Savor the Season: Hearty Pumpkin Shakshuka for Cozy Fall Days

Autumnal Pumpkin Shakshuka

Introduction

Autumnal Pumpkin Shakshuka is a vibrant, hearty dish that brings together the classic North African–inspired shakshuka with the cozy, earthy flavors of fall. Adding pumpkin not only enhances the shakshuka’s signature saucy richness, but also layers in a subtle sweetness and creamy texture. This one-pan meal bursts with flavor and color, making it a perfect addition to your autumn recipe collection—ideal for brunch, lunch, or a quick, comforting dinner.

Why Make This Autumnal Pumpkin Shakshuka?

This shakshuka offers a delicious twist on tradition by infusing the piquant tomato-pepper base with velvety pumpkin puree. The combination is both familiar and unique—a chorus of warm spices, sweet pumpkin, and gently poached eggs. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to cook and serve straight from the skillet, great for impressing guests or making an ordinary weeknight feel special.

Creating a Flavorful Pumpkin-Tomato Sauce

Begin by sautéing onions, garlic, and sweet red peppers until soft and aromatic. Stir in pumpkin puree, diced tomatoes, and a bold blend of cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, and a hint of chili for gentle heat. This spiced base simmers into a thick, luscious sauce—the perfect cushion for poached eggs—and invites personal touches like fresh herbs or crumbled feta.

Poaching Eggs for Perfect Shakshuka

Once your sauce is simmering, make little wells with a spoon and gently crack the eggs into each pocket. Cover the pan, letting the eggs poach until the whites are set but the yolks remain runny and golden. For extra fall flair, you can sprinkle the eggs with pumpkin seeds or chopped herbs before serving.

Serving Suggestions for Autumnal Pumpkin Shakshuka

Serve your shakshuka straight from the skillet, garnished with fresh parsley, cilantro, or crumbled feta. A side of crusty bread or warm pita is perfect for scooping up the savory sauce and silky eggs. For a heartier meal or weekend brunch, pair with roasted potatoes or a crisp seasonal salad.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 4 hearty servings. A typical portion contains approximately 260–280 calories, featuring plenty of protein, vitamin A, and fiber thanks to the pumpkin and vegetables. It’s satisfying, wholesome comfort food with all the best flavors of fall!

Autumnal Pumpkin Shakshuka (Recap)

Warm, nourishing, and brimming with autumn colors, this Pumpkin Shakshuka delivers a flavorful update to a beloved classic. Its inviting spice and natural sweetness make any meal feel festive—whether you’re feeding a group or savoring leftovers for lunch.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4–1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
3/4 teaspoon sea salt, more to taste
Freshly ground black pepper
4–6 large eggs
Fresh herbs, crumbled feta, and/or toasted pumpkin seeds for serving

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and streamlined meal planning.

CookifyAI meal planning interface

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
  2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in pumpkin puree, diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato paste, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, chili flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
  4. Bring to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Use a spoon to make 4–6 wells in the sauce. Crack an egg into each well.
  6. Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 6–8 minutes or until eggs are just set to your liking.
  7. Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh herbs, feta, and pumpkin seeds as desired. Serve immediately with bread or pita.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Autumnal Pumpkin Shakshuka holds up well for meal prep, making it an excellent option for planning brunches or easy dinners. Save and schedule this recipe with CookifyAI for effortless meal planning—quickly generate a master shopping list that merges ingredients across all your weekly recipes.

Planning Benefits:

  • Calculates total ingredient quantities needed for your week
  • Sorts shopping lists by grocery section so you never double back
  • Prevents forgotten ingredients and reduces food waste
  • Streamlines meal prep with all your recipes in one place

Pro tip: When scheduling multiple recipes in CookifyAI, the app cross-checks all ingredients—so if you use eggs or tomato paste in another meal, your shopping list will adjust the total amount needed. No more mental math at the store!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

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