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Shakshuka with Tomato Sauce in a skillet topped with poached eggs, fresh parsley, and crusty bread.

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
Cook Time 20 minutes
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!