Spiced Shakshuka with Feta and Cilantro Recipe
Introduction
Shakshuka is a flavorful Middle Eastern dish featuring eggs poached in a spicy, fragrant tomato and pepper sauce. This one-pan meal is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you want a comforting, savory dish.

Ingredients
- 5 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp. ground coriander
- 2 tsp. ground cumin
- 2 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp. caraway seeds
- 1 large bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, chopped
- 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- Kosher salt
- 2 roma tomatoes, finely chopped
- 5 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
- 1 tbsp. finely chopped jalapeños
- 2 cups (16 oz.) crushed tomatoes
- 6 large eggs
- 2 tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp. crumbled feta
- Toasted country-style bread, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a 10-inch skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add coriander, cumin, smoked paprika, and caraway seeds. Cook, stirring frequently, until the spices are toasted and fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Step 2: Add the chopped bell pepper and onion to the skillet. Season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally and reducing heat to medium-low if spices darken too quickly, until onions are lightly golden and peppers have softened, about 10 minutes.
- Step 3: Stir in the chopped roma tomatoes, garlic, and jalapeños. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to break down and the garlic and jalapeños release their aroma, about 10 minutes.
- Step 4: Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Taste and season with additional salt if needed. Cook, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the sauce thickens, about 8 minutes.
- Step 5: Reduce heat to medium-low. Using the tip of a wooden spoon, make six small wells in the sauce. Carefully crack an egg into each well. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook until the egg whites are set but the yolks remain runny, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Step 6: Remove from heat. Sprinkle the shakshuka with chopped cilantro and crumbled feta. Serve immediately, with toasted country-style bread if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For a milder version, reduce or omit the jalapeños.
- Add spinach or kale before cooking the eggs for extra greens.
- Substitute feta with goat cheese or omit cheese for a dairy-free option.
- Use fresh tomatoes when in season for a lighter, fresher sauce.
- Serve with pita bread or warm naan as an alternative to country-style bread.
Storage
Store any leftover shakshuka in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Because the eggs may overcook, you might prefer to prepare the sauce in advance and add freshly poached eggs when serving.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make shakshuka without eggs?
Yes, you can enjoy the tomato and pepper sauce on its own or add other proteins like chickpeas or tofu as an alternative to eggs.
How can I tell when the eggs are done?
The egg whites should be completely set and opaque, while the yolks remain slightly runny. If you prefer firmer yolks, cook a few minutes longer before serving.
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Spiced Shakshuka with Feta and Cilantro Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Shakshuka is a flavorful Middle Eastern and North African dish featuring eggs poached in a richly spiced tomato and pepper sauce. This recipe combines aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika with fresh vegetables and silky eggs, finished with fresh cilantro and feta cheese. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting dinner, served with crusty bread to soak up the savory sauce.
Ingredients
Spices and Oils
- 5 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp. ground coriander
- 2 tsp. ground cumin
- 2 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp. caraway seeds
- Kosher salt, to taste
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, chopped
- 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 2 roma tomatoes, finely chopped
- 5 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
- 1 tbsp. finely chopped jalapeños
- 2 cups (16 oz.) crushed tomatoes
Eggs and Garnishes
- 6 large eggs
- 2 tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp. crumbled feta cheese
- Toasted country-style bread, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Toast spices and cook vegetables: In a 10-inch skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add ground coriander, cumin, smoked paprika, and caraway seeds; cook, stirring frequently, until spices are toasted and fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add chopped bell pepper and onion; season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally and reducing heat to medium-low if spices begin to darken too quickly, until onions are lightly golden and peppers have softened, about 10 minutes.
- Add fresh aromatics: Stir in the finely chopped roma tomatoes, garlic, and jalapeños. Season with 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes soften and liquid reduces slightly, and garlic and jalapeño release their fragrance, about 10 minutes.
- Incorporate crushed tomatoes and thicken sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Adjust salt to taste if needed. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the sauce thickens, approximately 8 minutes.
- Poach the eggs in the sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Using the tip of a wooden spoon, create six small wells in the tomato mixture. Crack one egg into each well. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook until egg whites are set and bright white but yolks remain runny, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the lid and sprinkle the shakshuka with fresh chopped cilantro and crumbled feta cheese. Serve hot with toasted country-style bread on the side, if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add more jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- You can substitute feta with goat cheese for a slightly different flavor.
- If you prefer firmer yolks, cook eggs longer or remove the lid towards the end and cook uncovered.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce, or with warm pita for a Middle Eastern touch.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat gently on the stovetop to preserve egg texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Keywords: Shakshuka, eggs, tomato sauce, Middle Eastern breakfast, vegetarian, skillet eggs, poached eggs in tomato sauce

