Spicy Sausage Shakshuka with Avocado & Feta

Short Description

This Spicy Sausage Shakshuka is a bold, savory one-skillet dish of poached eggs simmered in a spiced tomato and sausage sauce. Garnished with creamy avocado, crumbled feta, fresh herbs, and served with toasted baguette, it’s a hearty and visually striking brunch or dinner option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This shakshuka is both comforting and flavorful, with a satisfying balance of richness, spice, and freshness. The savory sausage and harissa bring boldness, while the eggs add silkiness and the toppings bring freshness and texture. It’s an easy, all-in-one skillet meal perfect for casual entertaining or a weekend brunch.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• ground sausage
• yellow onion, chopped
• red bell pepper, chopped
• garlic cloves, minced
• harissa
• cayenne pepper
• ground cumin
• paprika
• kosher salt and black pepper
• crushed tomatoes
• fresh spinach
• eggs
• baguette, sliced
• olive oil (for toasting bread, optional)

Recommended Garnishes:

• feta cheese, crumbled
• avocado, sliced
• fresh Italian parsley
• microgreens
• edible flowers
• red pepper flakes

Directions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until browned, about 10 minutes.
2. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in minced garlic, harissa, cayenne, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes and fresh spinach. Simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
5. While the sauce simmers, toast the baguette slices in a skillet with a bit of olive oil, if desired.
6. Create three small wells in the tomato sauce. Crack an egg into each well. Cover the skillet and cook for 4–6 minutes, or until the eggs reach your preferred doneness.
7. Remove from heat and garnish with crumbled feta, avocado slices, chopped parsley, microgreens, edible flowers, and red pepper flakes.
8. Serve hot with toasted baguette slices on the side.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 3 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories per serving: Approximately 520 kcal

Variations

• Chorizo Shakshuka: Use spicy chorizo instead of sausage for deeper heat and seasoning.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the sausage and add chickpeas or mushrooms as a hearty substitute.
• Extra Creamy: Swirl in a spoonful of crème fraîche or Greek yogurt before serving.
• Herb-Infused: Add chopped cilantro, mint, or dill as an alternative to parsley.
• Low-Carb Version: Serve without bread or substitute with roasted vegetables for dipping.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat until heated through. Be careful not to overcook the eggs during reheating. Toast fresh bread before serving again.

FAQs

What is shakshuka?

Shakshuka is a North African and Middle Eastern dish of poached eggs in a spiced tomato-based sauce. This version includes sausage for added richness.

Can I make it ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce ahead and refrigerate. Add the eggs and toppings just before serving for best results.

What type of sausage should I use?

Ground pork or chicken sausage works well. Choose a mildly spiced variety so the harissa can shine.

Is harissa very spicy?

Harissa has a warm, smoky heat. Adjust the amount to taste or choose a mild version if you prefer less spice.

Can I bake the eggs instead of poaching them on the stovetop?

Yes, after adding the eggs, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 6–8 minutes until the eggs are set to your liking.

What can I use instead of feta?

Goat cheese, ricotta salata, or even grated Parmesan can be used depending on your taste preference.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, simply omit the feta or use a plant-based cheese alternative.

What kind of bread pairs best with this dish?

A crusty baguette or rustic sourdough is perfect for scooping up the rich sauce and runny egg yolks.

How do I know when the eggs are done?

The whites should be set while the yolks remain soft and slightly runny. Covering the pan helps cook them evenly.

Are the edible flowers necessary?

They are optional and used for presentation. You can skip them or replace with more herbs or microgreens.

Conclusion

Spicy Sausage Shakshuka with Avocado & Feta is a vibrant, hearty skillet dish perfect for a cozy brunch or dinner. With layers of flavor from spiced tomatoes, savory sausage, creamy eggs, and fresh garnishes, it’s as impressive to serve as it is satisfying to eat. Enjoy it hot with crusty bread and savor every bite of this comforting, globally inspired recipe.

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