When enjoying a flavorful serving of easy shakshuka for one, the right pairings can truly elevate the experience. Start with sliced crusty bread, like a warm pita or a fresh baguette, perfect for scooping up the rich, tomato-based sauce.
A dollop of thick Greek yogurt adds a cooling creaminess that balances the heat from chili peppers. Crumbled feta provides a salty, tangy contrast, complementing the spices in the dish.
A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon adds freshness and a peppery kick, cutting through the heavier flavors.
Finally, creamy avocado slices bring a touch of healthy fats, perfectly meshing with the bold spices of the shakshuka.
One comforting dish that warms both body and soul is shakshuka. Imagine a medley of spices, a smooth tomato base, and perfectly poached eggs, all crafted in a single skillet.
While this Middle Eastern staple can seem complicated, I’m here to assure you that making easy shakshuka for one is surprisingly simple!
Having enjoyed numerous versions of shakshuka in quaint cafes to bustling markets, I’ve grown fond of its vibrant flavors. It felt time to share a personalized recipe, good enough for one, that can be made without much effort.
What is Easy Shakshuka for One?
At its core, shakshuka is a dish of poached eggs served in a spicy tomato sauce. It’s a fusion of flavors that originated in North Africa, with roots spreading throughout the Middle East.
While the traditional recipe can be laden with ingredients and complex techniques, this version streamlines everything, making it accessible to anyone.
With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up an individual serving of shakshuka that impresses. You’ll be amazed at how quickly a few simple components can transform into a flavorful meal.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Shakshuka for One
You might wonder, what sets this dish apart? For one, its versatility shines. It can be breakfast, lunch, or dinner—choose your time. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients. Tomatoes provide antioxidants, while eggs deliver protein. You’re not just filling your belly but also nourishing your body.
Here are three compelling reasons you’ll adore this recipe:
1. Quick and Simple: Most meals require extensive prep work. Not this one! With about 20 minutes from kitchen to table, busy days don’t stand a chance.
2. Flavor Explosion: The spices, combined with fresh vegetables, create an experience that’s adventurous yet comforting. You’ll find yourself reaching for seconds.
3. Customizable: Are you feeling experimental? Swap ingredients based on your mood. Want to add spinach? Go for it. Prefer a spicier kick? Toss in more chili peppers.
The Ingredients You Will Need to Make Easy Shakshuka for One
To create your delightful shakshuka, gather these crisp, fresh ingredients. You won’t need to stock up on a long list of items; instead, the beauty lies in simplicity.
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce or puree
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse kosher salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/8 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 cup a mix of sweet bell peppers and spicy chili peppers, sliced
- 1 pinch ground cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth or more, as needed
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, separated
- 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped, divided
- 2 white button mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 1 pinch Aleppo chili flakes (optional)
- Sliced crusty bread to serve with
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons crumbled goat cheese, divided
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, plus more to taste
Directions to Make Easy Shakshuka for One
It’s time to get cooking. Follow these steps to create your delicious shakshuka. Each step is simple yet effective.
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Gather your ingredients and prepare them. Slice your onions, mushrooms, and peppers. This makes the cooking process smoother. Trust me; chopping all at once saves time.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
In a small skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced red onion. Sauté for about 2–3 minutes until they become translucent. Here’s where the magic begins. The aroma fills the kitchen, offering hints of what’s to come.
Step 3: Add Veggies
Next up, toss in the sliced peppers and mushrooms. The vibrant colors will catch your eye. Sprinkle in the cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper at this stage.
Stir everything to combine. Let them cook for another 5–7 minutes until softened. The spices will bloom, and your kitchen will start smelling incredible.
Step 4: Introduce the Tomato Base
Pour in the tomato sauce or puree, and give it a good stir. The sauce will come alive as it mingles with the vegetables and spices.
At this point, you might want to add the vegetable broth to adjust the sauce’s consistency to your liking. Let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes.
Step 5: Create a Well for the Egg
Use a spoon to create a small well in the center of the mixture. Carefully crack the egg into the well.
This is the star of the dish, so take your time. Now, cover the skillet with a lid. Cook for about 5–7 minutes until the egg white is set but the yolk remains a little runny. For firmer yolks, allow a bit more time.
Step 6: Finish with Garnishes
Once cooked, generously sprinkle goat cheese, fresh cilantro, lemon zest, and cracked pepper on top. Drizzle the remaining olive oil and balsamic vinegar for an extra layer of flavor.
Notes: Tips for an Impressive Dish
Here are five handy tips to perfect your shakshuka every time:
- Control the Spice: Adjust the amount of cayenne and Aleppo chili flakes based on your heat tolerance. Start light; you can always add more later.
- Use Fresh Produce: The dish shines with the quality of its ingredients. Fresh peppers and herbs elevate the overall flavor.
- Experiment with Eggs: If you prefer scrambled over poached eggs, try mixing it into the sauce just before serving for a different texture.
- Skillet Matters: Use a non-stick or cast-iron skillet to prevent sticking. This ensures easy cleanup and flawless cooking.
- Include Greens: Adding spinach or kale at the veggie stage increases the dish’s nutritional profile without compromising flavor.
Storage Tips
If you find you’ve made extra or want to prepare in advance, here’s how to store it properly.
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors continue to meld.
- Freezing: If you want to enjoy it later, consider freezing the sauce without the egg. Just reheat, add a fresh egg, and cook again for serving.
- Use Quick Reheating Methods: When reheating, add a splash of broth to restore moisture.
Serving Suggestions
Here are five delightful suggestions to enjoy your easy shakshuka for one. Each is a lovely pairing that enhances the meal.
- Fresh Bread: Sliced crusty bread is an absolute must. It soaks up every ounce of flavor from the sauce.
- Greek Yogurt: Top with Greek yogurt. It creates a creamy contrast and balances the spice levels.
- Mixed Greens: A simple arugula salad with a drizzle of lemon dressing adds freshness. It clears the palate and complements the richness of the shakshuka.
- Avocado: Add slices of avocado on the side for creaminess. It delivers healthy fats that are always a plus.
- Feta or Goat Cheese: If you’re in the mood for more creaminess, sprinkle with feta or more goat cheese right before serving. It melts into the hot sauce for a decadent finish.
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Easy Shakshuka for One?
Should you want to mix things up, consider these five substitutes:
- Chickpeas: Instead of eggs, for a plant-based option, add canned chickpeas. They absorb flavors well and provide extra protein.
- Canned Tomatoes: Instead of sauce, use crushed tomatoes. They give a fresher taste and more texture.
- Spinach: Swap the peppers for fresh spinach. It wilts down nicely and increases the nutrition without changing the flavor profile.
- Onion Varieties: Use scallions or leeks instead of red onion. They add a milder taste and intriguing texture.
- Goat Cheese Alternatives: Try feta or ricotta for a similar creamy mouthfeel with a slightly different flavor.
Easy Shakshuka Recipe For One
Equipment
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce or puree
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse kosher salt or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/8 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 cup a mix of sweet bell peppers and spicy chili peppers sliced
- 1 pinch ground cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth or more as needed
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil separated
- 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped, divided
- 2 white button mushrooms thinly sliced
- 1 pinch Aleppo chili flakes optional
- Sliced crusty bread to serve with
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons crumbled goat cheese divided
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper plus more to taste
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients and prepare them. Slice your onions, mushrooms, and peppers. This makes the cooking process smoother. Trust me; chopping all at once saves time.
- In a small skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced red onion. Sauté for about 2–3 minutes until they become translucent. Here’s where the magic begins. The aroma fills the kitchen, offering hints of what’s to come.
- Next up, toss in the sliced peppers and mushrooms. The vibrant colors will catch your eye. Sprinkle in the cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper at this stage.
- Stir everything to combine. Let them cook for another 5–7 minutes until softened. The spices will bloom, and your kitchen will start smelling incredible.
- Pour in the tomato sauce or puree, and give it a good stir. The sauce will come alive as it mingles with the vegetables and spices.
- At this point, you might want to add the vegetable broth to adjust the sauce’s consistency to your liking. Let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes.
- Use a spoon to create a small well in the center of the mixture. Carefully crack the egg into the well.
- This is the star of the dish, so take your time. Now, cover the skillet with a lid. Cook for about 5–7 minutes until the egg white is set but the yolk remains a little runny. For firmer yolks, allow a bit more time.
- Once cooked, generously sprinkle goat cheese, fresh cilantro, lemon zest, and cracked pepper on top. Drizzle the remaining olive oil and balsamic vinegar for an extra layer of flavor.
Notes
- Control the Spice: Adjust the amount of cayenne and Aleppo chili flakes based on your heat tolerance. Start light; you can always add more later.
- Use Fresh Produce: The dish shines with the quality of its ingredients. Fresh peppers and herbs elevate the overall flavor.
- Experiment with Eggs: If you prefer scrambled over poached eggs, try mixing it into the sauce just before serving for a different texture.
- Skillet Matters: Use a non-stick or cast-iron skillet to prevent sticking. This ensures easy cleanup and flawless cooking.
- Include Greens: Adding spinach or kale at the veggie stage increases the dish’s nutritional profile without compromising flavor.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
This easy shakshuka for one is not just a meal; it’s an experience. You’ve taken the time to craft something beautiful, unique, and satisfying. The delightful blend of spices combined with the rich flavor of the tomatoes creates warmth in every bite.
With ingredients that are wallet-friendly yet full of nutrition, it stands as a testament to how cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious.
So fire up that skillet, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy a little me-time with this scrumptious dish. Sit back, savor every hearty scoop with that crusty bread, and let the flavors whisk you away. Cooking should be fun and effortless, so let’s embrace it!
Bon appétit!
