Shakshuka Origins and Myths: Setting the Record Straight

Few dishes are as fiercely debated as shakshuka . Who made it first? Who makes it best? Let’s set the record straight, Tunisian style.

The word “shakshuka” (AKA Shakshouka or Chakchouka) comes from the Tunisian dialect, meaning “a mixture.” It’s a fitting name because shakshuka is the ultimate democratic dish; made by the rich, the poor, and everyone in between.

Before it found its way onto Middle Eastern café menus and global brunch spots, shakshuka had been a staple on Tunisian tables for generations. In the mid-20th century, as Tunisian Jews migrated to the Middle East, they took shakshuka with them. Over time, the dish was adapted, incorporating Middle Eastern spices like cumin and paprika.

Tunisian vs. Middle Eastern Shakshuka: What’s the Difference?

Slow Cooking for Maximum Flavor

Tunisian shakshuka is cooked low and slow, allowing the flavors to meld together over time. In contrast, Middle Eastern shakshuka is often cooked faster, with a smoother texture and a lighter, more uniform sauce.

The Spices, The Harissa, & The Olive Oil

While Middle Eastern shakshuka leans on paprika, cumin, and sometimes even a touch of sugar, Tunisian chakchouka turns up the heat with harissa, the foundation of Tunisia’s identity.

And let’s not forget the olive oil. Not just any olive oil, Tunisian olive oil, ranked THE best in the world: a golden elixir passed down from the Carthaginians.

Unlike its Middle Eastern counterpart, Tunisian chakchouka never includes sugar. As for zaatar, while it is a staple in the Levant, it remains uncommon in Tunisia, though you may find it in some variations.

Ultimate Flexibility

The beauty of Tunisian shakshuka is that there are no strict rules.

• No eggs? Skip them.

• No tomatoes? Use harissa and bell peppers instead.

• No fresh veggies? Canned tomatoes will do.

• Feeling fancy? Add feta, olives, or a sprinkle of coriander.

• Need protein? Try shrimps, merguez, chickpeas, or even leftover lamb.

Meanwhile, in the Middle East, shakshuka has gained global popularity in its classic egg-and-tomato form, often served only one way; with eggs in a tomato sauce, sometimes with feta on top.

Authentic Shakshuka Recipe, Like My Mum Made It

There’s no single “right” way to make shakshuka, ask ten Tunisians, and you’ll get ten different recipes. Some like it chunky, others smooth. Some load it with spices, others keep it mild.

But one thing is certain: it’s not about perfection, it’s about making something good with whatever you have.

This is how my mum made it most of the time. No extras, no fancy add-ons; just simple, honest flavors that come together like magic.

Ingredients (For the Real Deal)

📌 Serves: 2-4 | Prep time: 10 min | Cook time: 25 min

• 3 tablespoons olive oil (Tunisian, if possible—Ranked the best in the world!)

• 1⅓ cups chopped onion

• 1 cup thinly sliced bell peppers (any color, whatever’s in your fridge)

• 1 garlic clove, minced or crushed (or more, because garlic = life!)

• 2½ cups chopped tomatoes (juicy, ripe ones make all the difference)

• 1 hot chile pepper, finely chopped (optional, but if you like a kick—go for it!)

• 1 tablespoon harissa paste (for that deep Tunisian heat!)

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 4 eggs

Instructions (Step-by-Step)

1️⃣ Start with Love (and Olive Oil)

Heat a good drizzle of olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat.

Toss in the onion, bell peppers, and garlic.

Stir and let them soften—breathe in that amazing aroma.

2️⃣ Build the Sauce

In a bowl, mix tomatoes, chile pepper, harissa, black pepper, paprika, and salt.

Add this goodness to the pan.

Let it simmer on medium-low heat until the tomatoes cook down and the sauce thickens. No rushing; this is where the magic happens.

3️⃣ Crack the Eggs, No Fuss

Make four little wells in the sauce.

Crack an egg into each one, like little pockets of sunshine.

Cover the pan and let them cook gently over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, until the whites set but the yolks stay runny.

4️⃣ Serve & Scoop

Take it off the heat, grab some fresh bread, and dig in.

No forks, no knives; just rip, dip, and enjoy.

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We Aspire to Be Your Shakshuka

Shakshuka brings together simple ingredients to create something greater than the sum of its parts; just like My Chakchouka. We unite Tunisia’s finest artisans, flavors, and traditions in one place, bringing a taste of home to the world.

👉 Bring Tunisia home today!