Can I make shakshuka ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and vegetables in advance and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat and add the eggs.

What are common mistakes when making shakshuka?

1. Overcooking the eggs, making them hard instead of runny. 2. Not seasoning the sauce adequately. 3. Using too much liquid in the tomato sauce.

Yes, you can use goat cheese or ricotta as alternatives to feta for a different flavor.

You can substitute shallots with onions or leeks for a similar flavor profile.

You can use kale or Swiss chard as a substitute for spinach in this recipe.

Yes, you can use canned diced tomatoes; just adjust the cooking time to allow them to break down into a sauce.

Heat Olive Oil in Skillet
3 min
Begin by pouring olive oil into a skillet and placing it over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil shimmers slightly, indicating it's hot enough for cooking.
Sauté Vegetables
7 min
Add the chopped shallots, crushed garlic, celery, and red pepper to the skillet. Cook these vegetables for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until they become tender and the shallots are translucent.
Add Spices and Tomato Sauce
10 min
Once the vegetables are softened, sprinkle in the ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine, then pour in the tomato sauce and allow the mixture to simmer for roughly 7 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly.
Poach Eggs and Add Spinach
10 min
Gently crack in the eggs into the simmering sauce, ensuring they are spaced apart. Cover the skillet with a lid and let them cook for about 8 minutes, or until the whites are firm but the yolks are still runny. Just before serving, fold in the fresh spinach and crumble the feta cheese on top to warm through.
Plate and Serve
1 min
Serve the shakshuka warm, ideally accompanied by fresh bread for dipping. Enjoy the dish while it's hot for the best flavor and texture.

Store leftover shakshuka in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.