Ingredients

• 1 small–medium yellow onion
• 1 bell pepper (optional)—green for stronger flavor, while red, yellow, & orange peppers are sweeter)
• 2 tbsp oil, divided (olive, avocado, or butter all work well)
• 2 cups cooked beans (pinto, black, or “choose your own bean, choose your own adventure”)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 can tomato sauce (or crushed/diced tomatoes)
• 2 tbsp diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup of your peferred cheese 
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (optional)
• Smoked paprika, salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Finely chop the onion and bell pepper so they blend well into the sauce.
2. In a large skillet with a lid, heat 1 tbsp oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and bell pepper until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally.
3. Add garlic and cumin. Cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Pour in the tomato sauce and remaining 1 Tbsp oil. Simmer for about 10 minutes. If using whole or chunky tomatoes, break them up with a spoon as they cook. Cover loosely if needed to reduce splattering.
5. Drain and rinse beans if using canned. Stir beans into the tomato mixture. Heat through and adjust seasoning with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to your preferred taste.
6. Use a spoon to make 4 small wells in the mixture. Crack one egg into each well.
7. Cover with a lid and cook over medium-low heat until eggs are set to your liking.
8. Sprinkle with cheese, cilantro, and diced onion before serving.
9. Serve warm and enjoy!

Final Thoughts

Shakshuka proves that simple ingredients can become something deeply comforting, nourishing, and full of flavor. It’s quick to adapt, easy to scale, and perfect for busy days when you want something wholesome without a lot of effort and without sacrificing nutrition.

Feel free to make it your own—add extra vegetables, spice it up, or serve it family-style so everyone can build their own bowl. However you enjoy it, this dish is a reminder that good food doesn’t have to be complicated to bring people together around the table.

About the Author: Cara Gerard is a Certified Nutrition Counselor with Nourish Your Health Span. Cara is also a Redwood Empire Food Bank volunteer.

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