A little adventure for your everyday table
Tunisia · Homemade, your way

Easy Shakshuka

Simmer tomatoes, peppers, garlic, and warm spices, then cook eggs in the sauce for an easy shakshuka served straight from the skillet.

Prep time
15 min
Cook time
30 min
Total time
45 min
Servings
3
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VegetarianOne PotFamily Friendly
Shakshuka, eggs poached in a tomato sauce.
Photo: Calliopejen1 · Source · CC BY-SA 3.0. Serving suggestion.

Shakshuka is found across North Africa and the Middle East, with plenty of regional and household variations. This version builds a thick tomato-pepper base before adding the eggs. A lid traps steam so the whites set without drying the sauce. For this recipe, cook the yolks fully; each serving includes two eggs and plenty of sauce.

Let’s make it

Easy Shakshuka

Serves 3 · Prep 15 min · Cook 30 min · Total 45 min

Ingredients

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Heat oil in a broad lidded skillet over medium heat. Add onion and pepper; cook 8 minutes until softened.
  2. Stir in garlic, cumin, and paprika. Cook 30 seconds, then add tomatoes, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Simmer uncovered for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens enough to hold shallow wells.
  4. Make six wells with a spoon. Crack each egg into a small cup, then slide into a well. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 minutes, until both whites and yolks are set; allow longer if needed.
  5. Scatter parsley over the skillet and divide among three bowls.

A few kitchen notes

  • Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer after adding eggs.

Ingredient substitutions

  • Use yellow bell pepper instead of red in the same quantity.

Storage & reheating

Refrigerate within 2 hours for 2 days. Reheat to 165°F (74°C); eggs will become firmer.

What to serve with it

Serve with crusty bread and a lightly dressed green salad.

A conversation around the table

Comments & kitchen questions

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Questions from the kitchen

Can I make Easy Shakshuka ahead?

Refrigerate within 2 hours for 2 days. Reheat to 165°F (74°C); eggs will become firmer.

What if I can’t find an ingredient?

Use yellow bell pepper instead of red in the same quantity.