If you are looking to add a delicious and visually stunning dish to your culinary repertoire, look no further than shakshuka. This North African and Middle Eastern dish, featuring poached eggs in a spicy tomato sauce, is a feast for the eyes and a wholesome meal that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Read on to understand the shakshuka recipe and the ingredients you will need to make shakshuka, along with a delicious garlic pittas recipe to enjoy with it.

What is Shakshuka?

A traditional dish of eggs poached in a sauce of tomatoes, chilli peppers, and onions, Shakshuka is a lovely dish that often features cumin for spice and crusty bread or pitas on the side for dipping. Richly flavoured, it can be personalised with any number of toppings-from feta cheese to fresh herbs to avocado. It is perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner, making it a versatile staple in many households.

Shakshuka Ingredients

To prepare a mouth-watering shakshuka, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Shakshuka

• Olive Oil (About 2 tablespoons for sautéing).
• Onion (1 medium onion, finely chopped).
• Bell Peppers (1 red and 1 green bell pepper, diced).
• Garlic (3–4 cloves, minced).
• Canned Tomatoes (1 can (about 400g) of crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes).
• Tomato Paste (1 tablespoon for added richness).
• Spices (1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat (adjust to taste)).
• Salt and Pepper (To taste).
• Eggs: (4-6 large eggs (depending on the number of servings).
• Fresh Herbs (Chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish.
• Feta Cheese (optional) ( Crumbled, for a creamy, tangy finish).

For the Garlic Pittas

Pita Bread: 2–4 pieces, depending on how many you are serving.

Garlic (2–3 cloves, minced).

Olive Oil (2 tablespoons for brushing).

Salt (A pinch, to taste).

How to Make Shakshuka

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

• Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until they become translucent.
• Next, add the diced bell peppers and cook for another 5–7 minutes until they soften.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook, until fragrant, for an additional minute.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

Add to the frying pan the canned tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir well to combine.

• Season the mixture with cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
• Let it simmer for about 10–15 minutes, letting the flavours meld and the sauce thicken slightly.

Step 3: Poach the Eggs

Use a spoon to create small wells in the sauce. Crack an egg into each well, being careful not to break the yolk.

Cover the frying pan with a lid and cook for about 5–8 minutes, or until the egg whites are set, but the yolks remain runny. Adjust the cooking time based on your preference for yolk doneness.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

• Once the eggs are cooked to your preference, take the frying pan off the heat.
• Sprinkle with fresh herbs and crumbled feta cheese.
• Serve straight away, with hot garlic pittas on the side for dipping.

How to Make Garlic Pittas

While your shakshuka is cooking, you can easily make these garlic pittas to accompany your meal.

Step 1: Prepare the Pittas

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cut the pita bread into halves or quarters, depending on preference.

Step 2: Season the Pittas

• In a small bowl, mix minced garlic with olive oil and a pinch of salt.
• Brush both sides of the pita pieces generously with the garlic oil mixture.

Step 3: Bake the Pittas

Place the pita on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes or until golden and crispy.

Take them out from the oven and let them rest a little before serving.

How to Perfect Your Shakshuka Recipe

• Make It Yours

Make sure to add some other elements such as spinach, zucchini, and meats such as sausage or bacon in your shakshuka for a rich taste and texture.

• Cooking Vessel

A cast-iron frying pan is not only ideal for added taste but comes in handy while cooking at even temperatures and distributes heat nicely during serving.

• Serving Size

Shakshuka is best served straight from the frying pan, allowing guests to scoop out portions as they please. It makes for a warm, communal dining experience.

• Storage

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. The shakshuka can be reheated on the stovetop or in the oven, but fresh eggs are best for optimal taste.

 Summing Up 

Shakshuka is a fun dish to bring warmth and flavour onto your plate, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. With spicy tomato sauce coming with perfectly poached eggs, and with crispy garlic pita bread, this must be the most satisfying and hearty experience for anyone.

At Houszy, we believe quality cookware and food storage containers are the most important things a home chef could ask for. In this paper, our high-quality products will guide you in cooking this delicious shakshuka recipe and storing any leftovers you may have. Enjoy the culinary ride, and let your taste buds be the beneficiaries with homemade shakshuka with garlic pittas!

That's how you make Shakshuka. Now, take out the ingredients and let's cook.