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Easy Shakshuka Recipe with Pantry Tomatoes and Cumin Eggs for Perfect Breakfast

easy shakshuka recipe - featured image

A quick and comforting shakshuka made with pantry staples like canned tomatoes and cumin-spiced eggs, perfect for a hearty breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (28 oz / 800 g) can whole peeled or crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes, or to taste
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 large eggs (room temperature)
  • A handful of fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 4-5 minutes.
  2. Add the finely chopped onion and sautΓ© for 5-7 minutes until translucent and slightly golden, stirring occasionally.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and chili flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Pour in the canned tomatoes, crushing whole tomatoes with a spoon if needed. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust spices if desired.
  6. Use a spoon to create four wells in the tomato sauce. Crack one egg into each well carefully, keeping the yolks intact.
  7. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil, reduce heat to low, and cook for 6-8 minutes for runny yolks or longer for firmer eggs. Check carefully to avoid overcooking.
  8. Sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro over the top. Serve directly from the pan with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs for even poaching. Keep heat low when cooking eggs to avoid tough whites. Covering the pan traps steam and cooks eggs evenly without flipping. If sauce thickens too much before adding eggs, stir in a tablespoon or two of water. If you break a yolk, it still tastes great. For a dairy-free option, skip cheese and focus on fresh herbs.

Nutrition

Keywords: shakshuka, breakfast, cumin eggs, pantry tomatoes, easy breakfast, brunch, quick recipe, vegetarian, gluten-free