Easy Shakshuka Recipes Poached Eggs In A Savory Sauce

Shakshuka Origins

When we are looking to switch up our meal rotation, we always try to incorporate recipes from other countries! We love to make dishes from all over the globe! This recipe hails from Israel, but some of our other favorites are Italian, Mexican, Asian, and Hawaiian. Shakshuka is a savory dish that is popularly enjoyed in the Middle East. Some say it originated in Yemen in North Africa, however others say it goes all the way back to the Ottoman Empire. Different regions put different twists on it, but at its heart it is simply eggs poached in a tomato sauce in a cast-iron skillet.

What Ingredients are in Shakshuka?

Tomato Sauce: This recipe starts with a savory or spicy tomato sauce base. First you saute peppers, onion, and garlic in olive oil until they are very soft. Then, add diced or crushed tomatoes and spices. Spice Mix: Shakshuka features a unique blend of spices. After you add the tomatoes to the sauce, add paprika, cumin, cayenne, and nutmeg. Next, simmer for 20 minutes to allow the flavors time to mingle. Large Eggs: Next comes the eggs. Make little wells in the tomato sauce and then crack the eggs into the wells. Next, sprinkle the eggs with a little salt. Cook until the egg whites set up, but yolk is still soft. Fresh Cilantro: After the eggs finish cooking, sprinkle the whole dish with fresh cilantro. This adds a brightness to the dish that you won’t want to miss! Crusty Bread or Pita Bread: Finally, serve your Shakshuka with warm, crusty bread or warm pita bread for dipping.

What Does Shakshuka Mean?

Shakshuka is an Arabic word meaning “a mixture”. It refers to the mix of peppers, onion, and tomato in the sauce. If you scramble the eggs instead of poaching them, then you have the Turkish version called “menemen”. However, my personal favorite name for it is the Italian name “uova in purgatorio”, meaning “eggs in purgatory”. Uova in Purgatorio closely resembles Shakshuka with the addition of anchovy paste, parsley, and parmesan cheese.