The first time I experienced Israeli Shakshuka with Feta, I was sitting in a sunny café overlooking Tel Aviv’s bustling markets. Before me lay a sizzling pan of vibrant tomato sauce studded with perfectly poached eggs, creamy feta, and a sprinkling of fresh herbs. Each bite was spicy, savory, and deeply comforting—a beautiful example of Middle Eastern simplicity and bold flavor. Inspired by this unforgettable experience, I spent years perfecting my homemade shakshuka, balancing rich spices with fresh tomatoes and silky eggs. Today, I’m delighted to share my foolproof recipe for authentic Israeli Shakshuka with Feta, ideal for cozy brunches, quick weeknight dinners, or leisurely weekend breakfasts. Dive into this vibrant dish that’s guaranteed to awaken your senses!
- Why You’ll Love Israeli Shakshuka with Feta
- The History of Shakshuka
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- Equipment Needed
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1. Sauté Aromatics & Vegetables (8 minutes)
- 2. Prepare Tomato Sauce (10 minutes)
- 3. Poach Eggs in Sauce (7–8 minutes)
- 4. Garnish & Serve (2 minutes)
- Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Tips for Perfect Shakshuka
- Delicious Variations
- Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Why You’ll Love Israeli Shakshuka with Feta
- Rich, Spicy, & Comforting: Eggs gently poached in savory tomato sauce provide warmth and depth.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Protein-packed eggs, vitamin-rich tomatoes, and calcium-rich feta.
- Quick & Simple: Ready in just 25–30 minutes with easy-to-find ingredients.
- Perfectly Shareable: Serve straight from skillet for a fun, communal meal.
- Versatile: Great for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.
The History of Shakshuka
Though often associated with Israeli cuisine, shakshuka’s roots trace back to North Africa, particularly Tunisia. Introduced to Israel by North African Jewish communities, it quickly became a beloved staple nationwide. Today, it symbolizes Israel’s diverse culinary heritage, enjoyed throughout the Mediterranean and globally.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Eggs | 4–6 large eggs |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Yellow onion, diced | 1 medium |
| Red bell pepper, diced | 1 medium |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 4 cloves |
| Crushed tomatoes, canned | 1 can (28 oz/800g) |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Ground cumin | 1 teaspoon |
| Paprika (sweet or smoked) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cayenne pepper or chili flakes | ½ teaspoon (adjust to taste) |
| Salt and freshly ground pepper | To taste |
| Feta cheese, crumbled | ½ cup |
| Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped | ¼ cup |
| Crusty bread or pita | For serving |
Equipment Needed
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large skillet or cast-iron pan | For stovetop-to-table serving |
| Wooden spoon or spatula | To stir and simmer sauce |
| Chef’s knife & cutting board | To prep vegetables and herbs |
| Measuring cups and spoons | For precise seasoning |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté Aromatics & Vegetables (8 minutes)
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and bell pepper; sauté until softened, about 5–6 minutes.
- Add minced garlic, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper; sauté 2 minutes more until fragrant.
2. Prepare Tomato Sauce (10 minutes)
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, combining thoroughly.
- Simmer gently for 8–10 minutes, until sauce slightly thickens; season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Poach Eggs in Sauce (7–8 minutes)
- Using a spoon, create wells in the tomato sauce.
- Crack eggs gently into wells; cover skillet with lid or foil.
- Cook over medium-low heat until egg whites set and yolks remain runny, approximately 7–8 minutes.
4. Garnish & Serve (2 minutes)
- Sprinkle crumbled feta and fresh herbs over eggs and sauce.
- Serve hot directly from the skillet with warm crusty bread or pita for dipping.
(Total cooking time: approximately 25–30 minutes)
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
(Serves 4)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 260 kcal |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| – Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| – Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| – Sugars | 9g |
| Protein | 14g |
| Vitamin A | 60% DV |
| Vitamin C | 100% DV |
| Iron | 20% DV |
| Calcium | 15% DV |
Nutrition Insight: Packed with antioxidants, protein, and calcium, shakshuka is healthy and filling.
Tips for Perfect Shakshuka
- Gentle Simmer: Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer to prevent eggs from breaking apart.
- Spice Balance: Adjust spices according to preference—mild or spicy.
- Egg Technique: Create clear wells so eggs poach evenly without spreading.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy shakshuka hot for best flavor and texture.
Delicious Variations
- Greens Boost: Add spinach, kale, or Swiss chard to the sauce.
- Cheesy Twist: Substitute feta with mozzarella or goat cheese.
- Extra Protein: Add cooked chickpeas, lentils, or ground lamb.
- Harissa Shakshuka: Stir in harissa paste for North African heat.
- Avocado Garnish: Top with sliced avocado for creamy contrast.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Make-Ahead: Sauce can be made ahead; add eggs and feta just before serving.
- Refrigerate: Store sauce separately in an airtight container up to 4 days. Reheat gently before adding fresh eggs.
- Freeze: Sauce freezes well; thaw overnight and poach fresh eggs to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can shakshuka be reheated?
A1: Yes—warm gently on stovetop or microwave; add fresh eggs if desired.
Q2: Is shakshuka gluten-free?
A2: Naturally gluten-free; serve with gluten-free bread for dipping.
Q3: What can I substitute for feta?
A3: Goat cheese, mozzarella, or dairy-free cheese works beautifully.
Q4: How spicy is shakshuka?
A4: Mild to medium heat; adjust spices to taste.
Conclusion
This authentic Israeli Shakshuka with Feta captures the warmth, spice, and richness of traditional Middle Eastern cooking. Ready to savor a taste of Mediterranean comfort at home? Visit BlessedDish.com for more globally inspired, chef-tested recipes. If you enjoyed this shakshuka, please leave a ★★★★★ review, share your vibrant creation on Instagram with #BlessedDish, and subscribe for weekly culinary inspiration delivered directly to your inbox.
Enjoy your flavorful journey—בתיאבון! (Bon appétit!)
