Heat the Oil: Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Sauté Vegetables: Add onion and bell pepper. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened.
Bloom the Spices: Add garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, and chili powder. Stir 1 minute until fragrant.
Add Tomatoes: Pour in crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes. Add sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir.
Simmer: Reduce heat and let simmer 10–15 minutes until thickened. Adjust seasoning.
Add Eggs: Make four wells in the sauce. Crack an egg into each well.
Cook: Cover and cook 5–7 minutes, until whites set and yolks remain runny.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and feta. Serve hot with pita or crusty bread.
Notes
Adding Spice: For a spicier version, feel free to add extra chili flakes or fresh chopped chili peppers.
Make it Vegetarian: While the basic recipe is vegetarian, you can add extra vegetables such as spinach, eggplant, zucchini, or mushrooms to make the dish even heartier.
Serving Suggestions: Shakshuka is traditionally served with warm pita bread or crusty bread for dipping. You can also serve it with a side of rice or couscous for a more filling meal.
Substituting Feta: If you’re not a fan of feta cheese, you can substitute it with goat cheese or a dollop of yogurt for a creamier texture.
Make Ahead: The tomato sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. When you're ready to serve, reheat the sauce, create the wells for the eggs, and cook.
Vegan Version: For a vegan version, replace the eggs with tofu scramble or chickpea flour "eggs" to keep the recipe plant-based.
Leftovers: Shakshuka can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.