Easy Shakshuka

I know I’m not alone when I say that brunch is simply the best. Right? I grew up eating breakfast for dinner at least once a week, and to this day I always look for opportunities to enjoy it whenever possible.

And since one of my personal all-time favorite brunch meals is shakshuka, I thought it was about time I take a stab at it myself! For those unfamiliar, shakshuka is a traditional Israeli dish popular throughout the Middle East and North Africa.

Though it’s made from simple ingredients like tomatoes, onion and poaches eggs, the warm, aromatic spices also provide tons of depth. Specifically, paprika, cumin and cayenne not only amp things up in the flavor department, but they’re also packed with notable health benefits.

• Paprika – Not only is this spice incredibly flavorful, but it’s also loaded with nutrients, especially vitamin A and a variety of antioxidants that protect against free radical damage. These nutrients can help promote healthy vision, reduce inflammation, improve cholesterol, fight off cancer and more.
• Cumin – This spice likewise has anticancer properties, may help treat diarrhea, fights bacteria and parasites, can aid in wait loss and so much more! If you’re looking to show your digestive, immune and circulatory systems some love, cumin if your new go-to.
• Cayenne – I’m all about some heat in my cooking, so cayenne is simply a must. Capsaicin, the active compound in peppers that give them their spice, has incredible metabolism-boosting properties, can help reduce hunger, lower blood pressure and protect against disease – just to name a few of the impressive benefits.

In addition to these spices, my shakshuka includes a few kitchen and pantry staples I always try to have on hand (and you might already as well). This includes crushed tomatoes, onion, garlic, lemon juice and EVOO. I swear you can whip up just about anything delicious with these alone!

Throw in some fresh veggies like bell pepper and spinach (my favorite way to sneak some greens into my diet), and you have a healthy and delicious sauce just about everyone will enjoy.

But what makes this dish such a classic and perfect for brunch is the addition of poached eggs, which you just have to crack in and allow to do their thing. Not only do the eggs add flavor, but they also provide protein and healthy fats to this dish, making it the perfect main course.

Don’t forget to top it off with some fresh parsley and feta for an added punch of freshness and richness – you won’t regret it. And if you tend to try and avoid dairy as I do, you can always substitute for a vegan alternative. I used the Violife Just Like Feta, and it turned out great!

Give this recipe a try for your next at-home brunch with friends or holiday family gathering, and let me know what you think!

You can also check out all of my other favorite breakfast recipes here while you’re at it  . Happy cooking!