RecipesEgyptEgyptian Shakshuka

Egyptian Shakshuka

A vibrant and flavorful Egyptian breakfast or brunch dish featuring eggs gently poached in a rich, spiced tomato and pepper sauce. Perfect for a hearty start to the day or a light dinner, especially when served with crusty bread for dipping.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Servings4
DifficultyEasy

🧂 Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 medium Onion
  • 1 medium Bell pepper
  • 3 cloves Garlic
  • 1 tsp Cumin
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 0.25 tsp Cayenne pepper
  • 500 g Crushed tomatoes
  • 0.5 tsp Salt
  • 0.25 tsp Black pepper
  • 6 Eggs
  • 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro or parsley

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat (approx. 190°C / 375°F if using an oven later). Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 8-10 minutes. The vegetables should be tender but not browned.

    ⏱️ 10 minutes
  2. 2

    Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the skillet. Cook for about 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

    ⏱️ 1 minute
  3. 3

    Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Season with salt and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally.

    ⏱️ 15 minutes
  4. 4

    Using a spoon, create 6 small wells in the simmering tomato sauce. Carefully crack one egg into each well, ensuring the yolks remain intact.

    ⏱️ 2 minutes
  5. 5

    Cover the skillet again and continue to cook on low heat for 5-8 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still runny. Alternatively, for more evenly cooked whites, you can transfer the oven-safe skillet to a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) for 5-7 minutes.

    ⏱️ 5-8 minutes
  6. 6

    Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley, if desired. Serve immediately, directly from the skillet, with crusty bread or pita for dipping into the delicious sauce and runny yolks.

    ⏱️ 1 minute

💡 Pro Tips

  • Serve hot, straight from the pan.
  • Crusty bread or pita is essential for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
  • This dish is fantastic for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner.
  • Adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper.

🔄 Variations

  • Add crumbled feta cheese over the top before serving.
  • Stir in a tablespoon of harissa paste with the tomatoes for a spicy kick.
  • Incorporate cooked chickpeas or crumbled merguez sausage for a heartier meal.

🥗 Nutrition

Per serving

CaloriesApprox. 250-300 per serving (without bread)
Protein15g
Carbs18g
Fat15g
Fiber5g

🏷️ Tags

Egyptian Shakshuka Recipe - Egypt | world.food