Chakchouka Tunisienne | Authentic Tunisian Shakshuka Recipe
Chakchouka Tunisienne is a traditional Tunisian dish made with peppers, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and eggs gently cooked in a richly spiced tomato sauce. Unlike other regional versions, Tunisian Chakchouka is often enhanced with harissa, cumin, and optional tuna or merguez sausage, giving it a bold and distinctive North African flavor.
Fresh vegetables are sautéed until tender before being simmered with tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic spices to create a thick, flavorful sauce. Eggs are then cracked directly into the skillet and cooked until the whites are set while the yolks remain slightly runny, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.
Commonly enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or a light dinner, Chakchouka Tunisienne is traditionally served with crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce. Fresh parsley and olives are often added as a garnish, while a squeeze of lemon adds a refreshing finish.
Simple, nutritious, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors, Chakchouka Tunisienne is a timeless Tunisian comfort food that is easy to prepare and perfect for any time of day.
Cooking Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the diced green and red bell peppers and cook for another 5 minutes until tender.
- Mix in the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, harissa, cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir in the tuna if using.
- Make small wells in the sauce and carefully crack an egg into each one.
- Cover the skillet and cook for 5–8 minutes, or until the egg whites are set while the yolks remain slightly runny, or cook longer if preferred.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and garnish with black olives if desired.
- Serve immediately with warm crusty bread or flatbread.
Share this Recipe
Link copied to clipboard!