Shakshuka Recipe - Poached Eggs in Tomato Sauce » LeelaLicious (2024)

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by Regina | Leelalicious 10 Comments

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Shakshouka is a Middle Eastern/North African dish of poached eggs in tomato sauce. The addition of sausage makes it hearty enough for dinner with a side starch. Or, have it as a fiilling breakfast served with bread.

Shakshuka Recipe - Poached Eggs in Tomato Sauce » LeelaLicious (1)

Brinner (breakfast for dinner) has always been my kind of thing. Isn't it more or less universally adored? Especially the hearty breakfast-style with eggs, sausage and/or bacon. These are usually too hearty for me to stomach first thing in the morning. It only makes sense, then, to eat them for breakfast!

Shakshouka is traditionally a Middle Eastern/North African breakfast dish. You can find variations of these poached eggs in tomato and bell pepper sauce in Israel, Tunesia, Turkey...

I have to thank my mom for my familiarity with this dish. She says that the version she knows and made for us growing up is of Armenian origin - of all things! Thanks Ma!

Shakshuka Recipe - Poached Eggs in Tomato Sauce » LeelaLicious (2)

Making My Own Shakshuka

Of course, I developed my own little version of Shakshuka. Typically, when eaten for breakfast, you would just use some bread to dunk up the egg and tomato sauce right out of the skillet.

For my brinner version, I add slices of hearty Farmer's sausage to the sauce, and I serve it together with a starchy side like brown rice or quinoa (or a mix of both, when I am feeling particularly controversial 😉 )

Shakshuka Recipe - Poached Eggs in Tomato Sauce » LeelaLicious (3)

If you have bit of a heartier stomach first thing in the morning (more like my husband and less like me), then this Shakshuka version can be an amazing breakfast (with or without sausage).

For a vegetarian meal, just omit the sausage, and to make this gluten-free, ensure the sausage you add contains no gluten or also leave outthe sausage.

Shakshuka Recipe - Poached Eggs in Tomato Sauce » LeelaLicious (4)

Shakshuka – Poached Eggs in Tomato Sauce

5 from 2 votes

Shakshouka is a Middle Eastern/North African dish of poached eggs in tomato sauce. The addition of sausage makes it hearty enough for dinner with a side starch. Or, have it as a fiilling breakfast served with bread.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ pound sliced sausage I use smoked Farmer's sausage
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes 14 oz.
  • 1 cup fresh tomatoes chopped, from 2 medium tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika powder
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4-6 eggs
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in a large pan, add sausage slices and brown over medium heat.

  • Add onions, garlic, bell pepper and saute covered until softened.

  • Mix the diced tomatoes with chopped basil and spices. Add to pan together with fresh tomatoes and cook covered until the tomatoes have softened (~ 5 min).

  • Make indentations in the sauce and crack eggs into pan. Cook until eggs are firm but not dry.

  • Sprinkle with black pepper and chopped parsley.

  • Serve with a starch (rice, pasta) for dinner or tunk eggs and sauce with bread/toast for breakfast.

Keyword Shakshuka

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Random Questions

What is the difference between shakshuka and menemen?

While both dishes involve poached eggs in a tomato-based sauce, shakshuka is typically of North African and Middle Eastern origin and may contain other ingredients like bell peppers, onions, and spices. On the other hand, menemen is a Turkish dish that usually includes scrambled eggs cooked with tomatoes, peppers, and various spices.

What is traditionally served with shakshuka?

Shakshuka is often served with bread for dipping into the flavorful tomato sauce and enjoying with the eggs. However, for heartier meals, it can also be served with sides like brown rice or quinoa, providing a filling and satisfying dish.

Does shakshuka contain meat?

Shakshuka can be made with or without meat. Some versions include the addition of sausages, such as Farmer's sausage, which enhances the heartiness of the dish, making it suitable for dinner or a substantial breakfast.

What's the difference between shakshuka and huevos rancheros?

Shakshuka and huevos rancheros share similarities as both are egg-based dishes. However, shakshuka is characterized by poached eggs in a tomato and bell pepper sauce, while huevos rancheros features fried eggs served on tortillas and smothered with a tomato-chili sauce.

Is shakshuka Israeli or African?

Shakshuka has origins in both Israeli and North African cuisines. It is a dish that is widely enjoyed across various cultures, including Israel, Tunisia, and Turkey, among others, each with its own unique take on the recipe.

What is shakshuka called in Spanish?

In Spanish, shakshuka is often referred to as "Huevos a la Flamenca" or "Huevos al Purgatorio," depending on the specific ingredients and regional variations used in the dish.

What cultures eat shakshuka?

Shakshuka is commonly enjoyed in various cultures, including North African, Middle Eastern, Turkish, and Israeli cuisines. It has gained popularity worldwide and is appreciated for its rich flavors and versatility in terms of ingredients and adaptations.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Reply

  1. Manuela

    So funny. Made this 1 or 2 weeks ago... for lunch 😀 I guess pregnancy makes us crave flavors from our childhood. I used cut up BL/SL chicken thighs for the sausage and served it with mashed potatoes... soooooo delish!!!

    Reply

    • Regina

      Mmmm....yes chicken would be awesome with this as well! Isn't it funny? Sometimes I even want food that I didn't care for much growing up 😉

      Reply

      • Manuela

        Yes, like Lagman. Alex loves it, so now I like it a lot as well. Especially because I can make a large batch and freeze it easily.

        Reply

        • Regina

          Mmmm...Lagman!! You should share your recipe with me. I've never made it myself. And it would also be a great recipe for the blog 😀

          Reply

  2. Tyler @ Terralogist

    This looks brilliant! I love eggs, any time of the day. 🙂

    Reply

    • Regina

      Haha... I am just now realizing that I go on about a breakfast or dinner choice for this meal. But there is absolutely no reason why Shakshuka wouldn't make terrific lunch as well 😉

      Reply

  3. Jacquee @ I Sugar Coat It!

    Shakshuka Recipe - Poached Eggs in Tomato Sauce » LeelaLicious (6)
    YUM! I couldn't pull this off for breakfast, but definitely brinner. The vegetarian in my household does not eat eggs, so I'm keeping the sausage - more for me! 🙂

    Reply

    • Regina

      Brinner FTW!!

      Reply

  4. Amy

    Hey, this looks great! This is new for me, but, it looks really good.

    Reply

    • Regina

      Thank you very much Amy! This is a great 'new' dish to try since all the flavors and components are quite familiar, just in a new combination 🙂

      Reply

Shakshuka Recipe - Poached Eggs in Tomato Sauce » LeelaLicious (2024)

FAQs

What is a dish of poached eggs in a spiced tomato sauce crossword? ›

or shak·shou·ka. a dish of North African origin consisting of eggs poached or baked in a spicy tomato sauce with bell peppers and onion.

How do you keep eggs runny in shakshuka? ›

Ottolenghi advises using a fork to swirl the egg whites around in the sauce, all the while being careful not to break the yolks. Simmer until the egg whites are just set and the yolks are still slightly runny. Remove from the heat and let stand about 2 minutes before serving.

What's the difference between eggs in purgatory and shakshuka? ›

The main difference between shakshuka and eggs in purgatory is the spices and herbs. Skakshuka features Middle Eastern spices, such as cumin and sweet paprika. Eggs in purgatory does not include these spices and uses Italian herbs, such as oregano and basil.

What is the difference between shakshuka and Menemen? ›

Both Shakshuka and Menemen serve as rich, cultural embodiments of their respective cuisines. Shakshuka, with its layered flavors, mirrors the diversity of North African and Israeli culinary heritage. Menemen, by contrast, champions simplicity and freshness, epitomizing Turkish cuisine's essence.

Why is it called Shakshuka? ›

shakshouka, a Maghrebi (North African) dish, popular throughout the region, featuring poached eggs in a spicy tomato sauce, seasoned with peppers, onion, garlic, and various spices. The word shakshouka comes from Maghrebi Arabic dialect and means “mixed.”

Why are poached eggs called poached eggs? ›

Before we delve into the history of the poached egg recipe, let us take a look at the term poached. It originates from the French word poché, which means small pouch or pocket. Poaching is an ancient cooking technique that was used to prepare different delicacies like dumplings and nut custard.

How do you not overcook eggs in shakshuka? ›

After breaking the eggs into the sauce, gently spoon some of the sauce over just the whites. This helps the whites cook faster so they set before the yolks overcook. Cover and rotate. Covering the skillet allows the eggs to steam-cook, which moves things along.

How do you tell if eggs are done in shakshuka? ›

Season eggs with a little salt, cover, reduce heat to lowest setting, and cook until egg whites are barely set and yolks are still runny, 5 to 8 minutes.

What part of Africa is shakshuka from? ›

It is believed to have a Tunisian origin. Shakshuka means "a mixture" or “shaken” in Tunisian dialect. Shakshuka is a staple of Tunisian, Libyan, Algerian, and Moroccan cuisines traditionally served up in a cast iron pan with bread to mop up the sauce (most important).

Are Turkish eggs the same as shakshuka? ›

Turkish menemen is very similar to shakshuka, but there's a lesser-known Turkish eggs recipe that's incredibly delicious too. This, called cilbir, involves poaching eggs, then laying them on a swirl of garlic-infused yoghurt, topping with a nutty chilli butter and fresh dill fronds.

What country is shakshuka from? ›

Shakshuka is a simple dish made of gently poached eggs in a delicious chunky tomato and bell pepper sauce. Said to have originated in Tunisia, this breakfast recipe is popular in many parts of North Africa and the Middle East. It is so satisfying, you can serve it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Is shakshuka Israeli or African? ›

Even though many people today associate shakshuka with Israel, it actually originated in North Africa and the Ottoman Empire: the only reason shakshuka is eaten in Israel is because North African Jewish immigrants brought it there.

Is shakshuka Arabic or Israeli? ›

The word shakshouka (Arabic: شكشوكة) is a Maghrebi Arabic term for "a mixture". According to Mary Fitzgerald, the word is allegedly believed to come from the Berber languages, although most sources agree on the term's Arabic origin. In Morocco, it is referred to as bīḍ w-maṭiša (بيض ومطيشة "egg and tomato").

What does shakshuka mean in hebrew? ›

Shakshuka, meaning “all mixed up” in hebrew, is a traditional middle-eastern breakfast of eggs poached in a richly spiced tomato sauce.

What is another name for poached eggs? ›

Steamed. The term "poaching" is often used for this cooking method but it is actually incorrect, as this method is closer to "coddling".

What is a poached egg also known as? ›

noun. 1. : an egg dropped from its shell and cooked in simmering water for about five minutes. called also dropped egg.

What is the cooking term for poach? ›

Poaching: To cook food gently in liquid just below the boiling point. Poaching produces a delicate flavour in foods, while imparting some of the liquid's flavour to the ingredient being poached.

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