Shakshuka as a Healthy Breakfast That Satisfies All Day

Shakshuka - A Colorful, Flavorful Dish You'll Love

There are few dishes in the world that naturally combine simplicity, nutrition, and perfect harmony of flavors quite like shakshuka. This colorful mix of eggs poached in a tomato sauce with peppers, onions, and fragrant spices is conquering kitchens far beyond its origins. Whether you're asking "shakshuka – what is it?" or looking for a tried and tested shakshuka recipe, one thing is certain: it's a dish that will quickly find a place in your home menu.

The Origin of Shakshuka: How an Israeli Classic Was Born

At first glance, it might seem that shakshuka comes directly from Israel, as it is a common feature in breakfast menus across the country. However, the truth is a bit more colorful – just like shakshuka itself. This dish has its roots in North African cuisine, specifically in Tunisia or Libya. From there, shakshuka spread to the Middle East, and it found its second home in Israel, where it became an inseparable part of modern gastronomy.

The name "shakshuka" comes from Arabic and translates to "mix" or "mixture." And that's very fitting – it's a dish that brings simple ingredients together into one harmonious whole. In Israel, shakshuka is prepared both at home and in street bistros or cafes, often in small cast-iron pans in which it's served directly.

What Shakshuka Contains and Why It's So Popular

The base of shakshuka is a tomato sauce with peppers, garlic, onions, and unique spices such as cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Into this hot mixture, eggs are carefully broken, allowing them to gently set in the sauce. The result is a dish that is hearty, healthy, and incredibly tasty.

One of the reasons shakshuka is gaining popularity outside Israel is its flexibility. You can make it purely plant-based, add feta cheese, spinach, olives, or even chickpeas. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread – ideally pita or sourdough, which allows you to mop up the sauce to the last drop.

But shakshuka is not just tomatoes and eggs. The key is the right balance of flavors – the sweetness of tomatoes, the mild spiciness of peppers, and the depth of spices create a complex gastronomic experience that surprises with its simplicity.

How to Prepare Authentic Shakshuka at Home

Although it looks like a dish that takes hours to make, the shakshuka recipe is surprisingly easy and can be mastered even by a beginner. The key is a quality base – ideally fresh vegetables, but in winter, good canned tomatoes will do.

Basic Shakshuka Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion (sliced into thin half-moons)
• 1 red pepper (sliced into strips)
• 2 cloves garlic (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon ground sweet paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• A pinch of cayenne pepper or chili (to taste)
• 800g peeled tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• 4 eggs
• Fresh coriander or parsley (for garnish)
• Balkan cheese or feta (optional)

Sauté the onion and pepper in hot oil until soft. Add garlic and spices, sauté briefly, then pour in the tomatoes. Simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes until the sauce thickens. Use a spoon to create wells in the sauce and crack an egg into each. Cover with a lid and let set for 5–8 minutes – the whites should be firm, the yolks runny. Sprinkle with herbs and cheese and serve immediately.

Shakshuka as Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

One of shakshuka's greatest charms is that it is suitable at any time of day. In Israel, it is commonly served as breakfast, but there is nothing to stop you from enjoying it for lunch or a light dinner. Whether you need a quick energy boost in the morning or are looking for a nutritious meal after a long day, shakshuka won't disappoint.

Moreover, it's a great choice for vegetarians or anyone looking to reduce meat in their diet without compromising on flavor. With proteins from eggs and fiber from vegetables, shakshuka is a complete meal that satisfies without feeling heavy.

As an example from everyday life: a young family from Brno was looking for a way to prepare a quick yet nutritious dinner for their two small children. They found that shakshuka was the perfect solution – the kids love eggs, the adults appreciate the taste and simplicity, and everyone enjoys it together. Plus, it's a dish that can be easily prepared in one pan, meaning less washing up and less stress.

Health on the Plate and for the Planet

Shakshuka is not only delicious – it's also nutritionally valuable. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Peppers add vitamin C and fiber, while eggs provide essential proteins, vitamin D, B12, and healthy fats. If you add legumes or leafy greens, you get a true nutritional powerhouse.

From a sustainability perspective, shakshuka is also a great choice. It uses seasonal and easily accessible ingredients that don't burden the planet. And because it doesn't rely on meat, it has a lower carbon footprint. Add in homemade bread or rye sourdough, and you have a meal that is friendly to both your body and the environment.

Modern Twists and Variations on Shakshuka

While classic Israeli shakshuka has its charm, modern cuisine loves to play with this dish. There are, for example, green versions of shakshuka, where tomatoes are replaced with spinach, chard, or zucchini. A popular variant is the oriental version with harissa, a spicy paste from Tunisia, or shakshuka with mushrooms and cream.

An interesting twist could be the addition of roasted eggplant, which adds creaminess, or supplementation with chickpeas for a higher plant-based protein content. This way, it's easy to prepare a vegan version, where instead of eggs, you use tofu mixed with turmeric and nutritional yeast for a similar texture and taste.

As Israeli chef and author Yotam Ottolenghi says: "Shakshuka is like a canvas on which everyone can paint their version of the perfect breakfast." And that's what's so beautiful about this dish – there is no one right way to make shakshuka, just many delicious ways to adapt it to your mood, season, or fridge contents.

Whether you opt for traditional Israeli shakshuka or create your own original variation, one thing is certain – once you taste it, it will become a staple on your table.