The Best Israeli Shakshuka
Shakshuka is the ultimate Israeli dish. It’s bursting with flavor, it’s healthy, and it’s great to eat any time of day.
One of the things that I love most about shakshuka is how versatile it is. I can whip up a quick and easy version with tomatoes, eggs, garlic, spices if I’m in the mood for the more traditional version, or I can add in a million different toppings if I’m in the mood to spice things up (literally).
Israelis love their shakshuka. It’s a great dish for brunch, whether we’re out at a coffee shop or having friends/family over any time of day.
Shakshuka isn’t originally from Israel. It gets its roots from other Middle Eastern countries but today is considered one of the most popular Israeli dishes.
How do I make shakshuka?
Making shakshuka is really simple. All you need are tomatoes, eggs, other veggies that you have around and spices. Anything else is up to you. Some people like to make green shakshuka featuring spinach, others add cheese, others add tons of herbs on top. Whip up your own batch of tahini with our special secret recipe for a great addition as well. Whatever you’re in the mood for works with shakshuka!
Is shakshuka spicy?
Most shakshuka dishes are bursting with flavor but not necessarily spicy. I’ve added the secret spice that I use below if you’re looking to turn up the heat on your dish. You can also add spicy red peppers for an extra kick.
What time of day is shakshuka typically eaten?
Shakshuka, in theory, is a brunch food. It’s served together with challah bread or pita and is a great Friday morning (our brunch day here in Israel) treat. However, you’ll find many Israelis eating shakshuka for dinner as well. Shakshuka is great at any time of day!
Shakshuka is typically eaten straight out of the pan. It’s served this way in many restaurants and gives an authentic feel and touch.
Ready to get started making your own homemade shakshuka. Here’s my favorite recipe.
Make shakshuka like an Israeli with the spices and products made by Israeli small businesses and non-profits.
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For 3-6 hungry people
What will you need?
6-12 eggs
4 fresh large tomatoes – diced into small cubes
2 garlic cloves – thinly sliced
1 medium sized onion – thinly diced
1 celery stalk thinly chopped
1 red pepper – sliced into thin slices
1 heaping teaspoon Eliko spice mix – by Ayelet Spices
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1/4 – 1/2 cups of water
3 tbsp. Extra virgin olive oil
3 tbsp. chopped parsley/green onions – your choice
How do I make shakshuka?
- Preheat the olive oil in a large non-stick pan
- Fry the onion for a few minutes until soft and golden
- Add the celery, red pepper and the spice mix and fry until soft
- Add the tomatoes and fry for 2-3 more minutes
- Add the garlic and season with salt and pepper.
- Close the lid and cook on low heat for 2 minutes. If it becomes too thick, add a little water. Close lid again and cook for 2 more minutes.
- Open lid and stir with a wooden spoon.
- Adding the eggs: simple crack open the egg directly over the pan and into the cooking sauce.
- Close again with the lid, and let simmer for 2 more minutes. (If you like your eggs softer, remove from heat after one minute)
- Open the lid and remove from heat. Sprinkle parsley/green onions/other fresh herbs that you like.
- Serve warm together with pita or challah bread!
While Israelis didn’t invent shakshuka, we’ve most definitely mastered it to perfection. Today, it’s one of the most Israeli things that you can make and eat.
While you may not have a local shuk, a local farmers market will do to get all of the ingredients you need for an awesome shakshuka dish.
Bete’avon (have a good meal!)
Want to make more Israeli food for your family and friends?
What do Israelis eat on Shabbat? Eat like an Israeli this upcoming Shabbat with these traditional Shabbat foods.
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Make shakshuka like an Israeli with the spices and products made by Israeli small businesses and non-profits.
Each month Israelibox sends you Israel in a box, giving you the behind-the-scenes look into like in Israel, as an Israeli.
Shalom, I’m Maya, a native Israeli (aka sabra) and the founder of Israelibox.
IsraeliBox is a subscription box that brings Israel closer to you than ever.
I started Israelibox to give you the chance to experience Israel like Israelis do.
Join me in supporting Israel in a unique way while enjoying the great products our small businesses have to offer.
Want to send Israel as a gift?
Check out our Shuk box, containing a variety of Israeli goods from Israel’s top shuks, including the perfect spice for shakshuka!
