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 large Bell peppers(e.g., 1 red, 1 yellow or green, seeded and finely diced)
- 1 optional Anaheim pepper(seeded and finely diced, for a mild heat and added flavor)
- 4 large Roma tomatoes(grated on a box grater (discard skins) or very finely diced)
- 1 tbsp Paprika(sweet or smoked paprika)
- 0.5 tsp Ground cumin
- 0.25 tsp Turmeric powder
- 0.25 tsp Ginger powder
- 0.25 tsp Crushed red pepper flakes(optional, adjust to taste for desired heat level)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 4 Eggs(large)
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped, divided for garnish)
- 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro(chopped, divided for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large, oven-safe skillet (10-12 inches) over medium heat (around 175°C / 350°F). Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add the finely diced red onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- 2
Cook the peppers and bloom the spices: Add the diced bell peppers and optional Anaheim pepper to the skillet. Increase the heat slightly to medium-high and cook, stirring frequently, until the peppers begin to soften and char slightly at the edges, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in the paprika, ground cumin, turmeric, ginger powder, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant. This process, called blooming, enhances their flavor.
- 3
Simmer the tomato base: Add the grated or finely diced tomatoes to the skillet. Stir well to combine with the vegetables and spices. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low (around 150°C / 300°F). Let it cook, uncovered and stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld. Stir in half of the chopped parsley and cilantro.
- 4
Create wells for the eggs: Using the back of a spoon, make four small indentations (wells) in the simmering tomato and pepper mixture. These wells will hold the eggs.
- 5
Add and poach the eggs: Carefully crack one egg into each indentation. Reduce the heat to low (around 120°C / 250°F). Cover the skillet with a lid or foil. Gently poach the eggs for 5-10 minutes, depending on your preference for yolk runniness. The whites should be set, and the yolks should be cooked to your desired consistency (runny is traditional and delicious for dipping).
- 6
Garnish and serve: Once the eggs are cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the remaining fresh chopped parsley and cilantro over the top. Serve the shakshuka immediately, directly from the skillet, with warm crusty bread, pita, or challah for scooping up the rich sauce and runny yolks.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using ripe, flavorful tomatoes is key to a delicious sauce. Grating them helps break down the skins and seeds for a smoother texture.
- ✓For perfectly poached eggs, ensure the sauce is gently simmering, not boiling rapidly, when you add them. Covering the skillet traps steam, which helps cook the egg whites.
- ✓Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference. Start with a small amount and add more if desired.
- ✓If you don't have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the tomato mixture to a baking dish before adding the eggs and baking at 190°C (375°F) for 8-12 minutes, or until eggs are set.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Incorporate other vegetables like finely diced zucchini, eggplant, or spinach along with the peppers.
- For a heartier meal, add cooked chickpeas or crumbled, cooked spicy lamb sausage (merguez) to the tomato sauce before creating the wells for the eggs.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or a bay leaf to the sauce while simmering for an extra layer of complexity.