Shakshuka with white cheese

Tips: Foolproof shakshuka with white cheese

To make your shakshuka stand out, follow these simple tips. Whether you are an experienced chef or just getting started, these pointers will help you make a tasty dish.

Use fresh eggs

The freshness of the eggs can significantly affect the texture and appearance of your shakshuka. Fresh eggs will hold their shape better when poached, giving you firm whites and rich, golden yolks. They also ensure the yolk stays creamy, perfect for soaking up with crusty bread.

Poaching the eggs

To ensure perfect poached eggs, make small wells in the sauce with a wooden spoon before cracking the eggs into them. This helps the eggs cook evenly and keeps their shape intact. Gently crack each egg into its nest. For a perfectly runny yolk, bake the eggs until the whites set, but the yolks remain soft; typically, 5–10 minutes at 200 °C.

Let the sauce simmer

Allow the tomato sauce to reduce to a rich, thick consistency, ensuring the eggs poach well without becoming watery once added. Simmer the sauce for 10–15 minutes, letting the spices infuse every bite. Be careful not to over-reduce, as this can cause the sauce to dry out, making it difficult for the eggs to cook properly.

Savour the exquisite flavours of our shakshuka with white cheese

Try the best shakshuka recipe for a delectable combination of bold, spiced tomato sauce and the creamy sharpness of white cheese. Every bite is an explosion of warmth and richness, perfect for sharing with family or friends. Poached eggs nestled in the sauce provide a luscious, velvety contrast, while the white cheese adds a tasty, tangy bite. The garnish of fresh spring onions adds a final crisp, clean note to the creamy, spiced base, promising to be a meal everyone will savour and remember.

Poached eggs in a spiced tomato sauce

The eggs bring a luxurious, creamy texture that complements the robust tomato sauce. When gently poached, the yolks add a velvety richness that balances the acidity and sweetness of the tomatoes, while the tender whites beautifully soak up the fragrant spices.

The tomato sauce itself is spiced and full of warm, balanced flavours. The tomatoes are slightly reduced to create a thick, flavourful base with a delicate sweetness that is offset by earthy cumin and the smoky warmth of paprika. The cumin adds a deep, warm note that grounds the dish, while smoked paprika introduces a subtle, aromatic heat.

A comforting dish with North African and Middle Eastern roots

Shakshuka’s origins trace back to North Africa, where it was born from simple, accessible ingredients. Its popularity spread through the Middle East, with each region adding distinctive touches, and now, its appeal is truly global. Shakshuka means ‘a mixture’, which reflects its spirit; a harmonious mixture of tomatoes, spices, and eggs, often enriched with cheese.

Prepare it for weekend brunch or a warm dinner

Make an easy shakshuka that transitions effortlessly between a weekend brunch and a cosy, satisfying dinner. For brunch, it brings a vibrant energy to the table, with the fragrant spices and poached eggs creating a perfect start to the day, ideal for slow, relaxed mornings.

For dinner, it transforms into a warm and comforting meal that offers depth and richness. It is comforting and satisfying without being heavy, making it suitable for an evening meal, especially when paired with thick bread slices or a fresh salad.

Try other recipes that are equally delicious at brunch and dinner, for example, our avocado hummus, easy egg wraps, crisp filo pastry triangles,  bacon and cheese muffins, sweet pepper frittata, or avocado and paneer sandwich.

Experiment with the recipe

Shakshuka is easy to experiment with. Try adding roasted vegetables like red peppers, aubergines, or courgettes. Their sweetness and texture work so well with the spiced tomato sauce. You could also stir in some white beans or chickpeas, making it even more perfect for dinner.

If you enjoy a bit more heat, you can spice things up with harissa paste, which adds both heat and a smoky complexity. You can also experiment with different herbs and garnishes; fresh parsley or coriander brings brightness to the flavours, while a squeeze of lemon juice adds a lovely tang to contrast the warmth of the spices.

For an extra indulgent twist, try baking it with stringy mozzarella or even a handful of crumbled goat cheese for a delightful mixed cheese shakshuka. The cheese melts into the sauce, adding creaminess that pairs wonderfully with the eggs and tomatoes.