Easy Stovetop Shakshuka (No Oven) | Walder Wellness, Dietitian (RD) (2024)

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This healthy no-bake stovetop shakshuka is so easy to make! No oven required, this recipe is ready in under 30 mins. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and packed with vegetables!

Easy Stovetop Shakshuka (No Oven) | Walder Wellness, Dietitian (RD) (1)

This post was originally shared on 08.13.2018. It was updated with fresh images and helpful tips on 01.11.2021.

It took me so long to finally try making shakshuka at home, but I’m so glad I did! I was hesitant at first because I thought you needed to have a cast iron skillet, that it had to go in the oven, etc. and I like to keep things simple.

Alas, I was SO wrong!

Shakshuka is actually INCREDIBLY easy to make, and you don’t even need to turn on the oven. All you need is a pan with a lid, and a stove 🙂

I am a huge fan of this dish for weekend breakfasts, or even as a quick and easy dinner idea. You can even make this stovetop shakshuka in advance and reheat the leftovers the following day.

There are plenty of ways you can modify this recipe (including some variations below), and I hope you love it as much as I do!

Want more egg recipe inspiration? Check out my roundup of easy, healthy egg recipes!

Easy Stovetop Shakshuka (No Oven) | Walder Wellness, Dietitian (RD) (2)

What Is Shakshuka?

Shakshuka (also spelled shakshouka) is a traditional Mediterranean dish that consists of eggs poached in tomato sauce, peppers, and spices like cumin or paprika.

There are many variations to shakshuka – using meats, cheeses, and other spices or herbs!

Is Shakshuka Healthy?

You bet!

One thing I love about shakshuka is how it’s a great way to pack in a TON of veggies. This one is filled with tomatoes, bell peppers, and spinach.

Plus, it’s made with protein-packed eggs and olive oil for healthy fats. As a dietitian, I’m always looking for balanced meals like this one.

Easy Stovetop Shakshuka (No Oven) | Walder Wellness, Dietitian (RD) (3)

Recipe Ingredients Needed

All you need to make this easy egg shakshuka recipe is a handful of simple, healthy ingredients:

  • eggs
  • red bell pepper
  • tomato sauce
  • baby spinach
  • thyme
  • oregano
  • garlic powder
  • goat cheese
  • fresh basil
  • olive oil
  • salt + pepper
  • sourdough or other bread to serve!

Missing an ingredient? There are SO many ways you can modify this recipe – check out some ideas below!

Easy Stovetop Shakshuka (No Oven) | Walder Wellness, Dietitian (RD) (4)

How To Make Shakshuka

Start by chopping the bell pepper into small chunks.

Set the chopped pepper aside and heat a large pan over medium.

Add olive oil and sauté bell pepper for ~5 minutes.

Then, add baby spinach to the pan, sautéing for about 1 minute until slightly wilted.

Add tomato sauce, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, adjusting for taste. Cook for ~3 minutes, stirring regularly.

Using the back of a spoon or spatula, make space in the sauce mixture to crack the eggs into. Next, sprinkle with crumbled goat cheese and cover pan with a lid.

Let cook until egg whites are done (around 5-10 minutes), making sure not to overcook (you want the yolks to still be soft).

NOTE: Keep an eye on the eggs at this point, as timing will differ depending on how deep your pan is, how hot your oven is, etc!

Remove pan from heat, and sprinkle with fresh basil, cracked pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Enjoy hot and serve with a side of freshly toasted sourdough!

Easy Stovetop Shakshuka (No Oven) | Walder Wellness, Dietitian (RD) (5)

Recipe Variations & Modifications

While I love this particular recipe combination, one of the beautiful things about shakshuka is how versatile it is! For instance:

Try using different greens instead of spinach, like kale or chard.

Try using different veggies in place of red bell peppers – it’s a great way to use up anything going bad!

Try experimenting with different spice combinations. One I particularly love is a mix of cumin, chili powder, and paprika.

Omit the goat cheese (if dairy-free), or swap it with feta or parmesan.

Try adding in freshly chopped onion or garlic for extra flavour.

Use any type of canned tomatoes – tomato sauce, fire-roasted, strained, crushed, even harissa…they will all work!

If you want something completely different – why not check out my coconut curry shakshuka recipe?

Easy Stovetop Shakshuka (No Oven) | Walder Wellness, Dietitian (RD) (6)

How To Store Leftovers

If you have leftovers of this shakshuka recipe, simply store them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.

The easiest way to reheat the leftovers is in the microwave! Since it’s a pretty “liquid” meal, you won’t get any compromise in texture 🙂

Easy Stovetop Shakshuka (No Oven) | Walder Wellness, Dietitian (RD) (7)

More Easy Egg Recipes

  • Easy Coconut Curry Shakshuka
  • Nutritious Egg Frittata Muffins
  • Pesto Potato Hash Skillet
  • Oven-Baked Root Vegetable Frittata
  • One-Pan Taco Breakfast Skillet

Did you give this Easy Stovetop Shakshuka Recipe a try? Let me know by leaving a comment and recipe rating below!

If you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me onInstagramorPinterest– seeing your creations always makes my day. You can alsosubscribe to my email listto never miss a new recipe or nutrition education post!

Get the Recipe:Easy Stovetop Shakshuka (No Oven)

This healthy no-bake stovetop shakshuka is so easy to make! No oven required, this recipe is ready in under 30 mins. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and packed with vegetables!

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

0 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 2 people

Easy Stovetop Shakshuka (No Oven) | Walder Wellness, Dietitian (RD) (8)

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4.96 from 23 votes

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Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 cups baby spinach
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup goat or feta cheese, crumbled
  • Salt + pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil, to garnish
  • Optional: sourdough or whole wheat toast to serve

Instructions

  • Heat a large pan over medium. Add olive oil and sauté chopped bell pepper for ~5 minutes.

  • Add spinach to the pan, sautéing for about 1 minute until slightly wilted.

  • Add tomato sauce, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, adjusting for taste. Cook for ~3 minutes, stirring regularly.

  • Using the back of a spoon or spatula, make space in the sauce mixture to crack the eggs into. Next, sprinkle with crumbled cheese and cover pan with a lid.

  • Let cook until egg whites are done (around 5-10 minutes), making sure not to overcook (you want the yolks to still be soft).NOTE: Keep an eye on the eggs at this point, as timing will differ depending on how deep your pan is, how hot your oven is, etc.

  • Remove pan from heat, and sprinkle with fresh basil, cracked pepper, and an extra drizzle of olive oil.Enjoy hot and serve with a side of freshly toasted sourdough!

Notes

*LEFTOVERS: If you have leftovers of this shakshuka recipe, simply store them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. The easiest way to reheat the leftovers is in the microwave! Since it’s a pretty “liquid” meal, you won’t get any compromise in texture.

*RECIPE VARIATIONS:

  • Try using different greens instead of spinach, like kale or chard.
  • Try using different veggies in place of red bell peppers – it’s a great way to use up anything going bad!
  • Try experimenting with different spice combinations. One I particularly love is a mix of cumin, chili powder, and paprika.
  • Omit the goat cheese (if dairy-free), or swap it with feta or parmesan.
  • Try adding in freshly chopped onion or garlic for extra flavour.
  • Use any type of canned tomatoes – tomato sauce, fire-roasted, strained, crushed, even harissa…they will all work!

Nutrition

As a dietitian, I create recipes with whole food ingredients that provide the nutrients needed for optimal health. My nutrition philosophy does not focus on numbers; however, I understand that this information can be helpful.

Do note that the nutrition info provided is an estimate and I cannot guarantee correctness of the displayed values. These numbers will differ depending on brands used, recipe modifications, and amount eaten. If you require specific nutrition information due to medical reasons, please consult with your dietitian or physician.

Course: Breakfast, Main Course

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian

Keyword: brunch, eggs, shakshouka

Author: Carrie Walder

Did you make this recipe?

Let me know by leaving a recipe rating below, or by tagging @walderwellness on Instagram. I love seeing your beautiful creations!

Pin it for later:

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You'll Also Love

  • Nutritious Egg Frittata Muffins (Vegetarian)

  • Easy Coconut Curry Shakshuka

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy.

Easy Stovetop Shakshuka (No Oven) | Walder Wellness, Dietitian (RD) (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between shakshuka and menemen? ›

The spice varieties vary depending on where it's served. Shakshuka features a thick, saucy tomato base of peppers and onions with baked eggs. With menemen, the concept is a little different. Think of it as more of a soft egg scramble with lots of silky green peppers and fresh tomato.

How long can shakshuka last in the fridge? ›

Ideally, this should be enjoyed as soon as it's cooked so that the egg yolks are nice and runny. You can make the sauce ahead of time and keep it covered in the fridge for 2 to 3 days, reheat it, then add the eggs to serve. If you have leftovers, they will keep well for 3 to 4 days in the fridge.

What goes well with shakshuka? ›

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

Where is shakshuka from? ›

Shakshuka is a simple dish made of gently poached eggs in a delicious chunky tomato and bell pepper sauce. Said to have originated in Tunisia, this breakfast recipe is popular in many parts of North Africa and the Middle East. It is so satisfying, you can serve it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Did Jews invent shakshuka? ›

Originally coming from countries like Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Algeria and Morocco it became popular in Israel from the Tunisian Jews. Some people believe the dish was invented in the Ottoman Empire and spread throughout the Middle East – often served with a spicy sausage.

Is shakshuka Israeli or Palestinian? ›

Even though many people today associate shakshuka with Israel, it actually originated in North Africa and the Ottoman Empire: the only reason shakshuka is eaten in Israel is because North African Jewish immigrants brought it there. This brings us to a contentious topic: food appropriation.

What culture eats shakshuka? ›

In Jewish culture, a large batch of tomato stew is made for the Sabbath dinner and the leftovers used the following morning to make a breakfast shakshouka with eggs.

Can you eat day old shakshuka? ›

Yes! Shakshuka is one of my favorite recipes to meal prep because it reheats beautifully. Honestly, it may even taste better the next day…

Does shakshuka reheat well? ›

Can you reheat shakshuka? You certainly can! Some even say it tastes better the next day, or even the day after that when the spices in the homemade shakshuka tomato sauce have had time to infuse and develop further. As it is an egg dish, we recommend reheating it on the stovetop rather than in the microwave.

Do you eat shakshuka with spoon or fork? ›

Also, it is perfectly acceptable to eat shakshuka straight out of the pan, using wedges of pita bread as your spoon. Of course, if you prefer a knife and fork, spoon the eggs with their sauce over lightly toasted bread. This recipe is especially tasty served on toasted Bloody Mary Bread.

How do you not overcook shakshuka? ›

Then return the skillet to a gentle simmer at medium-low heat. Spoon some of the sauce over the whites. After breaking the eggs into the sauce, gently spoon some of the sauce over just the whites. This helps the whites cook faster so they set before the yolks overcook.

What is the difference between shakshuka and ojja? ›

Some call it Ojja, some call it Shakshukah but the Ojja differs as Shakshukah contains onions contrary to Ojja, and the eggs for the ojja are beaten into the sauce where they're poached in the Shakshuka recipe. Ojja is an egg dish cooked in a hot tomato sauce.

What's the difference between eggs in purgatory and shakshuka? ›

The main difference between shakshuka and eggs in purgatory is the spices and herbs. Skakshuka features Middle Eastern spices, such as cumin and sweet paprika. Eggs in purgatory does not include these spices and uses Italian herbs, such as oregano and basil.

What is another name for shakshuka? ›

It's a toss-up as to whether it's more fun to say "shakshuka" or the name of its Turkish counterpart, menemen, but both are incredibly tasty, straightforward dishes that should be in your arsenal.

What is Turkish menemen made of? ›

Menemen is a popular traditional Turkish dish that includes eggs, tomato, green peppers, and spices such as ground black and red pepper cooked in olive oil. Menemen may be made with onions, but the addition of onions is often debated and is more common when menemen is eaten as a main dish, rather than at breakfast.

Are Turkish eggs the same as shakshuka? ›

Shakshusa is a Middle Eastern dish, prepared with a base of roasted tomatoes, pepper, spices and eggs. It is a recipe that is prepared over low heat, first the vegetables are cooked, then the spices and finally the eggs.

Is huevos rancheros the same as shakshuka? ›

These two dishes are completely different. Huevos rancheros are fried eggs served with warm salsa on a fried tortilla and Shakshuka are eggs poached in a zesty tomato sauce.

What's the difference between shakshuka and eggs in purgatory? ›

The main difference between shakshuka and eggs in purgatory is the spices and herbs. Skakshuka features Middle Eastern spices, such as cumin and sweet paprika. Eggs in purgatory does not include these spices and uses Italian herbs, such as oregano and basil.

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