Shakshuka has become a cornerstone of the modern British brunch scene, bringing a vibrant, sun-drenched warmth to even the grayest mornings. This version, inspired by the cozy, stone-walled bistros of Edinburgh’s Old Town, focuses on a slow-simmered, spice-heavy base that serves as a luxurious bed for perfectly poached eggs. We’ve elevated the traditional recipe by emphasizing the “slow-melt” of the peppers and onions, ensuring the sauce is thick enough to stand up to a thick slice of sourdough.
The Science of the Perfect Simmer
The soul of a world-class Shakshuka lies in the “Reduction Phase.” Many home cooks make the mistake of cracking the eggs too early, resulting in a watery sauce. The secret is allowing the tomatoes and peppers to reduce until the oil begins to separate slightly at the edges of the pan. This concentration of sugars and spices creates a robust, velvet-like texture that prevents the eggs from getting lost in the liquid.
In the artisanal kitchens of the North, the best Shakshuka is judged by the “Yolk-to-Sauce Ratio.” By creating deep, structural wells in the thickened sauce before adding the eggs, you ensure the whites cook through while the yolks remain golden and molten. This creates a natural sauce-within-a-sauce when broken, a hallmark of professional-grade Mediterranean-inspired cooking that you can achieve on your own stovetop.
For a hearty breakfast option, try our London Breakfast Burrito
Pro-Tips for the Home Chef
- The Char Factor: For extra depth, let your peppers and onions pick up a slight “char” before adding the liquid. This adds a smoky, fire-roasted dimension to your Shakshuka.
- The Gentle Poach: Always cover the pan with a lid once the eggs are added. This traps the steam, cooking the tops of the whites perfectly without over-hardening the yolks.
- Spice Activation: Add your cumin and paprika directly into the hot oil for 30 seconds before the tomatoes. This “blooms” the spices, unlocking far more flavor than adding them to the liquid later.
Traditional Edinburgh-Style Shakshuka Recipe
Serves: 3–4
Preparation Time: 35 minutes
Flavour Profile: Warm, savoury, mildly spicy, and aromatic
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 can (400 g) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4–6 large eggs
- Fresh parsley or coriander, chopped
- Optional Add-Ins:
- Feta cheese, olives, spinach, mushrooms, or chickpeas
Instructions
- Build the flavour basee eggs:
Heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in bell pepper and cook until slightly tender. Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. - Add spices and tomatoes:
Sprinkle in cumin, smoked paprika, and chili flakes, stirring to coat the vegetables evenly. Add crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, then season with salt and black pepper. Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and rich. - Poach the eggs:
Using the back of a spoon, create small wells in the sauce. Crack one egg into each well. Cover the skillet and cook for 6–8 minutes, or until egg whites are set and yolks remain soft. - Garnish and serve:
Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh herbs and optional feta cheese. Serve immediately while warm.
🍽 Serving
Shakshuka is best enjoyed straight from the pan with crusty bread, flatbread, or warm pita for dipping. For a heartier meal, serve alongside a simple salad or roasted vegetables. It pairs beautifully with mint tea or strong coffee.
Nutrition*
- Per serving:
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Protein: 14 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 185 mg
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Potassium: 680 mg
- Fiber: 4 g
- Calcium: 110 mg
- Iron: 3.2 mg
*Nutrition data is calculated by an automated system and may vary, so it is provided as an estimate.
This Shakshuka recipe variant brings warmth, flavour, and comfort to the table with minimal ingredients and preparation. Easy to customize and perfect for sharing, it remains a timeless dish that celebrates simple cooking and bold, satisfying flavours.