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Shakshuka for One

This Shakshuka for one is an individual portion just like you’d find served in most Israeli cafes.  Not only is this recipe tasty, but it is also extremely healthy, filling, and low in calories!

Birdseye view of authentic Israeli shakshuka

I’ve been making Shakshuka since I was a teenager.

Now whenever I make it, I think of my favorite cafe.  

It’s a charming hole in the wall hidden on one of Jerusalem’s back streets in the heart of town. 

To find it, you have to know where you are going and climb a flight of stairs marked by a simple sign. 

When you do reach it, you are welcomed by a small sitting area with a handful of little two-person tables.

Despite being located in the center of town, this cafe is as quiet as it is quaint. 

There are also two doorways that lead to the most warm indoor sitting areas I’ve ever seen. 

What is striking about this space is that there are used books everywhere. 

I’ve always wanted to sit in these spaces to eat in one of the cozy armchairs, and each time I promise myself that I will next time I come.  However, there is nothing like sitting in the bright Jerusalem sunlight and I can never help myself.

Whenever I eat there, I order a delicious breakfast of fresh bread and an array of spreads.  However, without fail, any friend I am with orders the Shakshuka for one and which is almost as good as this recipe.

Some Shakshuka recipes call for bell peppers and feta cheese and you may even find such a thing served in Israeli cafes for tourists. 

This recipe does not because it is an authentic Israeli Shakshuka recipe like you’d find in Israeli homes and cafes.

For a larger recipe to serve when you have friends and/or family over, try my regular-sized Israel Shakshuka. It never fails to impress.

Recipe Tip

While cast iron isn’t traditional cookware used in the Middle East, I find that it is great for serving Shakshuka. 

Unlike other metals, cast iron keeps the dish hot longer, so it’s kept hot until it’s done. 

Whenever I make this recipe,  I cook it in my 8” skillet and eat right out of the skillet.

Yield: 1 serving

Shakshuka for One

Birdseye view of authentic Israeli shakshuka

Shakshuka is a favorite in Israel and personal sized portions are on the menu of most cafes. This recipe is as good or better than the ones found in Israel.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1/2 medium onion, diced
  • 2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 to 6 medium tomatoes*
  • 1/2 cup water (120 milliliters)
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons chicken bullion powder, vegetarian
  • 2 eggs

Instructions

  1. Coat the bottom an 8-inch skillet or frying pan in oil. When hot, add onions and cook them for about five minutes until they start to become somewhat translucent.
  2. Add the garlic and cook for about five minutes or until the garlic begins to brown slightly. 
  3. Add tomatoes, water, tomato paste, and bullion powder. Mix until the tomato paste dissolves and again every few minutes, occasionally pressing down on the tomatoes with the back of your spatula to help them turn into sauce. Let simmer for fifteen minutes or until you have a thick sauce.
  4. Make a little crater in your tomato sauce and place the egg in it, then repeat with the second egg. Cover and let poach until the whites are cooked but the yolk is still gooey. Alternatively, you can leave it uncovered and let the eggs cook sunny-side up, but you're more likely to overcook your yolk this way. 

Notes

*Canned tomatoes work beautifully in this recipe if you prefer to use them.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

1

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 405Total Fat: 26gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 377mgSodium: 219mgCarbohydrates: 46gFiber: 12gSugar: 28gProtein: 24g

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

Saturday 30th of September 2023

Can you please share the name of the cafe? I am going to Jerusalem in a month and I would love to try to find it :)

ElissaBeth

Tuesday 3rd of October 2023

Tmol Shilshom :)

jen

Thursday 8th of April 2021

I made this for breakfast and it was outstanding! Filling, delicious and (unexpected bonus) very fancy looking. Thank you for sharing this!

ElissaBeth

Thursday 8th of April 2021

You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it :)

TA

Tuesday 14th of April 2020

Thank you for this recipe! Made shakshouka for the first time and it tastes amazing.

ElissaBeth

Tuesday 14th of April 2020

I'm very glad to hear it! It's one of my favorites. Thanks for sharing :)

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