Shakshuka (Eggs in Tomato Sauce)

If you’ve been around my kitchen for a while, you know I love keeping things simple but tasty. Shakshuka (Eggs in Tomato Sauce) is one of those recipes that always makes its way into the weekly rotation. It’s not fussy, uses everyday ingredients like 2 tbsp olive oil, and the end result feels way more special than the effort it takes. Honestly, it’s the kind of meal that makes you look like you planned ahead, even if you just threw it together at the last minute.

I usually make this when friends come over or when I just want something comforting without hovering over the stove for hours. The beauty of shakshuka (eggs in tomato sauce) is that you can adapt it to what you have on hand. Some weeks I stick to the recipe exactly, and other weeks I’ll swap an herb, add an extra squeeze of citrus, or toss in some seasonal veggies. Either way, it always turns out satisfying and delicious.

Another reason I love this dish is how flexible it is with sides. You can keep it simple with a green salad and bread, or dress it up with roasted vegetables and grains. I’ve even used leftovers as the base for next-day lunches—tucked into wraps, tossed on top of salad, or reheated for a quick dinner. It’s a real workhorse of a recipe.

If you’re new to cooking or just looking for something reliable to add to your rotation, give this shakshuka (eggs in tomato sauce) a try. The flavors are classic, the steps are straightforward, and you’ll feel accomplished pulling it out of the oven or off the stove. Let’s get into the recipe, but don’t skip the tips and FAQs—I’ve included some notes to help you make it your own.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp paprika
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
4–6 eggs
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Sauté onion and pepper in oil 6–8 minutes. Add garlic, cumin, and paprika 30 seconds.
Add tomatoes; simmer 10 minutes. Make wells and crack in eggs.
Cover and cook until whites set, 5–7 minutes.