Authentic Shakshuka with Tomato-Bell Pepper Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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A vibrant Middle Eastern breakfast dish featuring poached eggs in a spicy, tomato-based sauce with smoky bell peppers and fragrant spices. This Middle Eastern-inspired quick recipe, ready in about 40 minutes, pairs tomatoes, bell peppers (red or yellow), onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until softened (5 minutes), then add garlic, cumin, and paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add tomatoes and bell peppers. Cook for 15 minutes until the tomatoes break down and the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Step 3: Create four small wells in the sauce using a spoon. Gently crack an egg into each well. Cover the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until the whites are set and the yolks are just runny.
  4. Step 4: Serve immediately, optionally with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Shakshuka with Tomato-Bell Pepper Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Authentic Shakshuka with Tomato-Bell Pepper Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Shakshuka with Tomato-Bell Pepper Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Authentic Shakshuka with Tomato-Bell Pepper Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Authentic Shakshuka with Tomato-Bell Pepper Sauce?

Middle Eastern quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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