Shakshuka Poached Eggs in Spiced Tomato Sauce (Print Version)

Eggs poached in spiced tomato sauce with peppers, onions, and aromatic Middle Eastern spices.

# Components:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 large onion, diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
06 - 1 small chili pepper, finely chopped

→ Spices

07 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
08 - 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
09 - 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
10 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
11 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Eggs

12 - 4 large eggs

→ Garnish

13 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
14 - 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat until shimmering.
02 - Add diced onion and bell pepper; cook for 5–7 minutes until softened and translucent.
03 - Stir in minced garlic and finely chopped chili pepper; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add crushed tomatoes, ground cumin, sweet paprika, ground coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine all spices.
05 - Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to a stew-like consistency.
06 - Using the back of a spoon, create 4 shallow wells in the sauce. Crack one egg into each well without breaking the yolks.
07 - Cover the pan and cook for 6–8 minutes, or until egg whites are fully set but yolks remain runny. Extend cooking time for firmer yolks.
08 - Remove from heat immediately. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro and crumbled feta cheese over the top.
09 - Serve hot directly from the pan, accompanied by crusty bread or warm pita for dipping into the sauce.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one pan, so you spend more time eating and less time washing up
  • The runny yolks create their own creamy sauce when you break them into the spiced tomatoes
  • Its equally perfect for lazy weekend breakfasts or quick weeknight dinners
02 -
  • Make your wells too shallow and eggs might spread, so dig proper little nests in the sauce
  • Resist the urge to crank up the heat or the bottom will scorch before eggs cook through
03 -
  • Roast your bell pepper first for an even sweeter, deeper flavor profile
  • A splash of sherry vinegar added at the end cuts through the richness beautifully
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