Spicy Indian Shakshuka

Last Updated on June 7, 2023 by Babita

Spicy Indian Shakshuka is an Indian fusion twist on the classic Middle Eastern shakshuka recipe. This one-skillet/one-pan dish, features perfectly cooked eggs infused with lots of onion, tomatoes, and Indian spices. It is one of those recipes that is quick and effortlessly easy to make.

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About the Recipe

This Indian-style spicy Shakshuka is my mother-in-law’s recipe. It was one of my father-in-law’s favorite egg recipes. I am thrilled to have acquired this recipe from her, as it is time-saving, easy to make, and needs few ingredients. 

Whenever I am busy with my kids’ activities and know I will not have time to cook a proper meal for lunch/dinner, this shakshuka is my go-to recipe.

What is Shakshuka

Shakshuka, also spelled as Shakshouka, is a middle eastern dish made with poached eggs, tomatoes/tomato sauce, and green pepper, spiced with some cumin and paprika powder.

Is Shakshuka Spicy (Hot)

While traditional Shakshuka typically incorporates cumin and paprika powder, it is not known for its spiciness or heat. However, my recipe caters to those seeking a fiery kick and bolder flavor by incorporating chili and garam masala powder.

Ingredients and Substitution Notes

Eggs: are the prime and main ingredient for this recipe. In India it is common to use eggs for lunch or dinner.

Onion: is an important ingredient in this shakshuka recipe. Onions are the base on which the eggs will rest. I use red onions. However, you can use white or yellow onions.

Tomatoes: Unlike many of the other recipes that use canned tomatoes, I use fresh tomatoes for this recipe. Fresh chopped tomatoes add a tangy and sweet taste to this recipe.

Coriander leaves: is my favorite ingredient in this recipe. Apart from enhancing the flavor, I appreciate how the presentation of this Shakshuka is visually captivating.

Spices: typically include most common Indian spices like turmeric, red chili powder and garam masala powder. All of these spices are available in Indian stores as well as online.

How to Make Spicy Shakshuka (See video below)

• Heat oil in a flat bottom skillet or pan.
• Add the diced onions to the pan and cook it for a 2 mins.
• Add the tomatoes to the mixture and saute it for few seconds. Cover with lid and let it cook
• Remove lid and add all the spices including chili powder, garam masala, turmeric and salt. Mix well.
• Cover with lid and allow the onions and tomatoes to cook on medium heat for about 3-4 minutes until soft.
• Once they have been cooked spread it evenly in the pan.
• Break the eggs and layer it over the tomatoes and onion one at a time.
• Cover with lid, reduce the heat and let it cook for a minute.
• Now layer the coriander leaves over the eggs neatly.
• Cover the pan/skillet with a lid and turn down the heat.
• Allow the eggs to cook until done.

Customize your Shakshuka

• You can customize this recipe with other fresh ingredients you have in your refrigerator or pantry. For example, you can add green or red pepper. You can add olives and chopped garlic as well.
• If you wish to make shakshuka for one or two people, you can halve the recipe. It is one egg per person/serving. You can use one large onion and tomato. Don’t forget to adjust the spices accordingly. The other important thing to remember is, use a smaller pan.
• You can customize the spice level as per your taste. Add more or little of the chili powder. If you don’t want it too spicy then consider using Kashmiri Chili powder. It is less fiery and also adds a natural vibrant color to the dish.

Classic Shakshuka v/s Spicy Indian Shakshuka

• There is one difference between my recipe and the classic shakshuka. In my version, I fully cook the egg yolk, whereas in the classic Shakshuka, the yolk is typically left slightly runny. Most of the Indians don’t like runny yolk. They believe runny yolk to be raw and usually don’t like the taste. So it is common to see recipe with fully cooked yolk in Indian recipes.
• Sometimes my mother-in-law would get creative and garnish it lightly with some grated coconut on the top. I personally have never tried it.

How to Serve Indian-Style Shakshuka

Since this shakshuka is spicy you can serve it with some toasted bread, rustic loaf or over rice.