National Dish Bahrain: Shakshuka (Recipe)
In this article
Meet Shakshuka, a soul-warming dish of poached eggs nestled in a richly spiced tomato sauce. Fragrant with cumin and sweet peppers, it makes a gloriously savoury breakfast and an equally satisfying light supper. Simple to put together yet full of bold flavour, it is the kind of one-pan meal that invites everyone to gather round and scoop straight from the skillet with warm bread.
About Shakshuka
Shakshuka is a traditional dish with its roots in North Africa that has become a firm favourite in many countries, Bahrain among them. At its heart are poached eggs cooked gently in a flavourful tomato sauce. The sauce is typically built from ripe tomatoes, onions, peppers and a generous mix of spices that lends every mouthful an intense aroma. Shakshuka works beautifully as a hearty breakfast or as a light evening meal that is as filling as it is delicious.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 2–4 eggs
- 400 g chopped tomatoes (fresh or tinned)
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (such as coriander or parsley), to garnish
Shopping for the ingredients
You will find most of the ingredients for shakshuka in your local supermarket or at the market. Choose fresh, ripe tomatoes and good-quality eggs, as these are the main components of the dish. Spices such as cumin and paprika are usually stocked in the spice aisle. If you do not have fresh herbs at home, look for them in the produce section — they add a particularly aromatic note to the finished dish.
Preparing the dish
Good preparation is key to a successful shakshuka. Begin by washing and chopping all the ingredients. The onion and pepper should be cut into even dice so they cook uniformly, and the garlic can be finely chopped in advance. Make sure you have a deep frying pan or similar heavy-based cookware to hand, as this matters for cooking shakshuka well.
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and pepper and fry until soft.
- Stir in the chopped garlic and the spices, mixing everything together well.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and let the sauce simmer for 10–15 minutes, until thickened.
- Make small wells in the sauce with a spoon and carefully crack the eggs into them.
- Cover the pan and let the eggs cook for about 5–8 minutes, until the whites are set but the yolks remain soft.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot with fresh bread.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Shakshuka is naturally gluten-free and lactose-free, which makes it an excellent choice for anyone with intolerances. To be sure the dish fits special diets, simply use fresh vegetables and good-quality, gluten-free ingredients. When serving, take care to choose a bread that contains no gluten. That way you can enjoy the flavours of shakshuka without having to compromise on your dietary needs — much like a plate of freshly made Falafel.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For vegans, shakshuka is easy to adapt. In place of the eggs you can use tofu or a plant-based egg alternative, folded into the simmering sauce. There are also recipes for vegan eggs made with chickpea flour that work well. For vegetarians the original recipe stands as is, and it can be varied to taste by adding extra vegetables or cheese.
More tips and tricks
To make your shakshuka especially aromatic, try adding different spices such as cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat. Using fresh, juicy tomatoes in season can also improve the flavour enormously. Do not be afraid to experiment with different vegetables to create a version of the dish that suits your taste perfectly. A squeeze of lime juice just before serving lends the dish a refreshing lift.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Shakshuka is extremely versatile and easy to tailor to personal preference. You can turn up the heat by adding chilli or chilli powder if you like it spicier. For a richer version of the dish, stir in some crumbled sheep’s cheese or feta, or work in more vegetables such as courgette or aubergine. Let your creativity run free and try different combinations to create your own signature take on shakshuka — the same playful spirit you might bring to Stuffed Bell Peppers.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have certain ingredients to hand, they are easy to swap for alternatives. In place of fresh tomatoes you can use passata or tomato sauce to save time. For the peppers, other varieties such as green or yellow peppers work just as well, depending on what you have in. If you have no olive oil, sunflower or rapeseed oil is a suitable substitute for frying the ingredients.
Drink pairing ideas
To round out the meal, you might serve a refreshing cucumber water or a mint tea, both of which pair perfectly with the flavours of shakshuka. Some people also enjoy a fruity smoothie, light and cooling, which balances the warmth of the dish. A classic coffee or an aromatic black tea — such as a fragrant Cardamom Tea — makes a tasty companion too, rounding off the whole experience.
Serving and presentation ideas
An appealing presentation can heighten the whole shakshuka experience. Serve the dish straight from the pan to underline its rustic charm. Garnish generously with fresh herbs such as coriander or parsley to add not only colour but also freshness. Make sure there is bread ready for dipping, and you might serve a little feta or some olives on the side to give the dish an extra flavour kick, in the spirit of a mezze spread from Bahraini cuisine.
A bit of history
Shakshuka has a rich history that reaches back to the Ottoman era and grew out of North African cooking. The dish was popularised through Jewish cuisine in Israel and has since become an international favourite. The variety of its ingredients and the scope for adaptation reflect the cultural fusion that takes place in the region. Today shakshuka stands not only for its delicious flavours but also for the sociable way of eating that makes it ideal for sharing with family and friends.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Shakshuka
In short, Shakshuka is a delicious and versatile dish that is easy to prepare and full of flavour. It works both as a light evening meal and as a hearty breakfast, and it adapts wonderfully to personal preference. With fresh ingredients and a generous mix of spices, it is a feast for every palate. Give this Middle Eastern classic a try at your next meal and let its delicious aromas win you over.
