Discover how to make Shakshuka, a delicious Middle Eastern dish featuring poached eggs in a rich, spicy tomato sauce. This flavorful recipe combines tomatoes, peppers, onions, and a blend of spices to create a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for breakfast or brunch. Follow our easy step-by-step guide to enjoy this classic and savory dish right at home.

Ingredients:

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 1 red bell pepper, diced

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

- 2 tablespoons tomato paste

- 1 teaspoon ground cumin

- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

- Salt and black pepper to taste

- 4 large eggs

- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

- Crusty bread (for serving)

Instructions:

Heat the Oil:

  Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Cook the Vegetables:

  Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Cook until the onion is translucent and the pepper is softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.

Add Tomatoes and Spices:

  Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, smoked paprika, ground coriander, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and black pepper. Simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.

Create Wells and Poach Eggs:

  Use a spoon to make small wells in the tomato sauce. Crack an egg into each well. Cover the skillet and cook until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still runny, about 5-7 minutes.

Garnish and Serve:

  Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley. Serve the Shakshuka hot, with crusty bread for dipping.

Enjoy your homemade Shakshuka with its vibrant flavors and comforting texture!

Nutritional Values

Olive Oil 

 - Calories: 120

 - Total Fat: 14g

 - Saturated Fat: 2g

 - Monounsaturated Fat: 10g

 - Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g

Benefits:

 - Rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

 - Contains antioxidants like vitamin E and polyphenols, which help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases.

Onion

 - Calories: 44

 - Total Carbohydrates: 10g

 - Fiber: 1.9g

 - Sugars: 4.7g

 - Vitamin C: 8% of Daily Value (DV)

Benefits:

 - Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

 - Contains quercetin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Red Bell Pepper

 - Calories: 31

 - Total Carbohydrates: 7g

 - Fiber: 2.5g

 - Sugars: 4g

 - Vitamin C: 190% of DV

Benefits:

 - High in vitamin C and antioxidants like beta-carotene, which support immune function and skin health.

 - Contains vitamins A and E, which are beneficial for vision and skin.

Garlic

 - Calories: 4

 - Total Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Fiber: 0.1g

 - Sugars: 0.1g

 - Vitamin C: 1% of DV

Benefits:

 - Contains allicin, which has antibacterial and antiviral properties.

 - May help reduce blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health.

Diced Tomatoes

 - Calories: 16

 - Total Carbohydrates: 4g

 - Fiber: 1g

 - Sugars: 2g

 - Vitamin C: 12% of DV

Benefits:

 - Rich in lycopene, an antioxidant linked to reduced risk of heart disease and cancer.

 - Provides vitamins A and C, which support immune health and skin.

Tomato Paste

 - Calories: 13

 - Total Carbohydrates: 3g

 - Fiber: 0.5g

 - Sugars: 2g

 - Vitamin C: 2% of DV

Benefits:

 - Concentrated source of lycopene and other antioxidants.

 - Enhances flavor while providing additional nutrients.

Ground Cumin

 - Calories: 8

 - Total Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Fiber: 0.5g

 - Sugars: 0g

Benefits:

 - Contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.

 - May aid digestion and improve gut health.

Smoked Paprika

 - Calories: 6

 - Total Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Fiber: 0.5g

 - Sugars: 0g

Benefits:

 - Provides antioxidants like vitamin A and C.

 - Adds a smoky flavor without extra calories or fat.

Ground Coriander

 - Calories: 6

 - Total Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Fiber: 0.6g

 - Sugars: 0g

Benefits:

 - Contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory effects.

 - May help regulate blood sugar levels and improve digestion.

Cayenne Pepper (optional)

 - Calories: 6

 - Total Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Fiber: 0.5g

 - Sugars: 0g

Benefits:

 - Contains capsaicin, which boosts metabolism and may aid in weight loss.

 - Provides a spicy kick and potential pain relief benefits.

Eggs

 - Calories: 70

 - Total Fat: 5g

 - Saturated Fat: 1.5g

 - Protein: 6g

 - Vitamin D: 10% of DV

Benefits:

 - High-quality protein source with all essential amino acids.

 - Provides vitamins D and B12, which are important for bone health and energy.

Fresh Cilantro or Parsley

 - Calories: 1

 - Total Carbohydrates: 0.2g

 - Fiber: 0.1g

 - Sugars: 0g

Benefits:

 - Rich in vitamins A, C, and K.

 - Contains antioxidants and may aid in digestion and detoxification.

Crusty Bread

 - Calories: 80-100

 - Total Carbohydrates: 15g

 - Fiber: 1-2g

 - Sugars: 1g

Benefits:

 - Provides carbohydrates for energy.

 - Choose whole-grain options for additional fiber and nutrients.

This combination of ingredients in Shakshuka not only offers a burst of flavors but also provides various health benefits, from antioxidants and vitamins to healthy fats and high-quality protein.