Looking for a meal that’s hearty, healthy, and bursting with flavor — yet takes only minutes to make? This homemade shakshuka recipe is your new go-to!
Originating from North Africa and the Middle East, shakshuka is a comforting dish of poached eggs simmered in a spiced tomato and pepper sauce, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. It’s delicious, colorful, and ready in about 20 minutes!
With this easy recipe, you’ll get that cozy, café-style shakshuka experience right at home — no fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen required.
🍅 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why this homemade shakshuka recipe stands out:
✅ Ready in minutes — quick prep, simple cooking.
✅ One-pan meal — minimal cleanup!
✅ Healthy & hearty — packed with protein and veggies.
✅ Customizable — spice it up or keep it mild.
✅ Perfect anytime — breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
🥘 Ingredients You’ll Need
You probably already have everything in your kitchen!
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2–3 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes (or 4 fresh tomatoes, diced)
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
4–6 eggs
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Optional toppings: crumbled feta cheese, avocado slices, or a drizzle of tahini for extra flavor!
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these quick and easy steps to make shakshuka like a pro:
Step 1: Sauté the Base
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and bell pepper.
Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly golden.
Step 2: Add Garlic & Spices
Stir in minced garlic, paprika, cumin, and chili flakes.
Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant — this is where the magic begins! ✨
Step 3: Add Tomatoes
Pour in the crushed (or fresh) tomatoes.
Season with salt and black pepper.
Simmer for 5–10 minutes, until the sauce thickens and deepens in color.
Taste and adjust seasoning — you want it bold and flavorful.
Step 4: Make the Egg Wells
Using a spoon, create small “wells” in the sauce.
Crack one egg into each well.
Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until eggs are cooked to your liking.
For soft, runny yolks — check at 5 minutes.
For firmer eggs — leave them a bit longer.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Once the eggs are set, remove from heat.
Sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro, and add crumbled feta if you like.
Serve immediately with warm pita bread, toasted baguette, or flatbread to scoop up the delicious sauce! 😋
🍽 Variations to Try
Make this homemade shakshuka recipe your own with these tasty twists:
🥑 Green Shakshuka – Replace tomato sauce with spinach, kale, and zucchini for a vibrant green version.
🧀 Cheesy Shakshuka – Add mozzarella or feta for a creamy, melty twist.
🌶 Spicy Shakshuka – Toss in jalapeños or harissa for extra heat.
🍠 Veggie Boost – Mix in mushrooms, chickpeas, or eggplant for more texture and nutrition.
💡 Pro Tips
✔️ Use a cast-iron or nonstick skillet for even cooking.
✔️ Don’t overcook the eggs — the runny yolks are what make shakshuka irresistible!
✔️ Add a pinch of sugar if your tomatoes taste too acidic.
✔️ Want more flavor? Try a dash of harissa or smoked paprika for depth.
⏱ Quick Version for Busy Days
No time to simmer? Try this speedy 10-minute hack:
Use store-bought tomato pasta sauce or salsa as your base.
Warm it up, season it with cumin and paprika, then poach your eggs directly in the pan.
Garnish — done!
It’s shakshuka in minutes without sacrificing flavor. 🙌
🌿 Serving Ideas
This dish is perfect with:
Fresh crusty bread or pita for dipping
A side of hummus or labneh
Roasted potatoes for a hearty brunch
Or just enjoy it on its own with a spoon — no judgment! 😄
🥚 Nutrition Highlights
Shakshuka isn’t just tasty — it’s nutrient-packed too!
High in protein from the eggs
Full of antioxidants from tomatoes and peppers
Low in carbs and rich in vitamins A & C
Heart-healthy fats from olive oil
It’s a meal that fuels your body and satisfies your soul. ❤️
Conclusion
And that’s it — your homemade shakshuka recipe in minutes! 🍳
Simple, comforting, and incredibly flavorful, shakshuka is one of those dishes that feels gourmet but takes no effort at all. Perfect for a lazy Sunday brunch, a quick dinner, or impressing guests with minimal prep.
Once you make it, you’ll see why this shakshuka recipe is a staple in kitchens around the world — and soon, in yours too! 🌿