Roasted Eggplant & Chickpea Shakshuka

Roasted Eggplant & Chickpea Shakshuka

Mia

This Mediterranean-inspired shakshuka takes the beloved North African and Middle Eastern breakfast dish and transforms it into a hearty, satisfying dinner. By adding roasted eggplant and protein-rich chickpeas to the traditional spiced tomato sauce, we've created a more substantial meal that honors the dish's origins while making it perfect for evening dining.

The magic begins with cubed eggplant roasted until golden and tender, developing a smoky sweetness that pairs beautifully with the aromatic tomato sauce. Chickpeas add satisfying texture and plant-based protein, making this a complete meal that aligns perfectly with Mediterranean Diet principles. The sauce itself is a fragrant blend of cumin, paprika, and garlic, simmered with tomatoes until rich and deeply flavored.

What makes this shakshuka truly special is its one-skillet simplicity and the dramatic presentation of eggs nestled into wells in the sauce, their yolks remaining gloriously runny to mix with the other components. Each bite offers layers of flavor: the silky eggplant, hearty chickpeas, spiced tomato sauce, and rich egg yolk all working together in perfect harmony.

This dish embodies the Mediterranean Diet's emphasis on vegetables, legumes, olive oil, and moderate amounts of eggs, while being naturally gluten-free and vegetarian. It's the kind of meal that feels special enough for guests yet simple enough for a weeknight, and it's even better when served with crusty whole grain bread for dipping into that luscious sauce.

Nutrition

45 minutes
None servings
385 calories
Fat 18.00g
Carbs 38.00g
Protein 18.00g

Ingredients

1 mediumeggplant, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
4 tbspolive oil, divided
1 tspsalt, divided
1/2 tspblack pepper, divided
1 mediumyellow onion, diced
1 largered bell pepper, diced
4 clovesgarlic, minced
1 tspground cumin
1 tspsmoked paprika
1/4 tspcrushed red pepper flakes (optional)
28 ozcanned crushed tomatoes
15 ozchickpeas, drained and rinsed
6 Nonelarge eggs
1/4 cupfresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cupfeta cheese, crumbled (optional)

Equipment

Wooden spoon
Cutting board
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
measuring spoons
aluminum foil
chef's knife
can opener
large oven-safe skillet with lid

16:8 Diet

This nutrient-dense shakshuka is ideal for the 16:8 eating window, providing sustained energy from protein-rich eggs and chickpeas, fiber from vegetables and legumes, and healthy fats from olive oil. The balanced macronutrients help maintain satiety and stable blood sugar throughout the fasting period.

80/20 Diet

This recipe is predominantly composed of nutrient-dense whole foods including vegetables, legumes, eggs, and olive oil (well over 80%), with only the small amount of feta cheese being slightly more indulgent. The dish emphasizes anti-inflammatory, fiber-rich ingredients that support overall health.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

This shakshuka is packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients including olive oil, colorful vegetables, garlic, and anti-inflammatory spices like cumin and paprika. The recipe avoids processed foods and refined ingredients while emphasizing whole foods rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients.

Clean Eating

This recipe exemplifies clean eating with whole, minimally processed ingredients including fresh vegetables, canned tomatoes (minimally processed), dried chickpeas, eggs, and olive oil. Every ingredient is recognizable in its natural form with no artificial additives, preservatives, or refined ingredients.

Diabetic Diet

This shakshuka is diabetic-friendly with low-glycemic vegetables, protein from eggs and chickpeas for blood sugar stability, and healthy fats from olive oil. The high fiber content from vegetables and legumes helps slow glucose absorption, while the recipe avoids refined sugars and processed ingredients.

Flexitarian Diet

This recipe is primarily plant-based, featuring vegetables (eggplant, peppers, tomatoes) and legumes (chickpeas) as the foundation, with eggs and a small amount of feta cheese as supporting ingredients. It emphasizes whole, minimally processed foods and showcases how satisfying plant-forward eating can be.

Gluten-Free Diet

This shakshuka is naturally gluten-free, made entirely with whole vegetables, legumes, eggs, and spices without any wheat, barley, or rye products. All ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and delicious option for those avoiding gluten.

Heart-Healthy Diet

This recipe is heart-healthy with olive oil as the primary fat source, abundant vegetables rich in fiber and antioxidants, and protein from eggs and chickpeas. The dish is naturally low in saturated fat, avoids processed ingredients, and features Mediterranean ingredients known to support cardiovascular health.

Intermittent Fasting

This nutrient-dense shakshuka is ideal for eating windows during intermittent fasting, providing sustained energy from protein-rich eggs and chickpeas, complex carbohydrates from vegetables and legumes, and healthy fats from olive oil. The combination of fiber, protein, and healthy fats promotes satiety throughout fasting periods.

Intuitive Eating

This shakshuka is perfect for intuitive eating as it offers a satisfying, balanced meal that honors both nutrition and pleasure. The dish combines protein, healthy fats, fiber, and flavorful spices to create a nourishing meal that satisfies hunger and provides genuine enjoyment without restriction or guilt.

Mayo Clinic Diet

This shakshuka aligns with Mayo Clinic Diet principles by emphasizing abundant vegetables, legumes for plant-based protein, whole food ingredients, and healthy fats from olive oil. The recipe avoids processed foods and added sugars while providing a nutrient-dense, satisfying meal with appropriate portions.

Mediterranean Diet

This shakshuka is a quintessential Mediterranean dish that emphasizes olive oil, vegetables, legumes (chickpeas), and eggs in moderation. The recipe avoids processed foods and red meat while featuring heart-healthy ingredients like eggplant, bell peppers, tomatoes, and extra virgin olive oil, perfectly aligning with Mediterranean Diet principles.

MIND Diet

This recipe supports brain health by featuring MIND Diet staples including olive oil, vegetables, beans (chickpeas), and herbs. The dish avoids butter, red meat, and processed ingredients while emphasizing nutrient-dense, antioxidant-rich whole foods that support cognitive function.

Mindful Eating

This shakshuka engages multiple senses with vibrant colors from roasted eggplant and red peppers, aromatic spices, varied textures from tender vegetables and creamy egg yolks, and complex flavors. The whole, minimally processed ingredients and one-skillet preparation encourage slow, conscious consumption and sensory appreciation.

Vegetarian Diet

This vegetarian shakshuka provides complete protein from eggs and chickpeas while featuring abundant vegetables like eggplant, bell peppers, and tomatoes. The dish offers balanced nutrition with plant-based protein, fiber, and healthy fats from olive oil, making it a satisfying meat-free meal.

Weight Watchers

This recipe follows Weight Watchers principles by emphasizing lean protein from eggs, fiber-rich chickpeas and vegetables, and using minimal added fats. The dish is nutrient-dense and satisfying while being naturally lower in calories, with the feta cheese used sparingly as a flavorful accent.

Instructions

1

Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2 min
2

Toss the cubed eggplant with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper on the prepared baking sheet, spreading in a single layer.

2 min
3

Roast the eggplant for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and tender.

25 min
4

While the eggplant roasts, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.

1 min
5
7 min

Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 6-7 minutes.

6
1 min

Add the minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute.

7

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir to combine.

8
10 min

Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

9

Stir in the drained chickpeas and roasted eggplant, mixing gently to combine everything evenly.

1 min
10

Using the back of a spoon, create 6 wells in the sauce and carefully crack an egg into each well.

1 min
11
10 min

Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and cook on the stovetop over medium-low heat for 8-10 minutes, until the egg whites are set but yolks are still runny.

12

Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley and crumbled feta cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

1 min

Frequently Asked Questions