A Masaledar Marriage of Indian & Middle Eastern Comfort Food.
When I first had shakshuka, I was charmed by its plainness — eggs cooked in a deep tomato-pepper sauce, straight out of the pan. It was so reminiscent of the anda curry I had eaten as a child that I decided to play around with leftover paneer bhurji and some chunky tomato gravy one afternoon in the kitchen. And that is when magic occurred. The outcome? This beautiful Paneer Bhurji Shakshuka — an integration of Middle Eastern heartiness and Indian pizzazz.
It’s the type of breakfast (or brunch!) that’s like a big hug — spicy, comforting, cheesy, and high in protein. Vegetarian or just a paneer fanatic, this recipe is your one-skillet solution to instant gratification.
Ingredients
For the Masala Sauce:
- 2 tbsp oil or ghee
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
- 1-inch ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp tomato puree (for extra tomato flavor and color)
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- ½ tsp garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander, chopped (for garnish)
For the Paneer Bhurji:
- 2 tbsp oil or ghee
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
- 1-inch ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp tomato puree (for extra tomato flavor and color)
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- ½ tsp garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tsp oil
- 1 cup paneer crumbled
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp red chili powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped coriander
- 1 tbsp milk or cream (optional, to make it richer)
For the Shakshuka Finish:
- 2–3 eggs
- 2 tbsp paneer crumbled or cheese grated (for topping)
- Chopped coriander or parsley for garnish
- Toasted bread or rotis to serve
Method
Step 1: Prepare the Masala Base
– Heat oil in a pan or frying pan. Put cumin seeds and let them crackle.
– Put chopped onions, green chilies, ginger, and garlic. Sauté until golden.
– Add tomatoes and sauté until soft and mushy. Add a splash of water if necessary.
– Mix all dry spices — turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt.
– Simmer until oil begins to separate. Keep the masala thick and saucy.
Step 2: Prepare the Paneer Bhurji
– In a different pan, heat oil. Put in crumbled paneer, turmeric, chili powder, and salt.
– Cook for 3–4 minutes until properly mixed. Add milk or cream to soften as desired.
– Mix in chopped coriander and remove from heat.
Step 3: Prepare the Shakshuka
– Place the prepared paneer bhurji into the tomato base and fold in gently.
– Make small wells with a spoon. Place eggs into each well (optional).
– Cover and cook on low heat for 6–8 minutes until eggs are just set.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
– Garnish with coriander or parsley leaves. Serve hot with crusty bread, buttered toast, or warm parathas
Serving Tips
– Add sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrients.
– Serve with spiced yogurt or mint chutney for an added tang.
– For a vegan option, replace paneer with tofu and omit eggs.
A Fusion Worth Savoring
Paneer Bhurji Shakshuka is the ultimate demonstration of how culinary boundaries can harmoniously blur. With the depth of Indian spice and the warm, soul-satisfying construction of shakshuka, the dish takes the best of both worlds to your breakfast plate — or, frankly, to any plate, any time of day. It’s comforting, protein-rich, and infinitely versatile. Whether you’re serving brunch or simply feel like having something warm and homemade, this skillet magic will definitely take center stage.
So go ahead — break an egg, crumble that paneer, and let the magic simmer.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This recipe is a fusion creation and not a traditional representation of either shakshuka or paneer bhurji. Cooking times may vary based on your stove and ingredients. Always adjust spices and salt according to taste and dietary preferences. If you’re vegan or allergic to dairy/eggs, please use suitable alternatives like tofu or dairy-free cheese.