Hey there! If you’re looking for something exciting to start your day, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite breakfast: Shakshuka! This Middle Eastern dish features poached eggs nestled in a rich and spicy tomato sauce, topped with creamy feta cheese. Seriously, it’s like a flavor explosion that’ll make you look forward to breakfast every single day! Plus, it’s so easy to whip up, so let’s dive right in!
Nutritional Benefits of Shakshuka
Shakshuka is more than just delicious; it’s also packed with vitamins and nutrients! The tomatoes provide you with plenty of vitamin C, antioxidants, and lycopene, which is great for heart health. Eggs are a fantastic source of protein and contain essential nutrients such as vitamin D and B12. The feta cheese adds an element of calcium to support strong bones. It’s a wholesome meal that makes you feel good, both inside and out!
Adaptable Variations for Shakshuka
- Make it Spicy: If you love a little heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Vegetable Boost: Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Spinach, bell peppers, or even zucchini work wonderfully in this dish.
- Go Dairy-Free: If you’re avoiding dairy, you can skip the feta altogether or substitute it with a vegan cheese or avocado on top instead.
Easy Shakshuka Eggs with Feta Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Throw in the red bell pepper and garlic, sautéing for another 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
- Add in the cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir everything together and cook for about 1 minute to let those spices wake up!
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Using a spoon, create little wells in the sauce and crack the eggs into each well. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still runny (or cook longer if you prefer firmer yolks).
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro!
Practical & Valuable Tips
- If you’re prepping ahead of time, you can make the tomato sauce and store it in the fridge. Just add the eggs and finish cooking when you’re ready to eat!
- Feel free to serve this delicious dish with some crusty bread, pita, or even over a bed of greens for added nutrition!
- Store leftover Shakshuka in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats wonderfully, but you may want to add extra eggs fresh when re-serving!
Equipment Needed
Before you get started, here’s what you’ll need:
- A large skillet or frying pan (preferably non-stick)
- A wooden spoon for mixing
- A lid to cover the skillet while cooking
- A knife and cutting board for chopping veggies
- A serving spoon for dishing it out!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? Absolutely! Just chop up about 4-5 fresh tomatoes and you can make your own crushed tomato base.
- Is Shakshuka a good meal prep option? Yes! You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and just add the eggs fresh when you are ready to eat.
- What if I don’t have feta cheese? No problem! You can leave it out or substitute with another cheese like goat cheese, or even some grated Parmesan.
- Can I make this dish vegetarian? Yes! Shakshuka is naturally vegetarian as long as you stick with the ingredients listed here!
- How can I make Shakshuka for a crowd? Just double or triple the recipe! You can cook everything in batches and serve in a buffet style.
I hope you’re excited to try making Shakshuka! Don’t forget to snap a picture and let me know how it turns out—I love hearing your stories! Join me over on Pinterest for more easy breakfast ideas that keep the mornings bright and delicious!
