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Flavorful Shakshuka Recipe Easy Poached Eggs in Spicy Tomato Sauce

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A warm, vibrant, and slightly spicy Middle Eastern breakfast dish featuring poached eggs in a rich, spicy tomato sauce. Perfect for a comforting and wholesome meal any time of day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium red or yellow bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes or whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder or cayenne (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • A handful fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped for garnish
  • Optional: crumbled feta cheese or dollops of Greek yogurt for creaminess

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat until shimmering, about 1-2 minutes.
  2. Add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder or cayenne. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in the tomato paste. Season with salt and black pepper (start with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper). Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes until slightly thickened and fragrant.
  5. Using the back of a spoon, create four small wells in the sauce. Crack each egg into a small bowl, then carefully slide each egg into a well.
  6. Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce heat to low, and cook the eggs in the sauce for 6-8 minutes, depending on desired yolk consistency.
  7. Remove from heat. Sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro over the top. Add crumbled feta or Greek yogurt if desired.
  8. Serve directly from the skillet with warm crusty bread to mop up the sauce.

Notes

Use fresh, room temperature eggs for best poaching results. If sauce is too watery, increase heat slightly and stir frequently to reduce. Cracking eggs into a bowl before adding to sauce helps avoid shell bits and broken yolks. Keep heat low when poaching eggs and cover skillet to steam gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: shakshuka, poached eggs, spicy tomato sauce, Middle Eastern breakfast, easy brunch recipe, healthy, gluten-free