Coconut Curry Easy Shakshuka Recipe (2024)

This post may include affiliate links; for details, see our disclosure policy.

A flavorful brunch or dinner, this easy shakshuka recipe is coconut curry flavored, featuring eggs cooked in a curry sauce and served with pita.

Coconut Curry Easy Shakshuka Recipe (1)

The Midwest has an inferiority complex.” That’s Shelly Westerhausen in her new cookbook, Vegetarian Heartland, talking about how people in the Midwest are quick to downplay this region. It’s just corn fields and cows, right? Shelly is all about Midwest pride and adventuring. She’s based in Bloomington, Indiana, just an hour south of Alex and me here in Indianapolis. When we first met up a few years ago, we had an instant connection, what with our Midwest roots and love for eating vegetables. Keep reading for this easy shakshuka recipe and more about the book.

Coconut Curry Easy Shakshuka Recipe (2)

Adventuring with Shelly

This connection made for some fabulous shared meals over the years, experimenting with local produce. One of our first collaborations with Shelly was this vegetarian brunch menu a few years ago. Alex and I made a potato hash with poached eggs and a sparkling blood orange rosemary water. Shelly made blood orange and quinoa muffins with crystallized ginger-thyme butter. Not a bad Midwestern meal, right?

Coconut Curry Easy Shakshuka Recipe (3)

That summer we had a picnic down in Bloomington, Indiana. Alex and Imade cucumber dill sandwiches and lavender lemon spritzers. Shelly made whisky’d mozzarella toasts with roasted tomatoes and grapes.

Coconut Curry Easy Shakshuka Recipe (4)

About the book: Vegetarian Heartland

As you can see, adventuring with Shelly is inspired and colorful—and we knew her cookbook would be the same. We just received Vegetarian Heartland, and it’s everything we hoped: warm, vibrant, and creative, with mouthwatering recipes. It’s where this easy shakshuka recipe comes from (scroll down for the recipe).

Shelly cooks in a similar manner to us: instead of using meat substitutes like tofu and tempeh, we prefer to use colorful vegetables, filling beans, legumes, whole grains, herbs, and spices to create vegetarian dishes. Shelly’s book is full of 100 meatless recipes in that vein. And, they’re organized by the adventures that make a weekend special: picnics, brunch, camping, and more. Not only does she show that Midwestern food can bevegetable-forward without the typical meat-and-potatoes, she also highlights the exciting Midwest landscapes: lakes, waterfalls, caves, and forests.

Order the book! Vegetarian Heartland is available here.

What is shakshuka?

First off, what is shakshuka? Shakshuka is a dish of eggs poached in a tomato sauce that originates from the Middle East and Mediterranean, though the direct origin is disputed. Often the tomato sauce includes onions and peppers and is flavored with cumin and paprika. Today, shakshuka is eaten in countries from Tunisia to Israel to Morocco — and it’s becoming more popular in the US! This easy shakshuka recipe is a fusion of cultures: it brings in the coconut curry flavors of Indian curry.

Making this easy shakshuka recipe

This coconut curry easy shakshuka recipe from Vegetarian Heartland does not disappoint. Instead of a straight tomato sauce, the eggs cooked in a coconut curry sauce, dotted with fresh basil and squeezed with lime. It takes a bit of time to cook, but the flavor is well worth it.

We served it with whole wheat naan for a delicious vegetarian brunch. For a richer brunch option, pair with our Chocolate Banana Bread. Or, serve it up as a vegetarian dinner with rice! The recipe is below — let us (and Shelly) know if you try it!

Listen:Shelly’s on the A Couple Cooks podcast! Listen to us chat about everything from vegan diner food to growing up in the Midwest.

Related: Want a straight-up coconut curry? Try our Quick Coconut Lentil Curry

Looking for brunch recipes?

Outside of this easy shakshuka recipe, here are a few more brunch recipe ideas:

  • Acai Bowl Recipe
  • Fluffy Scrambled Eggs with Goat Cheese
  • Fluffy Gluten Free Waffles
  • Two Potato Hash with Soft Boiled Eggs
  • Gluten Free Banana Muffins
  • Vegan French Toast
  • Scrambled Eggs withMatcha and Lime
  • Parmesan Herb Baked Eggs
  • Dippy Eggs with Toast Soldiers
  • Waffle Party
  • Lemon Poppy Seed Oatmeal Pancakes
  • Pumpkin Pancakes with Maple Mascarpone
  • 35 Best Brunch Recipes

This easy shakshuka recipe is…

Vegetarianand gluten-free.

Print

Coconut Curry Easy Shakshuka Recipe (5)

Coconut Curry Easy Shakshuka Recipe

★★★★★5 from 2 reviews
  • Author: a Couple Cooks
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

A flavorful brunch or dinner, this easy shakshuka recipe is coconut curry flavored, featuring eggs cooked in a curry sauce and served with pita.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium green bell pepper
  • 1 medium yellow onion
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 2 teaspoons curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
  • 13.5-ounce can full-fat coconut milk
  • 6 eggs
  • Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish
  • Lime wedges, for serving
  • 6 pieces pita or naan, for serving

Instructions

  1. Mince the pepper. Dice the onion. Mince the garlic.
  2. In a very large (12-inch) skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the bell pepper and onion and saute until softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic and saute for 30 seconds. Add the curry powder, paprika, and ginger and saute for 30 seconds more. Add the honey, red pepper flakes, tomatoes, and coconut milk; stir to combine; and simmer until the sauce thickens, 20 to 25 minutes.
  3. Crack the eggs and slide them into the sauce, distributing them around the pan. Gently push some of the tomato sauce over the eggs to keep them from drying out. Cover the pan and cook until the eggs are completely set, 5 to 7 minutes.
  4. Season with salt and pepper and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately with lime wedges and pita or naan.
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern Inspired

Keywords: Easy Shakshuka Recipe, Shakshuka Recipe, How to Make Shakshuka, Vegetarian Brunch Recipes

vegetarian gluten free

Published on / Last updated on

Categorized In:

  • Dinner Recipes
  • Recipes

Tagged with:

  • Basil
  • Brunch
  • Coconut Milk
  • Cookbook Review
  • Curry
  • Curry Powder
  • Eggs
  • Gluten-Free Recipes
  • Green Pepper
  • Keto
  • Main Dish
  • Mediterranean
  • Onion
  • Tomatoes
  • Vegetarian Recipes

About the authors

Coconut Curry Easy Shakshuka Recipe (6)

Sonja & Alex

Hi, we’re Alex and Sonja Overhiser, married cookbook authors, food bloggers, and recipe developers. We founded A Couple Cooks to share fresh, seasonal recipes for memorable kitchen moments! Our recipes are made by two real people and work every time.

About Us

Coconut Curry Easy Shakshuka Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is coconut curry sauce made of? ›

In a small bowl, combine the coconut milk, soy sauce, sugar, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Place a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and heat for 30 seconds. Add red pepper flakes, zest, garlic, and curry powder and stir-fry until fragrant, about 15 seconds.

Why do people add coconut milk to curry? ›

Coconut milk or water both give the dish different tastes and consistency. Coconut milk as a curry sauce base makes the dish creamy, sweet and give it a thicker consistency. The sweetness of the milk reduces the sharpness of spices and heat making the dish a little mild.

Does curry paste need coconut milk? ›

Coconut milk makes your life easier.

The first is to use it to thin out your curry paste so that it cooks evenly. I find that store bought curry pastes are very thick and dry and kind of roll around the pan in chunks when attempting to stir fry it.

What is the difference between Thai and Indian coconut curry? ›

Thai curries have a brighter flavor and soupier consistency, because they use lots of fresh herbs and are cooked for less time than Indian curries. It's worth your time stocking up on some of the unique ingredients — you can freeze herbs like lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves for multiple future uses.

Does curry use coconut milk or coconut cream? ›

Coconut milk and cream are mostly interchangeable in recipes such as curries and soups. If you prefer a richer flavour and texture, try coconut cream or vice versa. However, be careful when substituting coconut milk and cream in baked goods.

What is shakshuka sauce made of? ›

Shakshuka is a classic Middle Eastern recipe made from wholesome ingredients. This traditionally vegetarian dish has a rich, spicy tomato base that cooks into a thick sauce with a mixture of onions, bell peppers, and common Middle Eastern spices such as cumin, cayenne, and paprika.

What is the ethnicity of shakshuka? ›

Shakshuka is a staple of Tunisian, Libyan, Algerian, and Moroccan cuisines traditionally served up in a cast iron pan with bread to mop up the sauce (most important). It is also popular in Israel, where it was introduced by Tunisian Jews. These Sephardic Jews came from Spain, Portugal and the Middle East.

What country eats shakshuka? ›

Shakshuka is a simple dish made of gently poached eggs in a delicious chunky tomato and bell pepper sauce. Said to have originated in Tunisia, this breakfast recipe is popular in many parts of North Africa and the Middle East. It is so satisfying, you can serve it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

How do Thai restaurants make curry so creamy? ›

Often, Thai curries are made using coconut milk as the main liquid, which results in a creamy consistency. You can use as much or as little coconut milk as you wish based on your preference for texture, spice, and flavor.

At what stage do you add coconut milk to curry? ›

Once the spices and veg have cooked, add in the coconut milk and a couple cups of chicken stock. Turn the heat up so it comes to a boil and then lower to about medium heat and cook for 10-15 minutes. Just until it starts to thicken! I normally do 10 minutes, but if you like a really thick sauce, take it longer.

How do I add coconut milk to curry without curdling? ›

Stabilize with a Starch

Starches like flour or cornstarch help stabilize the milk emulsion. This will prevent it from separating. A common technique is to thicken your sauce or soup with roux before adding the milk. This changes the makeup of the liquid and prevents curdling.

Do you add curry paste or meat first? ›

Many cooks first brown the meat that will be used, before toasting the curry paste. The meat and vegetables should be cooked to completion in the spicy coconut milk.

What vegetables go in curry? ›

The curry base is made with onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, red chilli powder and garam masala. I prefer to go with potatoes, carrots, peas, green beans, cauliflower, corn and bell peppers. Though you can use other veggies like baby corn, sweet potato and broccoli, the curry will have different flavors.

What is the secret to good Thai curry? ›

The secret to making amazing Thai curries is to use plenty of aromatics, like onion, ginger and garlic. Choose full-fat coconut milk for its richness (you won't regret it!). Stirring in just a little bit of rice vinegar and sugar adds tons of complexity.

What is curry sauce made of? ›

Curry Sauce is a puree of sauteed and simmered masala made with onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, sometimes carrots and plenty of spices. Some times even the stalks of coriander is added. The method to make this is same everywhere but the vegetables used vary depending on the availability and season.

Does coconut curry taste like coconut? ›

Coconut Curry flavor

If you're wondering what coconut curry tastes like, it's a bit sweet but mostly savory with hints of spice from the red curry. Red curry is made from crushed red chilies, garlic, lemongrass, shallots, ginger and fish paste. We amp up those flavors with additional garlic, ginger, and onions.

Which curry usually has coconut as a main ingredient? ›

Seafood Thai Green Curry (Southeast Asia)

Thai curries are creamy, light and packed full of flavour – plus, most of them hero coconut milk as their core ingredient.

What is Thai coconut sauce made of? ›

To make this Thai coconut curry sauce recipe, you will need: Coconut milk: coconut milk and coconut oil are key ingredients to making this delicious curry. Wet ingredients: red curry paste will give this sauce its signature color and fiery flavor. Lime juice helps to neutralize the sweetness from the coconut.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Greg Kuvalis

Last Updated:

Views: 5770

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (55 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Greg Kuvalis

Birthday: 1996-12-20

Address: 53157 Trantow Inlet, Townemouth, FL 92564-0267

Phone: +68218650356656

Job: IT Representative

Hobby: Knitting, Amateur radio, Skiing, Running, Mountain biking, Slacklining, Electronics

Introduction: My name is Greg Kuvalis, I am a witty, spotless, beautiful, charming, delightful, thankful, beautiful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.