Shakshuka has been all the rage for the last few years; it’s an Israeli dish consisting of a spicy tomato and pepper sauce with eggs simmered in it. Harissa is the star flavoring in the tomato/pepper sauce, and it not only makes the egg dish spicy, but also adds some middle eastern spices which make the dish yummy. Although Harissa is becoming readily available at mainstream grocery stores nowadays, you can substitute sambal olek with mint, caraway, coriander, and cumin added. I like these spices so much in this dish, that I add 1/2 teaspoon of each even though I use Harissa. You’ll love the following Easy Israeli Shakshuka and will want to serve it for breakfast, brunch, or even a light supper. While it is a vegetarian dish, it’s great served with breakfast meats on the side; good fresh pita bread or crusty Italian bread is a must.


6 Servings

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons harissa, more or less to taste
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground caraway seeds
1/2 teaspoon dried mint, crumbled
1 large onion, chopped
2 red bell peppers, cored, seeded, and chopped
2 15 oz. can diced tomatoes

6 large eggs
Parsley, for garnish

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet.
2. Stir in the harissa, tomato paste, salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, caraway, coriander, and mint; stir well, then add the onions.
3. Cook the onions over medium heat until they begin to soften.
4. Add the peppers, stir for a minute or two, then add the tomatoes.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, turn down to a simmer, and simmer until the vegetables are softened. If the mixture thickens too much before the vegetables are tender, add a cup of water.
6. When the sauce is thickened and the vegetable are done, turn the heat down and make six indentations in the sauce.
7. Break an egg into each indentation. Cover the pan and cook until the whites are set. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 188 Calories from Fat 97
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 52% Protein 19% Carb. 30%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 11 g
Saturated Fat 2 g
Cholesterol 213 mg
Sodium 504 mg
Total Carbohydrate 14 g
Dietary Fiber 1 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 9 g

Vitamin A 60% Vitamin C 124% Calcium 0% Iron 14%