Get a taste of the Middle East with this traditional shakshuka recipe inspired by Israeli market fare and Yemenite flavor.
After college, I set off for a 10-day trip to Israel that turned into a six-year stint of living in Kerem HaTeimanim (the Yeminite Quarter) of Tel Aviv. I’m not sure what was better: living just a few blocks away from the Mediterranean Sea or being even closer to Shuk HaCarmel, the city’s most celebrated market.
I was incredibly lucky to have so many options for fresh, delicious, and healthy food at my fingertips. My favorite delicacy of them all? Shakshuka!
What is shakshuka?
Simply put, shakshuka is a tomato dish with eggs. Different cultures—including those from North Africa, Yemen, and the Ottoman Empire—stake a claim to shakshuka’s origins. For that reason, it’s hard to pin down a so-called authentic shakshuka recipe, but this one’s pretty standard.
In any case, shakshuka is one of the most popular breakfast dishes in Israel and is beloved in many other corners of the world.
About This Recipe
Spices
Cumin and paprika are essential shakshuka spices. I also include cayenne for extra heat, and typically add a dash of turmeric for anti-inflammatory benefits. Finally, a pinch of sugar works wonders to help curb the acidity from the tomatoes.
Zhoug
This one’s a doozy to say in a non-native tongue (suh + guttural ch + oog, but in one syllable) and just as challenging to transliterate precisely to English. At any rate, I’m following the lead of Trader Joe’s, which makes a tasty version of what they call a “spicy, spicy green condiment.”
This delicious green hot sauce hails from Yemen, and consists of a cilantro, jalapeño, and chili base. As the TJ’s packaging implicitly warns, eat it at your own risk. However, it’s a must if you love spicy foods and are aiming for the best shakshuka recipe for your palate.
Tahini
Tahini is a paste made from ground, toasted sesame seeds. It’s an essential staple in any Israeli kitchen, and is also popular in many other Middle Eastern cuisines.
In addition to being flavorful, tahini boasts many nutritional benefits. This anti-inflammatory dip is rich in healthy fats and plant-based protein, and is also a decent source of fiber and omega fatty acids. Further, a tablespoon or two will help you reach toward your RDA of phosphorous, iron, and calcium.
Lastly, tahini can come in handy to help curb spiciness. I water my tahini paste down then add lemon juice, cumin, salt, and pepper.
What to Serve with Shakshuka
The most common way to eat shakshuka is by scooping it up with bread.
Choose a pita to stay with the Middle Eastern theme; otherwise, any bread will do. Personally, I enjoy my traditional shakshuka recipe best with ciabatta or other flaky breads. When I aim to be more health-conscious, I’ll swap bread for high-fiber crackers (such as GG Bran Crispbread).
You can also round out a full meal with a light salad. A classic Israeli salad consists of chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions, then drizzled with lemon and a touch of olive oil.
