Easy Made Classic Shakshuka with Sourdough

Classic Shakshuka with Sourdough is a vibrant, comforting dish made with gently poached eggs simmered in a rich tomato and pepper sauce, served with crusty sourdough for dipping. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a simple dinner, this recipe brings bold flavors and satisfying textures to the table with minimal effort.

This dish is all about balance. The warm, spiced tomato sauce pairs beautifully with runny egg yolks, while toasted sourdough adds the perfect crunch and tang. Every bite feels hearty, nourishing, and deeply comforting.

The Backstory

Shakshuka originated in North Africa and became a staple across the Middle East, loved for its simplicity and bold spice profile. Traditionally served straight from the pan, it is meant to be shared, with bread used to scoop up every bit of sauce. Sourdough adds a modern twist while keeping the spirit of the dish intact.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Meal: Simple preparation with easy cleanup.
• Bold, Comforting Flavors: Warm spices, tomatoes, and perfectly cooked eggs.
• Versatile: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
• Perfect for Sharing: Best enjoyed straight from the skillet with bread.

Classic Shakshuka with Sourdough Recipe

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: Approximately 340 per serving

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp ground coriander
• ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional)
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 6 large eggs
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)
• Sliced sourdough bread, toasted, for serving

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper and cook until softened.
2. Stir in garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, and chili flakes. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in crushed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Make small wells in the sauce and crack eggs into each one.
5. Cover the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes until egg whites are set but yolks remain runny.
6. Remove from heat, garnish with herbs if desired, and serve immediately with toasted sourdough.

Tips to Make It Your Own

• Add Protein: Spicy sausage, chickpeas, or feta cheese work well.
• Adjust the Heat: Increase or decrease chili flakes to taste.
• Extra Vegetables: Spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms can be added to the sauce.
• Make It Ahead: Prepare the sauce in advance and reheat before adding eggs.

🍳 Classic Shakshuka with Sourdough

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Calories: 390

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Shakshuka:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper optional
• 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 4 –6 large eggs

For Serving:

• Sliced sourdough bread toasted
• Fresh parsley or cilantro chopped
• Crumbled feta cheese optional

Method

 

Sauté the Base:

1. Heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper; cook 6–8 minutes until soft and lightly caramelized.

Bloom the Spices:

1. Stir in garlic, cumin, sweet paprika, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

Simmer the Sauce:

1. Pour in crushed tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes until slightly thickened.

Add the Eggs:

1. Make small wells in the sauce and crack eggs into them. Cover skillet and cook 5–7 minutes until whites are set and yolks are still slightly runny.

Finish & Serve:

1. Remove from heat. Garnish with herbs and feta if using. Serve hot with toasted sourdough for dipping.

Notes

Egg Doneness: For firmer yolks, cook 1–2 minutes longer.

Spice Level: Adjust cayenne or add harissa for extra heat.

Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of sugar if tomatoes are too acidic.

Make It Green: Stir in spinach or kale during the last few minutes.

Serving Idea: Perfect for brunch, breakfast-for-dinner, or sharing straight from the skillet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Classic Shakshuka with Sourdough is a simple yet deeply satisfying dish that brings bold flavors and comforting warmth to any meal. Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, it’s a recipe that deserves a regular place at your table.