Description
A classic Middle Eastern breakfast dish featuring poached eggs simmered in a spiced tomato and bell pepper sauce. This shakshuka recipe is flavorful, nutritious, and perfect for a comforting morning meal, garnished with fresh herbs and optional crumbled feta.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Spices
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Main Ingredients
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 6 large eggs
Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro
- Crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper and sauté for about 5–7 minutes, until the vegetables soften.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add the ground cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the vegetables with the spices.
- Simmer Tomato Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat and let it gently simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Poach the Eggs: Create 6 small wells in the tomato sauce and carefully crack one egg into each well. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but the yolks remain runny. Cook longer if you prefer firmer yolks.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top if desired. Serve immediately with crusty bread or warm pita.
Notes
- For a spicier shakshuka, add red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño along with the bell pepper during the sauté step.
- You can prepare the tomato sauce base ahead of time and crack the eggs in just before serving for convenience.
- Adjust cooking times to achieve your preferred egg doneness – less time for runny yolk, longer for fully set eggs.
- Serve with crusty bread or pita to soak up the flavorful sauce.
