Israeli Shakshuka Recipe (2024)

Israeli Shakshuka Recipe (1)

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Feelingadventurous this week?This Shakshuka (pronounced shock-shook-ah) is a traditional Israeli/Moroccan dish that is found in nearly every Restaurant in Israel. I love that it can be eaten asbreakfast, lunch or dinner. My husband and I loved this dish. It kinda blew our taste buds!Serve with soft, fresh French bread. I wish there were leftovers!

Here’s the story behind this dish: I first heard about this recipe from one of my readers, Natalya who shared a link to Laurie’s recipe on Facebook. I didn’t know Laurie at the time,but it’s been awesome to read her story and get to know her adventurous and fun-loving family through social media. While Laurie was living in Israel, she documented her neighbor Smadar make the best shakshuka and shared a step-by-step photo tutorial.

That is how I learned how to successfully make a very tasty shakshuka. The only real change that I made was baking the eggplant and potatoes rather than deep frying.

Ingredients for Israeli Shakshuka Recipe:

2 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1″ to 1 1/2″ pieces
1 medium eggplant, sliced into 1″x 2″ pieces
5Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt & Pepper to taste
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped into 1/2-inch squares
1 green bell pepper, chopped into 1/2-inch squares
15 oz can tomato sauce
14.5 oz can Diced tomatoes
1/2 cup water
2 tsp chicken bouillon (mixed with enough water to form a paste)
1 medium jalapeño pepper, finely minced with seeds, optional*
2 large or 3 medium garlic cloves, pressed
5-8 eggs
Oil to saute (I used extra light olive oil)

Israeli Shakshuka Recipe (2)

*I’m wrote optional on the jalapeno pepper, but I regretted it just as soon as my fingers finished typing it. The heat in the shakshuka really takes it to a new level. It’s fantastic, just not very kid friendly when it’s spicy.

How to Make A Traditional Shakshuka:

Prep: Preheat Oven to 450˚F.Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Pre-chop all of your ingredients.

1. Slice, rinse and dry potatoes with a paper towel. Place potatoes in a large bowlandsprinkle lightly with salt and pepper then toss potatoes with 2Tbsp extra virgin olive oil. Spread potatoes onto the first parchmentlined baking sheet and bake at 450˚F for 25-30min or until the potatoes are cooked through, browned and crispy.

Israeli Shakshuka Recipe (3)

2. Place eggplant into the samebowl,sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper then drizzleeggplantwith 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil and toss to combine.

Spread eggplant onto the secondparchmentlined baking sheet and bake at 450˚F for 15min or until the eggplant issoft and browning on the bottom. You can bake them at the same time, just remove eggplantfrom the oven after about 15 minutes and set aside to cool.

Israeli Shakshuka Recipe (4)Israeli Shakshuka Recipe (5)Israeli Shakshuka Recipe (6)

3. In a small ramekin, combine2 tsp chicken bouillon withenough warm water to make a paste & set aside until needed.

4. Heata large deep pan such as a dutch oven over medium heat. Add 2 Tbsp cooking oil. Once oil is heated, add finely diced onions and cook 2 minutes until softened then and chopped bell peppers and cook, stirring often for 5minutes.

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5. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and1/2 cup water and bring to a boil; watch out; tomatoes splatter so you might want to use a splatter screen).

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6. Add garlic, minced jalapeño pepper (for a spicy version), 1 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. black pepper, and 2 tsp. chicken stockpaste. Stir well to incorporate all the ingredients throughout, cook for a couple minutes on high heat.

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7. Grab a small bowl & crack an egg into it, Drop eggs into the potstarting around the edges, until all eggs are evenly distributed in the pot.Lightly salt and pepper the top of the eggs.

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8. Add the baked eggplant & potato around the eggs. Reduce heat to med/low thencover and cook an additional 6-8 minutes to let eggs cook through. Keep an eye on the eggs every 1-2 minutes and continue cooking until egg whites are cooked through and yolks are the desired doneness

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Get your crunchy/soft French bread andget ready to dip!
Enjoy! I hope you’ll love it as much as we do!!

Israeli Shakshuka Recipe (13)

Other toppings Laurie recommends include: spinach (for even fresher spinach add at the very end before serving – the warmth will wilt it a little bit), chorizo (cooked of course), asparagus (cooked until bright green in a pan & chopped into bite sized pieces). If adding cheese, add either the last minute while still cooking if you like it a little melty or add at the end if you like it cold & fresh! Skies the limit!

For those who really love spice, Laurie recommendsa special dip: In a small bowl, combinewhole minced hot red pepper & hot green pepper and stir it together with 1 Tbsp oil, 1 Tbsp lemon juice. Lightly salt the mixture and serve on the side with the Shakshuka.

Israeli Shakshuka Recipe (14)

If you enjoyed this recipe, make sure to try our Spicy Ratatouille Brunch Skillet.

Traditional Israeli Shakshuka Recipe

5 from 9 votes

Author: Natasha of NatashasKitchen.com

Israeli Shakshuka Recipe (16)

Feeling Adventurous this week? This Shakshuka (pronounced shock-shook-ah) is a traditional Israeli/Moroccan dish that is found in nearly every Restaurant in Israel. I love that it can be eaten as breakfast, lunch or dinner. My husband and I loved this dish. It kinda blew our taste buds! Serve with soft, fresh French bread. I wish there were leftovers!

SavePinReviewPrint

Prep Time: 15 minutes mins

Cook Time: 1 hour hr

Total Time: 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Ingredients

Servings: 6 -8

  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1" to 1 1/2" pieces
  • 1 medium eggplant, sliced into 1"x 2" pieces
  • 5 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Salt & Pepper to taste
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped into 1/2-inch squares
  • 1 green bell pepper, shopped into 1/2-inch squares
  • 15 oz can tomato sauce
  • 14.5 oz can Diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tsp chicken bouillon, mixed with enough water to form a paste
  • 1 medium jalapeño pepper, finely minced with seeds, optional*
  • 2 large or 3 medium garlic cloves, pressed
  • 5-8 eggs
  • Oil to saute, I used extra light olive oil

Instructions

How to: Special Prep: Preheat Oven to 450˚F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Pre-chop all of your ingredients.

  • Slice, rinse and dry potatoes with a paper towel. Place potatoes in a large bowl and sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper then toss potatoes with 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil. Spread potatoes onto the first parchment lined baking sheet and bake at 450˚F for 25-30 min or until the potatoes are cooked through, browned and crispy.

  • Place eggplant into the same bowl, sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper then drizzle eggplant with 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil and toss to combine. Spread eggplant onto the second parchment lined baking sheet and bake at 450˚F for 15 min or until the eggplant is soft and browning on the bottom. You can bake them at the same time, just remove eggplant from the oven after about 15 minutes and set aside to cool.

  • In a small ramekin, combine 2 tsp chicken bouillon with enough warm water to make a paste & set aside until needed.

  • Heat a large deep pan such as a dutch oven over medium heat. Add 2 Tbsp cooking oil. Once oil is heated, add finely diced onions and cook 2 minutes until softened then and chopped bell peppers and cook, stirring often for 5 minutes.

  • Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and 1/2 cup water and bring to a boil; watch out; tomatoes splatter so you might want to use a splatter screen).

  • Add garlic, minced jalapeño pepper (for a spicy version), 1 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. black pepper, and 2 tsp. chicken stock paste. Stir well to incorporate all the ingredients throughout, cook for a couple minutes on high heat.

  • Grab a small bowl & crack an egg into it, Drop eggs into the pot starting around the edges, until all eggs are evenly distributed in the pot. Lightly salt and pepper the top of the eggs.

  • Add the baked eggplant & potato around the eggs. Reduce heat to med/low then cover and cook an additional 6-8 minutes to let eggs cook through. Keep an eye on the eggs every 1-2 minutes and continue cooking until egg whites are cooked through and yolks are the desired doneness. Get your crunchy/soft French bread and get ready to dip!

Notes

*I'm wrote optional on the jalapeno pepper, but I regretted it just as soon as my fingers finished typing it. The heat in the shakshuka really takes it to a new level. It's fantastic, just not very kid friendly when it's spicy.

Other toppings Laurie recommends include: spinach (for even fresher spinach add at the very end before serving - the warmth will wilt it a little bit), chorizo (cooked of course), asparagus (cooked until bright green in a pan & chopped into bite sized pieces). If adding cheese, add either the last minute while still cooking if you like it a little melty or add at the end if you like it cold & fresh! Skies the limit!

For those who really love spice, Laurie recommends a special dip: In a small bowl, combine whole minced hot red pepper & hot green pepper and stir it together with 1 Tbsp oil, 1 Tbsp lemon juice. Lightly salt the mixture and serve on the side with the Shakshuka.

  • Full Nutrition Label
  • Nutrition Disclosure

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Moroccan

Keyword: Israeli Shakshuka

Skill Level: Medium

Cost to Make: $$

Israeli Shakshuka Recipe (17)Israeli Shakshuka Recipe (18)

Israeli Shakshuka Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is shakshuka Arab or Israeli? ›

It is believed to have a Tunisian origin. Shakshuka means "a mixture" or “shaken” in Tunisian dialect. Shakshuka is a staple of Tunisian, Libyan, Algerian, and Moroccan cuisines traditionally served up in a cast iron pan with bread to mop up the sauce (most important).

What is shakshuka in hebrew? ›

Shakshuka, meaning “all mixed up” in hebrew, is a traditional middle-eastern breakfast of eggs poached in a richly spiced tomato sauce.

What is shakshuka in Israel culture? ›

Israeli Shakshouka is a traditional breakfast in Israel. It's easy to make, packed full of fresh vegetables, tomatoes, and eggs, and best of all, it's incredibly delicious. Prepare your ingredients ahead of time for easy in cooking.

What pan is best for shakshuka? ›

The takeaway? It's safe to cook tomato- and wine-based sauces in cast iron, but you should save the vinegary pan sauces for stainless-steel pans—or dilute the vinegar (or citrus) with water or stock.

What is traditional Israeli food? ›

In a region renowned for fantastic street food, local vendors and hole-in-the-wall eateries, you'll be served up national favorites like hummus, falafel, shawarma, and shakshuka. Food is at the epicenter of Israeli identity and a force that unites so many nationalities.

Are Turkish eggs the same as shakshuka? ›

Turkish menemen is very similar to shakshuka, but there's a lesser-known Turkish eggs recipe that's incredibly delicious too. This, called cilbir, involves poaching eggs, then laying them on a swirl of garlic-infused yoghurt, topping with a nutty chilli butter and fresh dill fronds.

What do Jews eat for breakfast? ›

The Israeli breakfast is a dairy meal, and a variety of cheeses are offered. Fish is pareve and so is permitted with a dairy meal, and herring is frequently served. Other smoked or pickled fish dishes are also common, including sprats, sardines and salmon.

Is shakshuka eaten in Israel? ›

Because eggs are the main ingredient, it often appears on breakfast menus in English-speaking countries, but in the Arab world as well as Israel, it is also a popular evening meal, and like hummus and falafel, is a Levantine regional favorite.

Who invented shakshuka? ›

The tomato sauce has olive oil, peppers, onion, and garlic. It might be seasoned with cumin, paprika, and cayenne. Shakshouka originated in Ottoman North Africa in the mid-16th century after tomatoes were introduced to the region by Hernan Cortés as part of the Columbian exchange.

What sauce represents Israel? ›

Skhug is a spicy chili pepper sauce brought to Israel by Yemenite Jews, and has become one of Israel's most popular condiments. It is added to falafel and hummus and is also spread over fish, and to white cheese, eggs, salami or avocado sandwiches for extra heat and spice.

What is the most popular food in Israel? ›

Falafel is probably the most recognizably Israeli food there is. In almost every town in Israel you can find a choice of shops attracting the hungry with the delicious smell of frying falafels. The Shuk (market) Betzalel area in Tel Aviv, for example, is famous for its excellent falafel.

Did the Israelites eat eggs? ›

Game, birds, eggs, and fish, especially fresh and saltwater fish, were also eaten, depending on availability. Non-kosher fish consumption was also very common until the first century CE. Most food was eaten fresh and in season. Fruits and vegetables had to be eaten as they ripened and before they spoiled.

What meat goes well with shakshuka? ›

Growing up in Egypt, my favorite was from a Cairo restaurant near the Nile called Felfela, where they served shakshuka eggs mild or spicy, with or without meat (often small chunks of beef or lamb), with a stack of warm pita bread.

What kind of bread goes with shakshuka? ›

You'll also want bread for scooping up the tasty sauce.

You can't go wrong with pita bread, but slices of crusty bread are delicious as well.

What side dish goes with shakshuka? ›

Here are some other ideas for what to serve with shakshuka:
  • Bagels!
  • Roasted potatoes.
  • Couscous.
  • Rice.
  • Quinoa.
  • Greek salad.
  • Hummus.

Is Israel the Middle East or Mediterranean? ›

Israel stands at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa. Geographically, it belongs to the Asian continent and is part of the Middle East region. In the west, Israel is bound by the Mediterranean Sea.

What culture eats shakshuka? ›

A conventionally Jewish breakfast recipe that immigrated to Israel from North Africa, Shakshuka is a dish traditionally cooked in a cast iron skillet, consisting of poached eggs sitting atop a rich sauce of tomatoes and sautéed vegetables.

Is Shawarma not Israeli? ›

Shawarma is a part of Middle Eastern cuisine, and was spread to all corners of the Ottoman Empire. Because it is inexpensive, fast , able to be produced under Kosher restrictions and most of all DELICIOUS, it is a popular street food in Israel.

Where did shakshuka come from in Libya? ›

Rafram Chaddad, Tunisian food historian, visual artist, and shakshuka aficionado, explained to me that shakshuka originated in what he coins the 'Amazigh triangle' which consists in the area spanning a small part of eastern Algeria bordering Tunisia, southern Tunisia, and the north western part of Libya bordering ...

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