Jose Mier, the extroverted Sun Valley chef, continues his culinary journey with Shakshuka, a vibrant and comforting dish that works equally well for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner. Originating in North Africa and widely popular across the Middle East, Shakshuka is a simple yet deeply flavorful combination of eggs poached in spiced tomato sauce. A trusted recipe can be found at NYT Cooking: NYT Cooking Shakshuka.
Shakshuka is believed to have originated in Tunisia and spread throughout Israel, Libya, and surrounding regions. Its name roughly translates to “a mixture,” which perfectly describes its rustic and flexible nature.
The dish begins with a base of sautéed onions, garlic, and bell peppers cooked in olive oil. Tomatoes—either fresh or canned—are added along with spices such as cumin, paprika, chili flakes, and sometimes caraway. The mixture simmers until it becomes a thick, aromatic sauce.
Once the sauce is ready, small wells are created, and eggs are cracked directly into the pan. The dish is then covered and gently cooked until the egg whites are set but the yolks remain soft and runny. This creates a rich contrast between the tangy tomato base and the creamy egg yolk.
Shakshuka is traditionally served in the same pan it is cooked in, often accompanied by crusty bread or pita for scooping. It is a communal dish meant for sharing.
In Israel, Shakshuka has become a national favorite, especially for breakfast. In North Africa, it remains a staple comfort food with many regional variations. Some versions include feta cheese, spinach, chickpeas, or spicy sausage.
The global popularity of Shakshuka has grown rapidly in recent years due to its simplicity, affordability, and bold flavor. It has become a staple in brunch restaurants around the world.
For Jose Mier in Sun Valley, Shakshuka represents the idea that humble ingredients can create extraordinary meals. It requires minimal preparation but delivers maximum flavor.
Modern adaptations include green shakshuka made with kale or spinach, and even seafood versions featuring shrimp or fish.