Name: Easy Shakshuka Recipe (So Delicious!) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 large red bell pepper, seeded, cored, and chopped; 1 medium to large yellow onion, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 28 ounce can of whole plum tomatoes in their juices; 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided; 1 teaspoon sweet or smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon coriander; ½ teaspoon cumin; 1 tablespoon harissa paste; 6 eggs; ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese; ¼ cup chopped parsley or cilantro

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 47 reviews

If you’ve been searching for a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that feels both comforting and exciting, this Easy Shakshuka Recipe (So Delicious!) Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine silky eggs poached in a spiced tomato and bell pepper sauce, kissed with smoky paprika and a hint of harissa, all finished with crumbled feta and fresh herbs. It’s colorful, hearty, and surprisingly simple to make—perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two side-by-side images show stages of cooking in a white pot on a white marbled surface. The left image displays a layer of finely chopped onions and red bell peppers with a light brown, cooked texture spread unevenly inside the pot, with a wooden spatula resting on the right edge. The right image shows the same cooked onion and pepper base with large, whole peeled tomatoes added on top, bright red and glossy, beginning to mix into the vegetables below. The pot has white handles and a slightly worn interior from cooking photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these straightforward ingredients is all it takes to build layers of flavor that make this dish so irresistible. Each item plays a crucial role—from the sweetness of the bell pepper to the warmth of cumin and the creamy tang of feta cheese, every bite is balanced and satisfying.

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: Provides a fruity, rich base to sauté your veggies and enrich the sauce.
1 large red bell pepper (seeded, cored, and chopped): Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
1 medium to large yellow onion (chopped): Brings depth and a subtle sweetness when caramelized.
1 teaspoon kosher salt (divided): Enhances all the flavors and seasons at just the right moments.
3 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth and a punch of flavor.
1 teaspoon sweet or smoked paprika: Imparts a smoky, earthy undertone that’s signature to shakshuka.
1 teaspoon coriander: Adds a bright, citrusy note to balance the richness.
½ teaspoon cumin: Brings a subtle nuttiness that deepens the spice profile.
1 tablespoon harissa paste: Gives the dish a gentle heat and complexity.
1 28-ounce can of whole plum tomatoes (in their juices): Creates a rich, tangy sauce that’s the heart of shakshuka.
6 eggs: The centerpiece of this dish, gently cooked to silky perfection.
¾ cup crumbled feta cheese: Adds creamy, salty bursts that contrast beautifully with the spicy sauce.
¼ cup chopped parsley or cilantro: Fresh herbs brighten every bite with a hint of garden-fresh flavor.

How to Make Easy Shakshuka Recipe (So Delicious!) Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-low heat and pouring in the extra-virgin olive oil. Once it’s warm and shimmering, add the chopped red bell pepper and yellow onion, seasoning with half of your kosher salt. This slow sauté is the foundation of your sauce, softening the veggies into a sweet, tender base – take your time here, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Spices

Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook it just until fragrant, about one minute. Immediately follow with the sweet or smoked paprika, coriander, cumin, and your harissa paste. This combination wakes up the pan with rich, smoky, and mildly spicy aromas that build the depth of flavor we love in shakshuka.

Step 3: Simmer the Tomato Sauce

Pour in the whole plum tomatoes with their juices, along with the remaining salt. Use a wooden spoon or potato masher to gently break up the tomatoes into a chunky sauce. Let everything simmer for around 10 minutes until it thickens beautifully, melding all these vibrant ingredients into one delicious sauce.

Step 4: Poach the Eggs

Create six little wells in the sauce using the back of your spoon, perfect spots for the eggs to nestle in. Crack one egg into each well and sprinkle just a tiny bit of salt on top. Cover the skillet with a lid, lower the heat to low, and let the eggs cook undisturbed for 5-8 minutes. You want the whites set but the yolks still gloriously runny – that’s the magic moment!

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

Take off the lid, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese all over the eggs, and scatter fresh parsley or cilantro on top. The feta melts slightly into the warm sauce, and the herbs add a lively, fresh finish that makes the dish irresistible when it’s time to dig in.

How to Serve Easy Shakshuka Recipe (So Delicious!) Recipe

Two white pans sit side by side on a white marbled surface. The left pan is filled with thick red tomato sauce that looks chunky with bits of cooked onions and herbs, swirled in a spiral pattern. The right pan shows the same red sauce as a base, with five sunny yellow eggs cooked on top. Crumbled white cheese is sprinkled over the sauce and eggs, with small bright green chopped herbs scattered around for contrast. The pans have handles visible on each side, and the image is bright and clear. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the crumbled feta and fresh parsley or cilantro are fantastic, feel free to mix things up with a dollop of Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of chili flakes, or even a drizzle of good-quality olive oil. These add layers of creaminess, heat, or richness that can cater to your personal preference.

Side Dishes

This dish shines when paired with warm, crusty bread for scooping up every bit of sauce and runny yolk. Pita bread, sourdough, or even a fluffy naan bread are among the best companions. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables bring freshness and balance to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch crowd, serve shakshuka straight from the skillet, placing it on a wooden board for a rustic look. Alternatively, portion it into individual ramekins for a chic presentation. You can also add roasted potatoes or sautéed greens on the side to transform this into a hearty lunch or dinner plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover shakshuka in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The eggs might become more cooked as they chill, so it’s best to store the sauce separately if you want to reheat with fresh eggs.

Freezing

The spiced tomato sauce freezes beautifully on its own for up to 3 months. Freeze the sauce in portions, and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Eggs don’t freeze well once cooked, so it’s best to add new eggs when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. Then crack in fresh eggs, cover, and cook as you did originally. This way, you preserve that luscious egg texture and maintain the flavor integrity of the dish.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Absolutely! If fresh tomatoes are in season, you can blanch and peel about 5-6 large ripe tomatoes and use them instead of canned. Just chop them up and add them to your sauce to simmer until thickened.

Is shakshuka supposed to have runny yolks?

Traditionally, yes! The eggs are gently poached until whites are set but yolks remain runny, adding a wonderful creaminess to each bite. Of course, you can cook them longer if you prefer a firmer yolk.

What can I substitute for harissa paste?

If you don’t have harissa, you can use a mix of chili powder and a touch of cayenne pepper or even a spicy red pepper sauce to get a similar heat and flavor profile.

Can shakshuka be made vegan?

You can omit the eggs and feta to make a vegan version. Add chickpeas or tofu for protein, and consider nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative for that savory finish.

How spicy is this Easy Shakshuka Recipe (So Delicious!) Recipe?

The harissa paste adds a mild to moderate heat that you can adjust or omit depending on your spice tolerance. Overall, the dish balances warm spices with sweetness and tang, making it approachable for most palates.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Easy Shakshuka Recipe (So Delicious!) Recipe, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner. It’s a meal that feels exotic yet familiar, simple yet bursting with flavor. Perfect for gathering friends or just treating yourself, shakshuka is a beautiful way to enjoy eggs any time of the day. So get your skillet ready, and dive into this wonderfully comforting dish!