Ever wondered how to serve a shakshuka? This Middle Eastern and North African inspired dish featuring poached eggs over a simmering spicy tomato sauce in a skillet makes a perfect family meal on a budget. Place it in the center of the table and serve with various small plates, breads and salads to make this meal a feast!
Shakshuka counts among my favorite things on earth. Easy to make, family and budget-friendly, it comes together in no time in just one skillet. Even the beginner cook can make it! Over the years, I have created various Shakshuka recipes around the traditional version, including a vegan version, and even a green shakshuka (see below).
But there is more to it than just a shakshuka! This brings me back to my trip to Israel a few years ago, of which I have so many happy memories. I’ll always remember this fantastic outdoor breakfast we shared with friends on a warm, sunny morning. We had prepared several shakshukas, and a newfound friend explained to me how we should serve a shakshuka to make breakfast a feast! This stuck to my mind ever since and I’ve always wanted to share it with you. You’ll see, it’s just d.e.l.i.c.i.o.u.s.!
How to serve a shakshuka?
The best way to serve a shakshuka is to make it the centerpiece of the meal, then create a multitude of small plates to serve along. They usually involve some bread, simple vegetable salads, and spreads. When coming together, you get a full, satisfying and healthy meal to share with friends or family. What a feast!
Which side plates should I create and how?
Bread or pita bread. The first side you want to serve with your shakshuka is of course the bread, so you can dip it into the sauce. For a very western version, you’ll want to make a classic no-knead bread (super easy!) for the occasion. But for a Middle Eastern version like the one I’m suggesting here, you’ll swap white bread with pita bread! I like the whole wheat version better as I find it more nutritious, but whichever would do.
Tomato salad. Then comes the tomato salad. For this one, you will need to dice tomatoes, cucumber, and red onions very thinly, then combine with some olive oil, a drizzle of lemon juice, and chopped cilantro. It’s a very basic recipe that you can easily tweak here and there based on your personal preference. The tomato salad will add some crunchiness and refreshing flavors to the main shakshuka dish.
Hummus. This is the best part if you ask me! You can use it plain (I love this roasted garlic hummus recipe) or play with the flavors. My favorite ones include a roasted red pepper hummus, a roasted cauliflower hummus, and a carrot and turmeric hummus.
Other side dishes to consider. You could for instance add a mint-yogurt sauce, a feta-yogurt dip, a vegan garlic-herb tahini sauce, or even a vegan cashew basil dressing. For a little additional kick, why don’t you make a harissa cauliflower walnut dip? I also like to add some sliced avocados or mashed avocados. When it comes to the salad, why don’t you add a Mediterranean chickpea couscous salad?
Note that this a non-exhaustive list. Feel free to add more and let me know which ones are your favorites to go along with a shakshuka.
How to assemble the shakshuka “sandwich”?
Now that you have all your sides ready, let me describe how my friend explained me the “best” way to assemble and eat a shakshuka. You have 2 options here:
- A “shakshuka sandwich”
- A deconstructed plate
I’ll go for the sandwich version first, because it’s the most entertaining one if you ask me. Start with a whole pita, then garnish generously with some hummus. Add a serving of the shakshuka, then garnish with the tomato salad. Slightly fold it in a way you can hold it with your hands, and eat immediately!
The other option consists in adding all the ingredients in a plate, together with some pita triangles (you can warm them up a little beforehand) and eat the shakshuka plate with fork and knife!
My favorite shakshuka recipes:
- Shakshuka “Deluxe” with Spicy Potatoes and Chickpeas
- Vegan Eggplant Shakshuka
- Green Shakshuka with Spinach, Avocado and Asparagus
Other egg recipes you’ll love:
- Savory Dutch Baby Pancake
- Ricotta Frittata with Spring Vegetables
- Mediterranean Vegetable Quiche with Feta Cheese
- Creamy Baked Eggs with Smoked Salmon
- Spinach and Mushroom Quiche
How To Serve A Shakshuka
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- Author: Delphine Fortin
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Savory
- Cuisine: World Cuisine
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ever wondered how to serve a shakshuka? Place it in the center of the table and serve with various small plates, breads and salads to make this meal a feast!
Ingredients
Scale
Main items to the shakshuka recipe:
- Traditional shakshuka recipe*
- Homemade hummus**
- Pita bread***
For the tomato salad:
- ½ red onion, thinly diced
- ½ cucumber, thinly diced
- 4 large tomatoes, thinly diced
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh lemon juice
Instructions
For the tomato salad:
- Combine all the ingredients together in a medium size bowl. Set aside and serve along with the shakshuka as explained below.
To assemble the shakshuka:
- For the “sandwich version”: place a large pita onto a plate. Spread generously with some hummus. Add a serving of the shakshuka, then garnish with the tomato salad on top. Slightly fold it in a way you can hold it with your hands, and eat immedietaly!
- For the “plate version”: add all the ingredients into a plate, starting with a serving of shakshuka, and adding a side of hummus, some tomato salad and some pita bread cut into triangles so you can dip them into the hummus.
Notes
* You can also prepare all the sides to go with a variation from the traditional shakshuka (see in the article).
** See the article to check all the possible variations.
*** An option consists in warming up the pita bread just a few minutes in the oven beforehand (you want it warm but still soft in texture so you can fold it easily).
Eggs, Family-Friendly, Main Dishes, , Recipe Roundups, Savory Breakfasts, Vegetarian, Year Round
Did you make this recipe?
Lastly, if you make this How To Serve A Shakshuka, be sure to leave a comment and give this recipe a rating, letting me know how you liked it. And of course, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Thank you and enjoy!
