How to Make the Perfect Shakshuka with Tomato Sauce – Easy & Flavorful Recipe

introduction

Shakshuka is a dish that has traveled from the vibrant streets of the Middle East to kitchens all around the world, becoming a favorite for breakfast or brunch. The dish combines eggs poached in a rich, spiced tomato sauce and is often served with crusty bread to soak up the flavors. In this article, I’ll guide you through making the perfect shakshuka with tomato sauce, a simple yet flavorful meal that’s easy to make and sure to impress. Whether you’re making it for yourself or a crowd, this recipe will bring comfort and warmth to your table.

The Story Behind Shakshuka

Shakshuka holds a special place in my heart, not just because of its rich flavor but also because of the memories attached to it. I first encountered this dish during a trip to [destination], where I had it for breakfast at a local café. It was love at first bite—warm, comforting, and bursting with flavor. The eggs, perfectly poached in a spicy tomato sauce, paired beautifully with the crusty bread. When I returned home, I couldn’t wait to recreate the dish in my kitchen.

For me, shakshuka isn’t just about cooking; it’s about creating something simple and satisfying that brings people together. It’s one of those dishes you make when you want to enjoy a cozy meal, whether you’re by yourself or with family and friends. Over time, I’ve perfected this recipe and have come to love its balance of spices and the rich, comforting sauce.

Shakshuka with Tomato Sauce

This classic shakshuka is a comforting North African and Middle Eastern dish featuring poached eggs simmered in a rich, spiced tomato sauce. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or an easy dinner, it’s hearty, flavorful, and comes together in one pan!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 People

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Calories: 155

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper diced
• 2 –3 garlic cloves minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground coriander optional
• ¼ teaspoon chili flakes optional, for heat
• 1 can 14 oz / 400g crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste optional, for richer flavor
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 large eggs
• Fresh parsley or cilantro chopped, for garnish
• Crumbled feta cheese optional
• Crusty bread for serving

Equipment

• Large skillet or frying pan with a lid
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Small bowls (optional, for cracking eggs)

Method

 

1. Sauté Aromatics:
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and red bell pepper. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, until softened.
3. Add Garlic & Spices:
4. Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, and chili flakes. Cook for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant.
5. Simmer Sauce:
6. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in the tomato paste if using. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Add Eggs:
8. Make small wells in the sauce with a spoon and gently crack an egg into each well. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 5–8 minutes, until the egg whites are set but yolks are still runny (or to your desired doneness).
9. Garnish & Serve:
10. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro and crumbled feta if desired. Serve immediately with warm crusty bread to scoop up the sauce.

Notes

For extra depth, you can add a pinch of sugar if your tomatoes are too acidic. Feel free to add chopped spinach or kale to the sauce for a veggie boost!

Why Shakshuka is Special
What makes shakshuka so special is its versatility and the depth of flavors packed into each bite. The tomato sauce, flavored with cumin, paprika, and garlic, complements the eggs perfectly. The dish is naturally satisfying, with the eggs acting as the perfect vessel for soaking up the delicious sauce. It’s comfort food that is both simple and deeply flavorful. Plus, it’s a meal that’s perfect for any time of the day, from breakfast to dinner.

Making Shakshuka at Home
Making shakshuka at home is incredibly easy, and the ingredients are simple. You may already have most of these in your pantry.The key to a great shakshuka lies in the sauce—rich, flavorful, and aromatic. The longer you let it simmer, the better it gets, and the addition of a few extra spices will take your dish to the next level. I always love serving mine with a side of crusty bread to mop up the sauce.

Key Ingredients for Shakshuka with Tomato Sauce

The beauty of shakshuka lies in its simplicity. You don’t need a long list of exotic ingredients—just a few key ones, and you’ll be on your way to creating a flavorful dish that everyone will love.

The Basics: Tomatoes and Eggs

The foundation of shakshuka is tomatoes. You can either use fresh tomatoes or canned crushed tomatoes, depending on what you have on hand. Fresh tomatoes are great if they’re in season, but canned tomatoes are always reliable and give you that rich, slightly tangy flavor that’s essential for the sauce.

The eggs are, of course, the star of the dish. The perfect shakshuka has eggs that are tender with runny yolks, which adds a creamy richness to the sauce.

Spices and Flavorings

The spices in shakshuka—such as cumin, paprika, and coriander—are what really give it its distinct flavor. I love the warmth that cumin brings, while smoked paprika adds a subtle smokiness. If you’re looking for a bit of heat, chili flakes are a great addition, though they’re optional if you prefer a milder version.

Tomato paste is optional but recommended, as it adds a deeper richness to the sauce, intensifying the tomato flavor and making the sauce smoother and thicker.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Shakshuka with Tomato Sauce

Making shakshuka is a fairly simple process. Here’s how you can make this comforting dish at home in just a few easy steps.

Step 1: Sautéing the Vegetables

Begin by warming olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.Add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Sauté for about 5–7 minutes until softened. These vegetables form the flavor base for the sauce, so it’s important to give them time to cook properly and release their flavors.Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, or until fragrant.Garlic adds a wonderful aromatic element to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor.

Step 2: Making the Sauce

Now, add the crushed tomatoes and, if you’re using it, the tomato paste. Stir to combine, then add in the cumin, paprika, coriander, chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well, making sure all the spices are evenly distributed in the sauce.Allow the sauce to simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens a bit.This is the stage where the flavors really start to come together, and your kitchen will soon smell amazing.

Perfecting the Eggs and Serving Shakshuka

Now comes the fun part—adding the eggs! The eggs are what make shakshuka truly special, so it’s important to cook them just right.

Step 3: Poaching the Eggs
Once the sauce is thickened to your liking, make small wells in the sauce using a spoon. Gently break an egg into each hollow, making sure to keep the yolk intact. Place a lid on the skillet and let the eggs cook for 5–7 minutes, or until the whites are firm but the yolks remain soft and runny.. If you prefer your eggs cooked a little longer, you can leave them on the stove for a few extra minutes.

Step 4: Garnishing and Serving
When the eggs are done to your preference, take the skillet off the heat.Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness and color. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping into the sauce and egg yolks.

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Conclusion

Shakshuka with tomato sauce is a dish that combines simple ingredients with bold flavors, making it a perfect meal for any time of day. Poached eggs nestled in a spiced tomato sauce make for a cozy, satisfying meal, while the optional tomato paste brings an extra depth of flavor to the dish. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, shakshuka is a versatile and delicious dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household.

FAQs about Shakshuka with Tomato Sauce

What sauce do you use for shakshuka?

Shakshuka is traditionally made with a spiced tomato sauce, typically using crushed tomatoes, garlic, onions, bell peppers, and a variety of spices like cumin, paprika, and coriander.

How do you make the perfect shakshuka?

To make the perfect shakshuka, focus on getting the sauce just right by simmering the tomatoes with spices. Then, poach the eggs in the sauce until the whites are set, but the yolks remain runny.

Should I put tomato paste in shakshuka?

While tomato paste is optional, it helps to intensify the tomato flavor and creates a richer, thicker sauce. It’s a great addition if you want to elevate the dish.

Can I make shakshuka with spaghetti sauce?

While spaghetti sauce could work in a pinch, it’s not traditional. For the best flavor, stick to crushed tomatoes and add your own spices for a more authentic shakshuka experience.