This healthy Mediterranean shakshuka is easy to make, nourishing, and packed with bold flavor. Made with a rich tomato-pepper sauce, zucchini, poached eggs, and creamy feta, it's the perfect one-pan meal for breakfast, brunch, or dinner-ready in just 20 minutes!
Made this with my husband last night and it was fantastic! So easy and honestly just so delicious. I used cilantro and extra spinach 🙂 ★★★★★
- Lucy
Shakshuka is one of those cozy, feel-good meals that I crave when I want something warm, nourishing, and actually easy to make. The rich tomato sauce, the runny yolks, the creamy feta-it all just hits the spot. It's especially perfect for a weekend brunch, but honestly, I love it for dinner when I want something quick and satisfying without a lot of cleanup.
This recipe was inspired by my love for veggie-packed, one-pan meals-like my 25-minute squash and chickpea curry, which many of you already love. It's the same kind of nourishing comfort, just with bold Mediterranean flavors. And if you're looking to round things out, it's absolutely perfect with warm pita chips or alongside some crispy potatoes.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: One pan, 20 minutes, and zero stress-perfect for busy mornings or weeknights.
- Nourishing and filling: Packed with veggies, protein from the eggs, and healthy fats from feta.
- Big Mediterranean flavor: Warm spices, rich tomatoes, creamy feta-every bite is cozy and delicious.
- Naturally healthy: Gluten-free, vegetarian, and made with whole ingredients you can feel good about.
What is Shakshuka?
Shakshuka is a popular Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dish made with poached eggs in a spiced tomato and pepper sauce. It's warm, cozy, and packed with flavor-perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
The Ingredients
- Olive oil: I recommend using extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor and those heart-healthy fats.
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth. White onion works too.
- Red bell pepper: Adds a little crunch and natural sweetness to the shakshuka. Orange or yellow bell peppers work too!
- Zucchini: It makes the dish more filling and adds extra vegetables.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds great flavor-don't skip it!
- Spices: Cumin, paprika, ginger, and chili flakes give the dish its warm, Mediterranean taste. Add chili flakes if you prefer a bit of heat.
- Crushed tomatoes: This makes up the saucy base-go for high-quality canned tomatoes for the best taste.
- Spinach: Adds color and nutrients. Kale works well too.
- Fresh cilantro: Adds a fresh, bright flavor. If you don't like cilantro, try using parsley instead.
- Eggs: Poached right in the tomato sauce until soft and jammy-my favorite part.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled on top for a salty, creamy bite that ties everything together.
Check out the recipe card below for quantities.
Shaksuka Variations
- Make it gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
- Make it dairy-free & vegan: Skip the feta or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Make it nut-free: The recipe is already nut-free, so no changes needed!
- Add chickpeas: Stir in cooked chickpeas for extra protein and fiber.
- Add chorizo: Brown sliced or crumbled chorizo with the veggies for a smoky, meaty twist.
- Add chicken: Use cooked, shredded chicken stirred in for a heartier meal.
- Add eggplant: Dice and sauté eggplant with the other veggies for a rich, meaty texture.
- Harissa shakshuka: Add harissa paste to the sauce for a spicy, smoky kick.
- Mushroom shakshuka: Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor and meaty texture.
- Make it spicy: Increase chili flakes or add fresh chopped jalapeños for more heat.
How to Make Healthy Shakshuka
- Step 1: Sauté onion, bell pepper, and zucchini until soft and fragrant.
- Step 2: Add garlic and spices to bring out those warm Mediterranean flavors.
- Step 3: Stir in crushed tomatoes, spinach, and cilantro-then simmer until saucy.
- Step 4: Make little wells in the sauce and gently crack in your eggs.
- Step 5: Cover and cook until the eggs are perfectly poached. Then top with feta, extra herbs, and serve with warm bread for dipping!
Top Tips
- Use a lid to cook the eggs evenly. Covering the pan helps the whites set while the yolks stay perfectly jammy. I like using a clear lid so I can keep an eye on them without lifting it!
- Taste and adjust the sauce. Before adding the eggs, give the sauce a taste and tweak the salt, herbs, or spices to your liking.
Is Shakshuka Healthy?
Yes! Shakshuka is a naturally healthy meal packed with nutritious ingredients. It's full of vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and spinach, which provide vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. The eggs add high-quality protein and healthy fats, while the olive oil and feta contribute heart-healthy fats and flavor. Plus, it's gluten-free and made from whole, simple ingredients-perfect for a nourishing, balanced meal any time of day.
Equipment
- Deep non-stick sauté pan with lid
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons/cups
- Can opener
Frequently Asked Questions
Calories vary depending on the ingredients and portions, but a typical serving of this healthy Mediterranean shakshuka with feta ranges from 250 to 350 calories.
You can prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Add the eggs and cook them fresh when you're ready to eat.
The sauce freezes well, but the eggs don't freeze or reheat nicely. Freeze the sauce separately and add fresh eggs when reheating.
Yes! Use about 4 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes. Cook them down longer to create a thick sauce.
The main ingredient in shakshuka is eggs poached in a spiced tomato sauce. The sauce typically includes tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic, and warm spices like cumin and paprika, but the eggs are the star that make it a comforting, hearty dish.
Storage Tips
Store leftover shakshuka in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave-adding a splash of water can help loosen the sauce. Eggs may firm up when reheated, so if you prefer, cook the eggs fresh when reheating the sauce alone. Shakshuka is best enjoyed fresh, but it keeps well for quick meals later!
More Recipes You'll Love
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these vegetarian egg dishes:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with shakshuka:
Did you make this recipe?
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don't forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!
📖 Recipe
Best Ever Healthy Shakshuka
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 small zucchini, cut into small pieces
- 3 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced or chopped
- 1 ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes, optional for spice
- 1 can (28-ounce) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 large eggs
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a deep non-stick sauté pan over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the garlic, cumin, paprika, ginger, and chili flakes (if using). Cook for another minute, stirring frequently.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then add the spinach and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper. Stir and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Use a large spoon to make 6 small wells in the sauce. Crack one egg into each well. Cover the pan and cook for 5-8 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked to your liking.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle the crumbled feta and extra cilantro on top. Serve immediately with warm pita or toasted bread.
B says
Had always wanted to try this, but most recipes seemed intimidating to me for some reason, then I happened yours! It was so good and really quite simple to make. Will definitely make again and again!
schermayeff2016 says
super healthy and everything ties together so well!!! YUM
Penelope says
So hearty & delicious!!
Frannie says
A new family favorite! We had it over the weekend and it was so great that we did not have any leftovers. Reccomened trying!
Tati Chermayeff says
YAY, I am so happy you enjoyed this! I love love love Shakshuka. It is so easy and really tasty!
Lucy says
Made this with my husband last night and it was fantastic! So easy and honestly just so delicious. I used cilantro and extra spinach 🙂
Tati Chermayeff says
Awe, Lucy! Thank you so so much!!