Easy Shakshuka Recipe for Two: A Hearty & Budget-Friendly Weeknight Meal
Shakshuka is a vibrant, flavorful dish of eggs poached directly in a rich, easy spicy tomato sauce. It’s not just a delicious meal; it’s a culinary hug in a skillet, perfect for a cozy dinner for two, and incredibly budget-friendly for any weeknight. If you’re looking for a meal that delivers on taste, convenience, and warmth, look no further than this delightful Middle Eastern classic.
The Quest for Effortless Weeknight Dinners
Let’s be honest, menu planning for an entire week can feel like a monumental task. Some days, inspiration strikes, and you’re ready to tackle an elaborate meal. Other days, exhaustion takes over, and the thought of cooking anything beyond toast is daunting. As someone who often struggles with planning more than a few days ahead, I completely understand the challenge. While I appreciate the importance of meal planning for easier cooking and avoiding repetitive meals (I could probably make a different pasta dish every day for a month!), I also know that life happens. We all need those reliable, go-to recipes that are quick, satisfying, and require minimal effort, especially after a long day.
That’s where this Shakshuka recipe truly shines. It’s more than just a dish; it’s a lifesaver for those evenings when you crave something wholesome and flavorful but don’t have the energy for a culinary marathon. It’s an excellent alternative to my beloved pasta, ensuring a balanced and healthy diet without sacrificing taste or ease. This recipe for Shakshuka for Two, a traditional Middle Eastern dish of eggs perfectly poached in a spicy tomato sauce, comes together beautifully in a single skillet on your stovetop, minimizing cleanup and maximizing enjoyment.
What Exactly is Shakshuka? A Culinary Journey
Shakshuka, meaning “all mixed up” in Arabic, is a celebrated dish with origins rooted in North African and Middle Eastern cuisines. While often enjoyed for breakfast or brunch, its hearty and fulfilling nature makes it an ideal candidate for lunch or dinner. At its core, shakshuka features gently poached eggs nestled in a vibrant sauce typically made from tomatoes, chili peppers, and onions, often spiced with cumin, paprika, and other aromatic herbs. Each region and family often has its unique twist, leading to a wonderful array of variations.
My first introduction to this incredible dish came through reviewing the Breakfast For Dinner cookbook. Intrigued by the concept of savory, warm eggs for an evening meal, I decided to give it a try. What started as an experiment quickly turned into a delightful habit. It became a regular feature on my dinner rotation because of its incredible flavor profile, comforting warmth, and remarkable simplicity. It proves that you don’t need complex ingredients or hours in the kitchen to create a memorable and satisfying meal.
Why This Shakshuka Recipe is Your New Weeknight Hero
Beyond its rich history and delicious taste, this particular shakshuka recipe stands out for several reasons, making it an undeniable hero for your weeknight culinary endeavors. First and foremost, it’s incredibly quick to prepare. With most of the work done in a single skillet, you’ll go from prep to plate in under an hour, making it perfect for busy evenings. Secondly, it’s remarkably budget-friendly. Utilizing pantry staples like canned tomatoes and eggs, alongside a few fresh vegetables and spices, means you can create a gourmet-tasting meal without breaking the bank. Canned diced tomatoes, which I often use, are a fantastic way to ensure consistent flavor and save on prep time.
Moreover, this recipe is inherently healthy. Packed with vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms (and easily customizable with more!), it offers a good dose of vitamins and fiber. The eggs provide an excellent source of protein, keeping you feeling full and satisfied. It’s a wholesome meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Finally, the convenience of a one-pan dish cannot be overstated. Fewer dishes mean less time spent on cleanup, which is always a win in my book!
Customizing Your Skillet: Beyond the Basics
One of the beauties of shakshuka is its versatility. While the traditional version is fantastic, I’ve adapted my recipe slightly to incorporate extra vegetables, adding more texture, flavor, and nutritional value. I love adding bell peppers and mushrooms, which soften beautifully into the rich tomato sauce, soaking up all the delicious spices. But don’t stop there! Feel free to experiment with other vegetables you have on hand. Zucchini, spinach, or even thinly sliced carrots would be excellent additions, allowing you to truly make this recipe your own and use up any lingering produce in your fridge.
When it comes to spice, this recipe calls for a jalapeño. If you’re a heat-seeker, feel free to leave the seeds in for an extra kick. For a milder flavor, simply remove them. This flexibility ensures that everyone can enjoy their shakshuka just the way they like it. This recipe is designed to serve two, which is perfect for my single lifestyle, often leaving me with delicious leftovers. However, it scales up effortlessly; if you’re serving another person or have a bigger appetite, simply increase the eggs to four, ensuring two eggs per person for a perfectly satisfying meal.
Shakshuka (Eggs Poached In Tomato Sauce)
2-4 servings
20 minutes
30 minutes
50 minutes
Shakshuka is a hearty dish of eggs poached in an easy spicy tomato sauce that makes a great budget friendly weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped white or yellow onion
- 4 large white button mushrooms, sliced
- 1 large jalapeno, chopped (seeds optional – add them if you love it spicy)
- Half a sweet bell pepper, cut into strips
- Salt, to taste (preferably kosher)
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes and their juices
- 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth/stock
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 2-4 eggs*, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped basil
- 2 tablespoons crumbled goat cheese
Instructions
- In a large deep skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onions, mushrooms, jalapeno, bell pepper, and a big pinch of salt. Cook until softened, 5-8 minutes.
- Add tomatoes with their juices, broth, cumin, paprika, oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil then lower the heat and simmer uncovered until thickened, about 15 minutes.
- Make a well in the tomato sauce then add each egg. Cover with a lid and cook for 4 minutes or until the whites are set while the yolks are still runny.
- Remove from the heat and top with basil and goat cheese. Taste and adjust for salt. Serve immediately (the eggs will still cook if you leave them in the tomatoes).
Notes
If you’re serving one person, cooking 2 eggs should be plenty. However, if you’re serving two people, you may want to use all 4 eggs (2 eggs per person).
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Tips for Perfect Shakshuka Every Time
- Don’t Rush the Sauce: Allow the tomato sauce to simmer for the recommended 15 minutes. This is crucial for the flavors to meld and for the sauce to thicken beautifully, providing the perfect bed for your eggs.
- Room Temperature Eggs: Using room temperature eggs helps them cook more evenly when added to the hot sauce, preventing the whites from setting too quickly while the yolks remain cold.
- Make Deep Wells: When adding the eggs, create distinct wells in the sauce. This helps keep the eggs separated and ensures they poach perfectly without spreading too thin.
- Watch the Eggs Closely: Four minutes is a good starting point, but cooking time can vary based on your stove and skillet. Keep an eye on the eggs; you want the whites to be just set and the yolks wonderfully runny for that classic shakshuka experience. Remember, they will continue to cook slightly even after you remove the skillet from the heat.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your sauce before adding the eggs and again at the end. Adjust the salt, pepper, or even a pinch more cumin or paprika to suit your palate.
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: Don’t skip the fresh basil! It adds a bright, aromatic finish that really elevates the dish. Fresh cilantro or parsley can also be used.
Serving Suggestions and Delicious Pairings
Shakshuka is a meal in itself, but it truly shines when paired with something to mop up that incredible, spicy tomato sauce. Crusty bread, pita bread, or challah are traditional and highly recommended. The bread acts as the perfect vehicle for scooping up the runny yolks and flavorful sauce. For a lighter meal, serve it alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. If you want to make it even heartier, consider a side of roasted potatoes or a bowl of fluffy couscous. However you choose to serve it, this shakshuka promises a satisfying and memorable dining experience.
Source: Adapted from Breakfast for Dinner (Amazon affiliate link)
If You Loved This Shakshuka, You Might Also Like These Recipes:
From My Kitchen:
- Quick and Fresh Basil Tomato Sauce
- Caprese Pesto (Tomato Pesto with Mozzarella and Basil)
- Simple Olive Oil Pasta
From Other Talented Bloggers:
- Moroccan Ragout with Poached Eggs from The Wimpy Vegetarian
- Aubergine and Fennel Shakshuka from Aphro Cuisine
- Salsa Poached Eggs from The Chubby Vegetarian