Breakfast · Saudi Arabian
Vegetarian Shakshuka
This one-pan shakshuka turns a handful of pantry staples into a warm, spiced tomato sauce with eggs poached right on top. It comes together in one skillet, tastes like a lazy weekend even on a weeknight, and only asks for a few slices of toast for dunking. Serve it straight from the pan and let everyone dig in.

Why you'll love this
- Everything cooks in one pan for easy cleanup.
- Ready in about 40 minutes with pantry staples.
- Naturally vegetarian and packed with flavor.
- Fully customizable heat level.
EveryDayMeal recipe
Vegetarian Shakshuka
Ingredients
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
- about 14 oz chopped tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic granules
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- red chili flakes, for garnish
- 2 slices bread for toast
Equipment
- Medium skillet with a lid
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board and knife
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the sliced onion and red bell pepper. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring now and then, until the onion turns soft and translucent so the base tastes sweet, not sharp.
- Stir in the garlic granules and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. This quick step wakes up the garlic flavor without letting it burn.
- Add the chopped tomatoes along with the cumin, cayenne, and paprika. Stir well so the spices coat everything and start to bloom in the warm sauce.
- Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the raw tomato edge cooks off. You want it saucy but not watery.
- Use the back of a spoon to make 2 small wells in the sauce, then crack an egg into each one. Cover the pan so the tops set gently while the bottoms cook in the sauce.
- Cook until the egg whites are fully set but the yolks are still soft, about 5 to 8 minutes. Scatter parsley and chili flakes over the top and serve hot with toast for scooping.
Tips from the kitchen
- Keep the heat low once the eggs go in so the whites set gently and the yolks stay runny.
- Cover the pan while the eggs cook to trap steam and help the tops firm up faster.
- Taste the sauce before adding eggs and adjust salt or cayenne, since that is your last easy chance to fix the seasoning.
Estimated nutrition per serving: 280 cal · 13g protein · 28g carbs · 13g fat
Make it your own
- Crumble in feta or goat cheese before adding the eggs for a creamy, tangy touch.
- Stir in a handful of fresh spinach with the tomatoes for extra greens.
- Swap the garlic granules for 2 minced fresh garlic cloves if you have them on hand.
Storing & make-ahead
Store leftover sauce (without eggs, ideally) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet, then crack in fresh eggs to poach. Cooked eggs do not reheat well, so poach them fresh when you can.
Good to know
- Can I use canned tomatoes?
- Yes. About 14 ounces of canned chopped tomatoes works perfectly and is often easier than fresh.
- How do I know the eggs are done?
- The whites should be fully opaque and set while the yolks still jiggle slightly. That usually takes 5 to 8 minutes covered.
- Is this dish spicy?
- It has a gentle kick from cayenne and paprika. Reduce or skip the cayenne for a milder version.
- Can I make it for more people?
- Absolutely. Double the sauce and use a larger skillet, adding one egg per person on top.
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