Yotam Ottolenghi's Shakshuka Recipe on Food52 (2024)

Serves a Crowd

by: Food52

November29,2016

4

23 Ratings

  • Cook time 30 minutes
  • Serves 4

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Author Notes

This shakshuka comes from the inimitable Yotam Ottolenghi and his cookbook Jerusalem (10 Speed Press, 2011). Great for breakfast at dinner or the most comforting brunch ever. Homemade harissa makes it even better. —Food52

  • Test Kitchen-Approved

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Yotam Ottolenghi'sShakshuka

Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoonsolive oil
  • 1 teaspoonharissa (homemade, if you'd like)
  • 2 teaspoonstomato paste
  • 2 (2 cups / 300 grams) large red peppers, diced in 1/4-inch pieces
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoonground cumin
  • 5 cups(800 grams) very ripe tomatoes, chopped; canned are also fine
  • 4 large eggs, plus 4 egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup(120 grams) labneh or thick yogurt
  • 1 pinchsalt
Directions
  1. In a large frying pan over medium heat, warm the olive oil and then add the harissa, tomato paste, red peppers, garlic, cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Saute for about 10 minutes, until the peppers soften. Add the tomatoes, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook for another 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
  2. Make eight little dips in the sauce. Gently break the eggs and carefully pour each int its own dip. Do the same with the yolks, Use a fork to swirl the egg whites a little bit with the sauce, taking care not to break the yolks. Simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes, until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still running. Remove from the heat, leave for a couple of minutes to settle, then spoon into individual plates. and serve with the labneh or yogurt.

Tags:

  • Middle Eastern
  • Cumin
  • Vegetable
  • Egg
  • Serves a Crowd
  • New Year's Day
  • New Year's Eve
  • Vegetarian
  • Food52 Pantry
  • Entree
  • Breakfast
  • Side

See what other Food52ers are saying.

  • Barbara J Kilian

  • Frank

  • Terri

  • Macheese

Popular on Food52

9 Reviews

Terri April 15, 2022

Just found this channel on my Roku TV.
Can’t wait to try all these yummy recipes. Starting with Shakshuka from Otto. Yum!!

Macheese October 25, 2021

I love this recipe! I made it in my IP. Sauteed the red peppers/ cumin/ harissa etc first then added in tomatoes and cooked 5 minutes on manual setting. Didn’t quick release. Added 4 whole eggs and then did the manual setting for 1 minute. I was doing several other things at home and wanted the luxury of not having to tend to it. Came out delicious. I did not quick release after the eggs were done so the yolks were well cooked- next time I’m going to quick release so I can see if they’re a bit softer.
Super easy and I’m already planning a brunch with this as the main 😃😋

Barbara J. September 22, 2019

Before I heard of satshuka, I used to do this with left over Ethiopian food. Then when I learned to make Ethiopian food, I did it as a main dish. I do a similar satshuka without bell pepper (a loathed ingredient in my home). Tips for getting the eggs cooked: out a lid on it or tos under broiler.

Susan B. April 13, 2019

We enjoyed this dish. However, my eggs were still raw after the 8-10 mins. of simmering called for by the recipe. And I did spoon the sauce up over the whites. After 20 minutes, including turning it up to a higher simmer and using a lid, I went ahead and served it. I think it could have cooked even longer but my wife had to leave. I’ve seen another version where one takes a fork and drags the eggs into the sauce at the end of cooking time which might explain the 4 egg yolks to add a creamier texture. I served it with fresh cauliflower rice cooked with coconut oil, plenty of salt and a small pinch of white pepper. I’ll definitely make it again as it was super easy and different. Next time I’ll allow plenty of time for the eggs to poach. Also, I may add another 1/2 tsp of harissa. 1 tsp. of harissa made for just a mild heat.

JESSICA September 19, 2019

I add a full tsp of harissa (we like it spicy) and I usually pass this under the broiler to cook the eggs right. I also add some crumbled feta and sprinkle Za'atar on top at the end.

Anonymous November 29, 2020

I just make the sauce, of any shakshuka recipe, plate enough for just my husband and myself (that would be half of this recipe) and top with a fried egg. That way I have control on the doneness of the eggs (my husband likes hard yolks, and I like runny). And then I save the rest of the sauce for another meal, and top with fried eggs again. So much easier!

melissa December 20, 2016

is there a reason to use 4 eggs + 4 yolks, rather than just 8 eggs?

X January 1, 2017

I just used 4 "Happy Eggs" which are huge, and didn't stir them into the sauce but rather poached them. It came out really good.

Frank November 11, 2018

I would assume to add a creamy richness without the "egg" flavor.

Yotam Ottolenghi's Shakshuka Recipe on Food52 (2024)

FAQs

Yotam Ottolenghi's Shakshuka Recipe on Food52? ›

Shakshuka is an excellent meal to eat if your doctor has recommended a mediterranean diet to reduce cholesterol, blood pressure and improve your cardiovascular (heart) health. Cooking shakshuka at home allows you to control the amount of salt and oil used, which can be quite high when ordered in a restaurant.

Why is shakshuka good for you? ›

Shakshuka is an excellent meal to eat if your doctor has recommended a mediterranean diet to reduce cholesterol, blood pressure and improve your cardiovascular (heart) health. Cooking shakshuka at home allows you to control the amount of salt and oil used, which can be quite high when ordered in a restaurant.

What is the real name of shakshuka? ›

In Morocco, it is referred to as bīḍ w-maṭiša (بيض ومطيشة "egg and tomato"). The term shakshouka may have derived from "shak", another Arabic word meaning "to combine things together", as the dish combines tomatoes, chilies and eggs.

What is the difference between shakshuka and Turkish eggs? ›

Turkish Menemen and Israeli shakshuka are very similar but differ in the method and seasoning. Both are breakfast dishes where eggs are cooked in a tomato sauce. In menemen the eggs are virtually scrambled into the sauce, whereas shakshuka eggs are placed on the sauce and only slightly mixed.

Is shakshuka good the next day? ›

Yes! Shakshuka is one of my favorite recipes to meal prep because it reheats beautifully. Honestly, it may even taste better the next day… To reheat your leftover shakshuka, simply spoon a portion onto a plate and microwave it for a few minutes until heated through.

Can diabetics eat shakshuka? ›

Easy Shakshuka

The saucy, savory breakfast is a great option for those with diabetes because it combines protein-rich eggs with nutrient-rich veggies. “It doesn't have any starchy veggies or added sugar, so it won't spike your blood sugar,” Rizzo adds.

Is shakshuka Israeli or African? ›

Even though many people today associate shakshuka with Israel, it actually originated in North Africa and the Ottoman Empire: the only reason shakshuka is eaten in Israel is because North African Jewish immigrants brought it there.

How do people eat shakshuka? ›

The best way to serve a shakshuka is to make it the centerpiece of the meal, then create a multitude of small plates to serve along. They usually involve some bread, simple vegetable salads, and spreads.

Where is shakshuka most popular? ›

Shakshuka (also spelt with an O, shakshouka), is a staple dish on any Israeli breakfast table. In fact, they eat it at breakfast, lunch and dinner – both at home and in restaurants. The dish is so popular here that it's considered right up there with falafels and hummus as the best of Israeli cuisine.

What is shakshuka in English? ›

shakshouka, a Maghrebi (North African) dish, popular throughout the region, featuring poached eggs in a spicy tomato sauce, seasoned with peppers, onion, garlic, and various spices. The word shakshouka comes from Maghrebi Arabic dialect and means “mixed.”

Do Turkish people eat shakshuka? ›

The Turkish Şakş*cka and the Israeli version, often referred to as Shakshuka, are both delicious and vibrant dishes, but they aren't the same exact thing: Base ingredients: In Turkish Şakş*cka, the base typically consists of fried or roasted eggplants, tomatoes, peppers, and onions, often with a tomato sauce on top.

Is shakshuka eaten in Egypt? ›

The traditional “shakshuka” is originally from North Africa - - Tunisia the dish is popular in the Middle East, and you are able to find variations of the dish in Palestine, Israel, Egypt and numerous other countries.

What is shakshuka in Israel culture? ›

A conventionally Jewish breakfast recipe that immigrated to Israel from North Africa, Shakshuka is a dish traditionally cooked in a cast iron skillet, consisting of poached eggs sitting atop a rich sauce of tomatoes and sautéed vegetables.

What side dishes go with shakshuka? ›

My favorite sides are perfectly toasted challah bread, avocados seasoned with lime juice, Israeli white cheese, and a simple Israeli salad. Most restaurants serve shakshuka with tahini on the side as well.

How do you not overcook shakshuka? ›

After breaking the eggs into the sauce, gently spoon some of the sauce over just the whites. This helps the whites cook faster so they set before the yolks overcook. Cover and rotate. Covering the skillet allows the eggs to steam-cook, which moves things along.

Do you eat shakshuka with spoon or fork? ›

Also, it is perfectly acceptable to eat shakshuka straight out of the pan, using wedges of pita bread as your spoon. Of course, if you prefer a knife and fork, spoon the eggs with their sauce over lightly toasted bread. This recipe is especially tasty served on toasted Bloody Mary Bread.

Why is shakshuka important? ›

Religiously, shakshuka follows the guidelines of keeping kosher thus why it's consumed by many Jewish and Israeli communities. There's not an immense religious meaning to shakshuka other than the fact that it can be served at many religiously cultural events like at a Shabbat.

What is a fun fact about shakshuka? ›

Fun fact, the origins of the word shakshuka comes from the Arabic for "all mixed up" or "shaken."

Is tomato egg good for you? ›

Eating eggs and tomatoes together provides several health benefits. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, beta-carotene, folate, potassium, vitamin C, flavonoids, and vitamin E, which have been associated with reduced cardiovascular risk.

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