Shakshuka
Not all progress is immediately visible, but that doesn't mean it isn't happening.
Beyond the Ingredients
Why This Recipe Matters
At first glance, shakshuka looks like a complicated dish. A rich tomato sauce filled with vegetables and warm spices, eggs gently cooked in the sauce, and a finishing touch of feta and fresh herbs. There are quite a few ingredients, several steps, and a finished meal that looks like it requires considerable experience.
But each part of the process is manageable. Chop the vegetables. Build the sauce. Add the spices. Crack in the eggs. What initially seems complicated becomes much more approachable when we focus on one task at a time.
Then comes the part that requires patience.
Once the eggs are nestled into the sauce, there's little left to do but allow them to cook gently. Turning up the heat might seem like a way to finish sooner, but rushing can leave the sauce scorched while the eggs remain undercooked. The preparation has been done. Now the ingredients need time.
Life often presents us with similar situations. We can make thoughtful decisions, put in the necessary effort, and take every step available to us, yet still find ourselves waiting for the results. When nothing seems to be changing, it's easy to question whether our efforts are making a difference.
But progress isn't always something we can immediately see or measure. Learning a new skill, rebuilding confidence, developing healthier habits, or working through a difficult period in our lives can take time. The changes may be gradual, and there may be days when we struggle to recognize them at all.
We can continue making choices that support where we want to go without expecting every effort to produce an immediate or obvious result. Recognizing when to act and when to allow things time to develop is part of learning to navigate life's challenges.
The Takeaway
The absence of immediate results doesn't erase the effort we've made or mean that our efforts have been wasted. Some of the most meaningful changes in our lives take time before we can recognize how far we've come.
What You Need
Ingredients
Serves 4 servings
How to Make It
Directions
- 1
Heat the olive oil in a large, wide skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.
- 2
Add the diced onion and bell pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 7 minutes until softened and starting to lightly caramelize.
- 3
Add the garlic, cumin, paprika, and chili flakes. Stir and cook for 1 minute until the spices are fragrant — your kitchen is going to smell incredible.
- 4
Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Stir everything together and season with salt and pepper.
- 5
Let the sauce simmer over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- 6
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning — add more chili if you want heat, more salt if it tastes flat.
- 7
Use a spoon to make small wells in the sauce, one for each egg. Crack an egg gently into each well.
- 8
Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 6–8 minutes. For runny yolks, check at 6 minutes. For set yolks, cook the full 8.
- 9
Remove from heat, sprinkle with feta and fresh herbs, and bring the whole pan to the table. Serve with plenty of bread for dipping.
From the Kitchen
Small Things That Matter
A wide, heavy-bottomed pan is best — it gives the eggs enough room and holds heat evenly
Crack each egg into a small cup first before adding to the pan — it gives you more control and prevents broken yolks
The lid is essential — without it, the tops of the eggs won't set properly while the bottoms overcook
Leftover sauce (without eggs) freezes beautifully — make a double batch and freeze half for an effortless future dinner
Variations & Additions
Make It Yours
- Stir in a spoonful of harissa paste along with the tomatoes for a deeper, smokier heat
- Add a handful of baby spinach or kale to the sauce right before adding the eggs for extra greens
- Use goat cheese or dollops of labneh instead of feta for a creamier, tangier finish
- Add a can of drained chickpeas to the sauce to make it more filling and protein-rich
Watch It
Watch It Being Made
Video courtesy of Preppy Kitchen
This video may not follow our recipe exactly. Ingredients, amounts, or steps can differ a little. Use it as a guide to see the techniques in action, and follow the recipe on this page for the details. All videos
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