Print

Easy Spicy Shakshuka with Creamy Feta

spicy shakshuka with creamy feta - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy spicy shakshuka recipe featuring a rich tomato sauce, perfectly poached eggs, and creamy feta cheese. Perfect for a healthy and comforting breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (preferably extra virgin)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 can (28 oz / 800g) crushed tomatoes (San Marzano recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 4 to 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 4 ounces (115g) feta cheese, crumbled
  • A handful of fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
  • Optional: A pinch of sugar to balance acidity

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 1 minute.
  2. Add the chopped onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add minced garlic and chopped red bell pepper; cook for another 3-4 minutes until fragrant and tender.
  4. Stir in ground cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper; cook for 30 seconds to release aroma without burning.
  5. Pour in crushed tomatoes and add tomato paste; stir well to combine. Add a pinch of sugar if tomatoes are too acidic.
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer sauce gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened and fragrant.
  7. Season sauce with salt and black pepper to taste, keeping in mind feta is salty.
  8. Create 4 to 6 small wells in the sauce using a spoon.
  9. Carefully crack one egg into each well. Cover skillet with a lid and cook for 6-8 minutes for runny yolks or longer for firmer eggs.
  10. Sprinkle crumbled feta over the shakshuka during the last 2 minutes of cooking to soften but not melt completely.
  11. Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro, and serve immediately with crusty bread or warm pita.

Notes

Use room-temperature eggs for even cooking. Do not stir after adding eggs to keep their shape. Adjust cayenne pepper to control spice level. Simmer sauce gently to avoid burning. Cover pan when cooking eggs to trap steam and cook tops evenly. If sauce is watery, simmer uncovered longer before adding eggs. For dairy-free, substitute feta with firm tofu crumble or avocado slices.

Nutrition

Keywords: shakshuka, spicy shakshuka, feta, breakfast, healthy breakfast, quick breakfast, tomato sauce, poached eggs, Mediterranean

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/easy-spicy-shakshuka-with-creamy-feta-perfect-for-quick-healthy-breakfast/