Classic Shakshuka with Feta and Fresh Herbs

Shakshuka is a vibrant and deeply comforting dish that brings together spiced tomato sauce, tender peppers, and perfectly poached eggs in one harmonious skillet. With origins rooted in North Africa and the Middle East, this dish has become a global favorite for its simplicity, bold flavor, and hearty appeal. The addition of creamy, salty feta cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro adds a refreshing contrast to the rich sauce, while crusty bread makes it a complete meal.

It’s a feast for both the eyes and the palate. The bubbling tomato base, golden egg yolks, and crumbled white feta against a backdrop of vibrant greens make it as beautiful as it is satisfying. Whether you’re making brunch for friends or enjoying a solo meal with a warm slice of bread, Shakshuka delivers warmth, depth, and comfort with every bite. It’s vegetarian, versatile, and endlessly customizable for spice lovers and veggie fans alike.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ¼ teaspoon chili powder

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 5–6 large eggs

• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

• Optional: fresh cilantro or basil for garnish

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

2. Stir in garlic, cumin, paprika, and chili powder. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

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

4. Create small wells in the sauce with a spoon and crack the eggs into each. Cover and cook for 5–8 minutes until egg whites are set but yolks remain runny.

5. Sprinkle with feta and chopped parsley. Serve warm with crusty bread or pita.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Shakshuka is a dish that embodies the heart of comfort cooking while delivering an explosion of flavor and color in every bite. Hailing from North Africa and widely celebrated throughout the Middle East, shakshuka has carved its place as one of the most beloved brunch and breakfast meals globally. This rich and hearty dish features poached eggs gently nestled in a simmering, spiced tomato and pepper sauce. When topped with crumbled feta and fresh herbs, shakshuka becomes a stunning and deeply satisfying meal that can be served morning, noon, or night.

The Allure of Shakshuka: Flavor Meets Simplicity

At its core, shakshuka is incredibly simple, made with everyday pantry ingredients like tomatoes, onions, garlic, and eggs. Yet, it delivers bold, complex flavors that taste like they’ve been simmering all day. The magic of this dish lies in its ability to bring together spice, acidity, richness, and freshness in a single pan. The earthy undertones of cumin and paprika add warmth, while chili powder or a pinch of cayenne gives a slight kick. The tangy tomato base creates the perfect cradle for poached eggs, which, when broken open, enrich the sauce even further with their golden yolks.

Adding crumbled feta into the mix adds creamy, salty contrast, complementing the acidity of the tomatoes and the richness of the eggs. Fresh parsley or cilantro sprinkled over the top not only brightens the dish visually but adds a fresh herbal lift that balances everything beautifully.

Why Shakshuka Has Become a Global Sensation

Though rooted in Middle Eastern and North African cuisine, shakshuka has transcended borders to become a staple in modern cafés and home kitchens around the world. Its rise in popularity can be attributed to several factors:

• Versatility: It works as breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. It’s satisfying on its own or paired with bread, couscous, or salad.
• Nutritional Balance: With protein-rich eggs, antioxidant-packed tomatoes, and healthy fats from olive oil and feta, it’s as nourishing as it is comforting.
• One-Pan Convenience: Everything comes together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
• Diet-Friendly: Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, it suits many dietary lifestyles.

Whether you’re feeding your family, hosting brunch, or enjoying a solo meal, shakshuka fits into your plans without fuss or frills.

Cultural Roots and Traditional Origins

Shakshuka’s roots are often traced to Tunisia, where tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic, and spices were simmered together into a rich stew. The name “shakshuka” roughly translates to “a mixture” in Arabic fitting for such a blend of simple ingredients that create a magical synergy. Jewish immigrants from North Africa brought the dish to Israel, where it gained immense popularity and became a mainstay of Israeli cuisine. Today, shakshuka is enjoyed across countries like Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Turkey, and beyond, each with regional twists.

Traditional versions are typically cooked in cast-iron pans or tagines, sometimes with additional ingredients like harissa (a spicy chili paste), merguez sausage, or even eggplant. But the version with feta and fresh herbs represents a modern Mediterranean twist, giving the dish an added layer of creaminess and brightness that feels fresh and contemporary.

The Visual and Textural Appeal of Shakshuka

A beautifully made shakshuka is more than just delicious it’s visually striking. The deep red of the tomato sauce contrasts with the white of the eggs, the snowy crumbles of feta, and the vibrant green of the herbs. This interplay of colors makes shakshuka perfect for social media-worthy photos and impressive brunch presentations.

In terms of texture, you get everything you want in a single bite: the velvety smoothness of poached yolk, the hearty chew of sautéed vegetables, the tang of tomato, and the creamy bite of feta cheese. A piece of crusty bread used to scoop up each bite only enhances the experience.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Shakshuka

Though shakshuka is easily a meal on its own, the right pairings can elevate it even more:

• Bread: Crusty sourdough, warm pita, or flatbread helps scoop up every bit of sauce and yolk.
• Salads: A fresh cucumber and mint salad or a citrus-dressed arugula side offers a refreshing contrast.
• Beverages: Pair with Turkish coffee, mint tea, or a glass of chilled white wine, depending on the time of day.
• Grains: Some serve shakshuka over quinoa, bulgur, or couscous for extra heartiness.

Shakshuka is also easily adaptable to include sides like hummus, labneh, or olives to give your table a full Mediterranean flair.

Make It Your Own: Variations and Add-ins

One of the reasons shakshuka endures is its adaptability. Here are some creative variations to personalize the dish:

• Green Shakshuka: Replace tomatoes with sautéed spinach, kale, or leeks and use green herbs like dill and cilantro.
• Cheesy Shakshuka: Add mozzarella or goat cheese for extra indulgence.
• Protein Boost: Add cooked chickpeas, ground lamb, or sausage to make it even more filling.
• Spicy Twist: Use harissa or fresh chili peppers for bold heat.
• Vegan Option: Omit the eggs and feta and add tofu crumbles or tempeh for a plant-based version.

No matter how you adapt it, the base of shakshuka remains a blank canvas for creativity.

Tips for the Best Shakshuka Every Time

To make shakshuka restaurant-worthy at home, keep these tips in mind:

• Use a Wide Skillet: A larger surface area allows for more even poaching of the eggs.
• Simmer Gently: Once the tomatoes go in, let the sauce reduce slowly to develop deeper flavor.
• Create Egg Wells: Use a spoon to make small pockets for the eggs to sit in the sauce without spreading.
• Cover to Cook Eggs: Covering the skillet helps the eggs cook evenly without drying out the yolks.
• Season at Every Step: Season the vegetables before adding tomatoes, and again after—layers of flavor make the dish sing.
• Finish with Herbs Last-Minute: Adding fresh herbs just before serving helps preserve their color and flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Shakshuka with Feta

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this version of shakshuka. It’s comforting yet healthy, rustic yet refined. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a hug in a skillet warm, nourishing, and endlessly flavorful. The feta lends a luxurious creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the acidic tomatoes, while the herbs add brightness that cuts through the richness.

More importantly, it’s a dish that brings people together. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or enjoying a moment of self-care with a homemade meal, shakshuka delivers comfort and connection in one pan.

Conclusion: A Timeless Dish for All Occasions

Shakshuka with feta and fresh herbs is more than just a meal it’s a cultural experience, a comfort food classic, and a feast for the senses. Whether you’re new to Middle Eastern cuisine or a lifelong fan, this dish is a must-try for its incredible flavor, visual appeal, and versatility. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again, modifying it based on what’s in your pantry or what you’re craving that day.

Perfect for brunch gatherings, a weeknight dinner, or even a special weekend breakfast, shakshuka invites you to slow down and savor each bite. With every spoonful of warm tomato sauce and perfectly poached egg, you taste tradition, simplicity, and a touch of indulgence. Give it a try, and it just might become your next kitchen staple.

Let the aroma of spices fill your kitchen and share a skillet of shakshuka with someone you love or keep it all to yourself. Either way, you won’t regret it.