7 Minute Spicy & Irresistible Chickpea Shakshuka Recipe You Must Try!
Table of Contents
What is Chickpea Shakshuka?
Shakshuka is a flavorful dish that consists of poached eggs in a spiced tomato sauce. Traditional shakshuka often includes bell peppers, onions, and garlic, simmered with warming spices like cumin and paprika. But can you make shakshuka with chickpeas? Absolutely! Adding chickpeas not only enhances the texture but also makes the dish more filling and protein-packed.
What Country is Shakshuka From?
Shakshuka is a popular dish with origins in North Africa and the Middle East, particularly Tunisia. It has since become a staple in Pala-stine and Mediterranean cuisines, enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner.
What is the Main Ingredient in Shakshuka?
The primary ingredient in shakshuka is tomatoes. Whether fresh or canned, tomatoes form the rich, flavorful base of the dish. Other essential ingredients include eggs, onions, garlic, and a blend of spices that bring out the dish’s bold and aromatic profile.
Why Add Chickpeas to Shakshuka?
Chickpeas make an excellent addition to shakshuka for several reasons:
- Boosts Protein – Chickpeas provide plant-based protein, making the dish more nutritious.
- Enhances Texture – Their firm, creamy texture adds a delightful contrast to the soft eggs.
- Adds Heartiness – With chickpeas, shakshuka becomes a satisfying meal on its own.
How to Make Chickpea Shakshuka
Here’s a simple yet delicious recipe for chickpea shakshuka:
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4-6 large eggs
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
- Feta cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Sauté the Aromatics – Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and bell peppers, cooking until softened. Stir in garlic, cumin, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer the Sauce – Pour in the crushed tomatoes, season with salt and black pepper, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Add Chickpeas – Stir in the chickpeas and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Poach the Eggs – Make small wells in the sauce and crack eggs into them. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but yolks remain runny.
- Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle with fresh herbs and feta cheese if desired. Serve with crusty bread or pita.
Variations of Chickpea Shakshuka
- Spicy Version – Add harissa or extra chili flakes for more heat.
- Vegan Option – Skip the eggs and top with avocado or tofu.
- Mediterranean Twist – Include olives and capers for extra flavor.
Can You Make Spiced Chickpea Tomato Stew with Eggs?
Absolutely! This dish is a delicious variation of the traditional poached egg and tomato skillet meal, enhanced with chickpeas for extra nutrition and texture. The combination of warm spices, hearty legumes, and perfectly runny eggs makes it a comforting and wholesome dish suitable for any meal of the day. Whether enjoyed as a nourishing breakfast, a satisfying brunch, or a quick and flavorful dinner, this dish is a great way to incorporate protein and fiber into your diet.
The rich, spiced tomato sauce serves as the perfect base for the chickpeas, allowing them to absorb all the deep, aromatic flavors. The eggs, gently poached in the simmering sauce, add a creamy texture that balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Best of all, this dish is highly adaptable—you can adjust the spices, add leafy greens, or even top it with crumbled cheese or fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor.
Which Region is Famous for This Tomato and Egg Dish?
This popular dish traces its roots to North Africa, particularly Tunisia, where it is widely known as Shakshuka. Over time, it spread across the Middle East and Mediterranean regions, becoming a staple breakfast and brunch dish. The base of simmered tomatoes, often cooked with onions, garlic, and a variety of spices, remains a consistent feature across regional variations.
In Morocco, you might find shakshuka with the addition of preserved lemons and olives for a more tangy and briny flavor. In the Levant region, versions of this dish sometimes include ground meat or fava beans. Moving towards the Mediterranean, Italian and Spanish variations incorporate bell peppers, fresh basil, or even seafood for a unique twist. Despite regional differences, the dish remains a comforting and flavorful meal, enjoyed by many cultures around the world.
What Are the Essential Ingredients in a North African Egg Stew?
The Base: Tomatoes and Aromatic Vegetables
At the heart of this dish is a rich, tangy tomato sauce, made with fresh or canned tomatoes. The tomatoes provide a deep umami flavor that forms the foundation of the stew. Onions, garlic, and bell peppers are also essential, adding layers of sweetness and depth to the dish as they caramelize during cooking.
The Spices: Warm and Fragrant
A blend of spices gives this dish its signature warmth and complexity. Essential seasonings include:
- Cumin – Adds an earthy, nutty depth to the sauce.
- Paprika – Provides smokiness and subtle sweetness.
- Coriander – Enhances the dish with citrusy undertones.
- Cayenne or Chili Flakes – Optional, but great for adding heat and spice.
Some versions of this dish may also include harissa, a North African chili paste that intensifies the heat and flavor.
The Protein: Eggs and Chickpeas
While eggs are traditionally poached in the tomato sauce, variations often include legumes for extra heartiness. Chickpeas are a popular addition, bringing protein, fiber, and a creamy texture to the dish. Other alternatives include lentils, white beans, or even crumbled feta cheese for added richness.
Optional Additions and Garnishes
This dish is highly adaptable, and you can customize it to your taste with various toppings and mix-ins, such as:
- Fresh herbs (cilantro, parsley, or mint) for brightness.
- Crumbled feta or goat cheese for a creamy, tangy contrast.
- Spinach or kale for added greens and nutrition.
- Olives or preserved lemons to introduce a briny depth.
Serving Suggestions
Spiced chickpea tomato stew with eggs is best served with warm crusty bread, such as pita, sourdough, or challah, to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a heartier meal, pair it with steamed rice, couscous, or even roasted potatoes.
This dish is an excellent example of how a few simple ingredients, when combined with the right spices, can create a rich, satisfying, and comforting meal that brings warmth and flavor to any table.
How to Serve a Hearty Mediterranean-Style Breakfast Dish?
This dish pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty bread, such as sourdough, pita, or challah, which helps soak up the rich, spiced tomato sauce. For an alternative pairing, couscous, rice, or even roasted potatoes make excellent sides, adding more texture and heartiness to the meal.
To elevate the flavors, consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or mint, which bring brightness and balance to the dish. A sprinkle of crumbled cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, adds a tangy, creamy contrast that enhances the stew’s richness.
For an extra burst of Mediterranean flavor, you can serve the dish with:
- A drizzle of olive oil for added richness.
- Sliced avocados for creaminess.
- Olives or preserved lemons to introduce a briny, citrusy depth.
- A side of Greek yogurt or labneh to balance the spices with a cool, tangy element.
Whether enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this dish offers bold flavors and satisfying textures, making it a nourishing and versatile meal for any time of day.
Is This Spiced Tomato and Egg Dish Traditionally Vegetarian?
Yes, the classic version of this dish is naturally vegetarian, as it consists of eggs poached in a spiced tomato sauce, often accompanied by onions, garlic, and bell peppers. The combination of simple, plant-based ingredients creates a flavorful, protein-rich meal without the need for meat.
However, this dish can be easily modified based on dietary preferences:
- For extra protein, you can add chickpeas, white beans, or lentils, which enhance the dish’s texture and nutritional value.
- For a vegan twist, you can omit the eggs and replace them with tofu, tempeh, or plant-based alternatives, allowing the flavors to remain just as robust and satisfying.
- For a richer variation, some recipes incorporate feta cheese, halloumi, or ricotta, giving the dish a creamy, salty contrast.
Thanks to its versatility, this dish can be adapted to suit a wide range of dietary needs while maintaining its signature Mediterranean warmth and depth of flavor.
Which Cuisine is Known for This Simmered Tomato and Egg Dish?
This dish is a beloved part of North African and Middle Eastern cuisines, particularly in Tunisia, Morocco, and Egypt. It is widely recognized as Shakshuka, a flavorful dish featuring poached eggs in a spiced tomato and pepper sauce, often seasoned with cumin, paprika, and coriander.
Regional Variations:
In Spain, a variation known as Huevos a la Flamenca incorporates chorizo and potatoes, adding a smoky, hearty element.
In Tunisia, harissa (a chili paste) is often added for a spicy kick.
In Morocco, variations may include preserved lemons and olives for a tangy, briny depth.
In Israel and the Levant, shakshuka is a popular breakfast staple, sometimes enriched with cheese, spinach, or mushrooms.
In Turkey, a similar dish called Menemen is made with scrambled eggs instead of poached eggs, often featuring feta and green peppers.
What Makes This Spicy Tomato Stew with Eggs So Popular?
The appeal of Spiced Chickpea Tomato Stew with Eggs lies in its bold flavors, simple preparation, and nourishing ingredients. This dish combines slow-simmered tomatoes, warm spices, and perfectly runny eggs to create a comforting and satisfying meal.
What makes it even more special is its versatility—you can easily adjust the spices, add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers, and top it with cheese or fresh herbs. It’s a protein-rich, one-pan dish that fits seamlessly into a quick and easy meal plan. If you’re a fan of hearty, flavorful dishes, check out more quick & easy meals for inspiration.
How to Serve a Hearty Mediterranean-Style Breakfast Dish?
This dish pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty bread like sourdough, pita, or challah, which helps soak up the rich, spiced tomato sauce. For a more filling meal, you can serve it with couscous, rice, or even roasted potatoes.
To enhance the flavors, consider adding:
✔️ Fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, or mint) for brightness.
✔️ Crumbled feta or goat cheese for a creamy, tangy contrast.
✔️ Olives or preserved lemons for a briny depth.
✔️ A drizzle of olive oil for added richness.
For more Mediterranean breakfast ideas, explore our vegetarian & vegan section.
FAQs
Can you make shakshuka with chickpeas?
Yes! Chickpeas add protein, texture, and make the dish more filling.
What country is shakshuka from?
Shakshuka originates from North Africa, specifically Tunisia, and is also widely enjoyed in the Middle East.
What is the main ingredient in shakshuka?
Tomatoes are the key ingredient in shakshuka, forming the base of the dish.
Is shakshuka spicy?
Shakshuka can be mild or spicy, depending on how much chili or spices you add.
Can I make shakshuka without eggs?
Yes! You can replace eggs with tofu, avocado, or even plant-based alternatives.
What do you serve with shakshuka?
Shakshuka pairs well with pita, crusty bread, or even rice for a hearty meal.
Final Thoughts & Additional Resources
Spiced Chickpea Tomato Stew with Eggs is a delicious, nutritious, and versatile dish that brings the flavors of North Africa and the Mediterranean to your table. Whether you’re making it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, its rich tomato sauce, bold spices, and hearty texture will always be a crowd-pleaser.
For more recipe inspiration, check out these sites:
Tasty – Creative shakshuka variations.
AllRecipes – More Mediterranean breakfast ideas.
Delish – Easy-to-follow guides for home cooks.
Enjoy cooking this flavorful Mediterranean classic, and don’t forget to explore more tasty recipes on our blog! 🍽️✨
