Chakchouka Tunisienne
A vibrant and flavorful Tunisian stew of tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and spices, often topped with poached eggs. This version emphasizes a rich, slow-cooked tomato base with a hint of sweetness and spice.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 medium Onions(finely chopped)
- 2 medium Bell peppers(mixed colors, seeded and chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 800 g Tomatoes(canned crushed tomatoes)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1.5 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 0.5 tsp Cayenne pepper(or to taste)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 4-6 large Eggs
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
- 0.25 cup Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 2
Add chopped bell peppers and cook for another 5-7 minutes until slightly tender.
- 3
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
💡 Tip: Ensure all spices are well incorporated into the tomato mixture. - 5
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - 6
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water.
💡 Tip: The sauce should be rich but not dry. - 7
Create small wells in the tomato mixture and crack an egg into each well. Cover the skillet and cook for 5-8 minutes, or until the egg whites are set and the yolks are cooked to your desired consistency.
💡 Tip: For runnier yolks, cook for less time. For firmer yolks, cook longer. - 8
Garnish generously with chopped fresh cilantro and parsley before serving.
💡 Tip: Fresh herbs add a bright contrast to the rich stew.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a spicier Chakchouka, add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of harissa paste.
- ✓Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.
- ✓You can add other vegetables like zucchini or eggplant for added texture and flavor.
🔄 Variations
- Add crumbled feta cheese on top before serving.
- Include chickpeas for a heartier dish.
- Incorporate merguez sausage for a meatier version.