Are you wondering what to serve with shakshuka? You'll find some fantastic side dish ideas here as we explain how and why they are perfect for your main course.
Shakshuka is a dish from Maghreb, Africa, consisting of poached eggs in a sauce made from harissa, peppers, tomatoes, olive oil, onion, and garlic.
It commonly contains spices like cayenne pepper, cumin, and paprika.
While thinking about what to serve this rich and complex dish with, pita or some kind of bread will be the typical answer.
But you don't have to stop there, as we have many more ideas you can explore.
Why Consider Serving Side Dishes with Shakshuka?
As delicious as shakshuka is by itself, it lacks vegetables.
Therefore, while planning for a hearty dinner or lunch, you'd want to add more dishes on the side to make the meal more rounded.
There's nothing wrong with eating shakshuka on its own, but if you're up for it, you can elevate the dish and bring out its flavors more by adding side dishes.
The flavors of a traditional shakshuka are deep and rich because of the various spices used.
Therefore, it is essential to use side dishes that complement them.
What to Serve with Shakshuka? 10 BEST Side Dishes
You can find various side dishes to serve with shakshuka here.
Since they are easy to make and less time-consuming, you should be able to find the ideal option for your next dinner.
1. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Although considered best as a summer side dish, there's no lousy timing for serving grilled corn on the cob.
You can serve it as an alternative who don't really like to eat bread with shakshuka.
You can make corn in many ways, but grilling it on the cob intensifies the flavor and sweetness.
Make sure to add your favorite spices to season it.
As tasty as this dish is, you might want to keep the portions small as corn alone is filling.
It is high in fiber, so you'll definitely feel satiated after some bites.
2. Meatballs
Meatballs are enjoyed around the world.
There's not really anyone who doesn't love meatballs.
You can use beef, chicken, or any other type of meat for this dish.
Other ingredients include butter, eggs, onion, and seasoning.
Meatballs can be cooked by steaming, frying, braising, and baking.
This side dish is full of proteins, therefore, making the meal more substantial and satiating.
The meatballs' savoriness combines incredibly well with the rich shakshuka sauce.
You're bound to enjoy every bite of the meal when you have meatballs and shakshuka on the table.
3. Arugula Lemon Salad
Arugula Lemon salad is light but has the right amount of kick to make its presence known on the table.
It is incredibly easy to make and needs only a few staple ingredients like balsamic vinegar, olive oil, parmesan, pine nuts, and lemon zest.
You can also add mushrooms, tomatoes, nuts, avocados, seeds, fruits, and cooked bacon to make it more nutritious and complex.
Arugula lemon salad is refreshing, tangy, and perfect for serving beside shakshuka.
The lemon in the salad counters the sweetness of the rich tomato sauce.
Opt for this side dish if you want to serve something light and healthy.
4. Labneh
Labneh is a type of cheese made from strained yogurt.
Its texture is thick and spreadable, like cream cheese or goat cheese.
Labneh is a popular item in Meze platters in the Middle East, where spices and olive oil are used to season it.
Labneh makes a good side dish for shakshuka because of its ability to mellow out the main course's flavors.
Although you need only two items to make Labneh, advance preparation is necessary as this dish needs a day rest.
Serve Labneh to your guests to amaze them with your cooking knowledge and skills.
It isn't the most common dish served in households, but you can use Labneh if you want something unique.
5. Shepherd's Pie
Also called a cottage pie, this dish was originated in the UK.
It consists of mashed potato and minced meat baked together until golden brown.
Lamb or beef usually goes into a shepherd's pie, so you can use either of the two for your side dish.
While the potatoes make the meal more satisfying and filling, the vegetables and meat used in the dish allow you to enjoy a rounded meal.
Shakshuka and shepherd's pie are an excellent combination because their flavors complement each other.
Try making them this time for a hearty dinner.
6. Pickled Beet Hummus
This side dish might be one of the best-looking one on our list.
You don't have to worry about an excellent presentation when you serve pickled beet hummus with shakshuka.
Pickled beet hummus is a bright, creamy, sweet, and tangy paste-like dish that you can serve as an entrée or a side dish for shakshuka.
Its vibrant pink hue will pop among other dishes and make your menu look stunning.
7. Grilled Onions and Zucchini
You can enjoy summer's freshness even on a cold day with grilled onions and zucchini.
These vegetables' savory taste goes perfectly well with the ingredients of shakshuka.
For making this, you'll need only a few pantry-friendly ingredients like olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, and mint.
Grilled onions and zucchini are healthy and refreshing.
Sprinkle some freshly shaved Parmesan cheese on top for an even tastier side dish.
Serve at room temperature for the best taste.
Tip- Cut the zucchini into larger pieces to prevent overcooking.
8. Roasted Potatoes with Dill
If you want to ensure that you serve a meal that satisfies hunger, roasted potatoes will be one of the best options on this list.
Suitable for any time of the day, roasted potatoes with dill have flavors that dance with those of shakshuka.
You can cut the potatoes into wedges or cubes and bake them till they are crispy.
Though this vegetable usually works best as a side dish for lamb or steak, it tastes lovely with shakshuka, too.
Pairing roasted potatoes with dill and shakshuka let you enjoy the flavors to their full potential.
Besides dill, you can also use other seasonings for the potatoes.
9. Baked Feta Cheese and Olives
You can create a beautiful and impressive side dish using just two to three main ingredients.
Try making baked feta cheese and olives and serve with crostinis.
The olives and cheese's salty and creamy flavors balance the sweetness of your main dish.
It is enjoyable to consume them too.
Place some crostini slices on the side of the plate to dip into the feta.
10. Fresh Homemade Bread
When nothing else seems to work, know that you have a safety net with bread.
Even better if you can bake a fresh one at home.
There's nothing more satisfying than enjoying fresh homemade bread with your favorite main course.
You can serve shakshuka with bread to turn your dinner into an epic meal.
Shakshuka is usually served with challah or pita bread.
However, any type will work perfectly well.
The fluffiness and warmth of the bread make it a great side dish to dip into the shakshuka sauce.
Bread lacks a strong flavor.
Therefore, they are an excellent accompaniment to complement and enhance the shakshuka's flavors.
