If you’re craving a breakfast that’s vibrant, nourishing, and downright comforting, then you’re going to absolutely adore this Healthy Green Shakshuka with Eggs Recipe. I first made this dish on a chilly weekend morning, and honestly, it became an instant favorite in our house. The blend of tender Brussels sprouts, fresh spinach, and pop-in-your-mouth eggs creates a combo that’s as wholesome as it is delicious. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through everything so your shakshuka turns out perfectly every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with Greens: This shakshuka swaps heavy tomato sauce for green veggies, giving you a fresh, nutrient-rich meal.
- Simple and Quick: You’ll have this wholesome dish ready in about 40 minutes, even on busy mornings.
- Versatile and Customizable: Whether you’re vegetarian or just want to sneak in more veggies, this recipe flexes to fit your needs.
- Family Favorite: My family asks for it again and again — it’s proof that healthy can be yummy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients create a deliciously green shakshuka that’s full of flavor without feeling heavy. Plus, most are easy to find in your local grocery store or market. I often look for the freshest Brussels sprouts and baby spinach to make sure every bite bursts with brightness.
- Olive oil: Choose extra virgin for best flavor—it adds a lovely richness while keeping things healthy.
- Onion: Half a medium onion gives that perfect sweet base, not too overpowering.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic brings a warm depth to this dish; I love using finely chopped so it mingles into the greens.
- Brussels sprouts: Shaved or sliced thinly, they cook quickly and add a mild, nutty crunch.
- Zucchini: Grated zucchini helps create a softer texture and sneaks in extra veggies without anyone noticing.
- Cumin: Just a teaspoon amps up the savory notes with a smoky, earthy vibe.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning—don’t be shy if you want to adjust to your taste buds.
- Baby spinach: Packed with vitamins and wilts down beautifully, it’s a great way to boost greens.
- Large eggs: The star of the dish! Fresh eggs make sure your shakshuka feels indulgent and satisfying.
- Fresh cilantro: A handful of chopped cilantro adds a fragrant finish you’ll keep coming back to.
- Avocado: For garnish—creamy and cooling, it’s my favorite way to round out each bite.
Variations
I like to mess around a little depending on what’s in my fridge or what mood I’m in. This healthy green shakshuka with eggs recipe is super adaptable, so feel free to tinker and make it your own.
- Add heat: Sometimes I toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to give the dish some zing—it wakes up those mild greens wonderfully.
- Use kale or Swiss chard: If you don’t have spinach on hand, these leafy greens work beautifully and add even more texture.
- Switch up the herbs: Try parsley instead of cilantro for a slightly different herbal note.
- Make it vegan: Skip the eggs and add smoked tofu or crumbled tempeh for a protein-packed twist.
How to Make Healthy Green Shakshuka with Eggs Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by warming up olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it’s just translucent—about 2 to 3 minutes. This softens the onion, creating a sweet base without overpowering the delicate greens. Toss in the finely chopped garlic and stir for another minute until fragrant, but don’t let it brown or burn.
Step 2: Cook the Brussels Sprouts and Zucchini
Next, add your shaved Brussels sprouts to the pan. Stir regularly and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until they start to soften and develop a slight golden color—that’s flavor magic happening. Then, stir in the grated zucchini and sprinkle the cumin, salt, and pepper evenly. Let it cook together for about a minute so the spices bloom and everything melds.
Step 3: Add the Spinach and Prepare for the Eggs
Throw in the packed baby spinach and stir gently until it just starts to wilt—should take a minute or so. Lower the heat to low now. Press the vegetable mixture flat with a spatula, then create 5 small wells or little nests within the greens. This is where your eggs will nestle, so space them evenly.
Step 4: Crack and Cook the Eggs
Carefully crack one egg into each well. Cover the pan with a lid to steam the eggs—this is my favorite trick to get perfectly set whites while keeping runny yolks. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the eggs reach your preferred doneness. If you want firmer yolks, add a minute or two more. Keep an eye on it; no one wants rubbery eggs!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top for a fresh herbaceous punch, then garnish with slices of ripe avocado. The creaminess of avocado is the perfect contrast to the warm greens and eggs—trust me on this combo!
Pro Tips for Making Healthy Green Shakshuka with Eggs Recipe
- Get the onion translucent: Don’t rush this step—properly cooked onion creates that sweet foundation that balances the earthiness of the greens.
- Shave Brussels sprouts thin: Using a mandoline or a sharp knife helps them cook quickly and evenly, giving you tender bites instead of crunch.
- Cover while cooking eggs: Trapping steam cooks eggs gently—plus, it helps keep the greens vibrant and not overcooked.
- Use fresh eggs: Fresher eggs hold their shape better when cooked nestled in the greens; this keeps the shakshuka looking beautiful on the plate.
How to Serve Healthy Green Shakshuka with Eggs Recipe
Garnishes
I always top this shakshuka with plenty of chopped cilantro because it brightens the whole dish with its citrusy notes. Sliced avocado is my absolute must—if you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of chili flakes or a dollop of plain Greek yogurt works wonders, too. These garnishes add delicious layers without stealing the spotlight from that lovely green base.
Side Dishes
To keep things light but filling, I often serve this with whole grain toast or some warm pita bread to scoop up every last bit. Roasted sweet potatoes on the side add a sweet, earthy counterpoint. Sometimes, a simple mixed greens salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully for an extra veggie boost.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to plate the shakshuka in individual mini cast iron skillets— it feels cozy and looks stunning on the table. You could also add a sprinkle of toasted nuts like pine nuts or almonds for crunch and a nutty flavor twist. Fancy, but still healthy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually transfer leftovers into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Since the eggs soften over time, I like to gently stir everything before reheating to get a more uniform texture.
Freezing
This recipe freezes okay, but the texture of eggs can change a bit after thawing. If you plan to freeze, I recommend cooking everything except the eggs, then adding fresh eggs when you’re ready to eat.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the container in a covered skillet over low heat or microwave gently in short bursts so you don’t dry out the greens. If you like, crack a fresh egg onto the warm veggies and cover until cooked for a quick fresh touch.
FAQs
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Can I make this Healthy Green Shakshuka with Eggs Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! To make it vegan, simply omit the eggs and add plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or tempeh. You can also toss in more veggies to make it hearty and satisfying without losing flavor.
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What’s the best way to get runny yolks in this shakshuka?
Cook the eggs on low heat and cover the pan with a lid. This steams the eggs gently, setting the whites while keeping yolks beautifully soft and runny. Keep an eye on them, and remove from heat as soon as they’re done to your liking.
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Can I substitute any other greens in this recipe?
Yes! Kale, Swiss chard, or even collard greens are great swaps. They might require a slightly longer cooking time to soften, so add them earlier in the process accordingly.
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Is this dish good for meal prep?
Definitely. The veggies keep well for a few days in the fridge, though I recommend cooking fresh eggs each morning for optimal texture and taste. You can prep the veggie base ahead and quickly reheat it for a nutritious breakfast any day.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Green Shakshuka with Eggs Recipe has become one of those dishes I make when I want something green, comforting, and fresh all at once. It’s the perfect way to start your day or even enjoy as a light dinner. I love how it sneaks in a big serving of veggies without feeling like a chore, and the eggs keep it satisfying. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming your weekend ritual too!
Print
Healthy Green Shakshuka with Eggs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: North African / Middle Eastern
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Best Green Shakshuka recipe offers a vibrant and healthy twist on the traditional North African dish by using shaved Brussels sprouts, zucchini, and baby spinach. Poached eggs nestled in a sautéed bed of green vegetables create a nutrient-packed breakfast or brunch option that’s rich in flavor and texture. Garnished with fresh cilantro and creamy avocado, this dish balances freshness with heartiness and is perfect for a wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Herbs
- ½ medium onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 9 ounces Brussels sprouts, shaved or finely sliced
- 1 zucchini, grated
- 2 cups packed baby spinach
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 large avocado, sliced (for garnish)
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Other
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 large eggs
Instructions
- Heat the oil and cook onions: Heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add garlic and sauté: Add the finely chopped garlic to the pan and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, taking care not to brown the garlic.
- Cook Brussels sprouts: Add the shaved Brussels sprouts to the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they soften and begin to brown slightly.
- Add zucchini and spices: Stir in the grated zucchini along with cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for one more minute, combining all ingredients well.
- Add baby spinach: Add the packed baby spinach and stir until it just begins to wilt, then reduce the heat to low to prepare for the eggs.
- Create wells and add eggs: Using a spatula, flatten the vegetable mixture in the pan and create 5 small wells. Crack one egg into each well carefully to avoid breaking the yolks.
- Cook eggs: Cook the eggs over low heat until they reach your preferred level of doneness. Optionally, cover the pan with a lid to steam the eggs for faster cooking.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top and garnish with sliced avocado before serving.
Notes
- This green shakshuka version is a nutritious twist on the classic tomato-based recipe using green vegetables for a fresh flavor profile.
- Covering the pan while cooking eggs helps steam them gently and speeds up cooking time.
- Feel free to adjust spices to your liking or add a pinch of chili flakes for heat.
- Shaving the Brussels sprouts finely ensures even cooking and a tender texture.
- Garnishing with avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats to the dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 218 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 325 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 164 mg