Here’s a flavorful and easy Shakshuka recipe! This North African and Middle Eastern dish features poached eggs in a spiced tomato and pepper sauce. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 can (14 oz/400g) crushed tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes, diced)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) water or vegetable broth
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 4-6 large eggs
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
- Feta cheese (crumbled, optional, for topping)
- Crusty bread or pita (for serving)
Instructions
1. Cook the Vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add Spices and Tomatoes
- Add the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir to coat the vegetables in the spices.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and water (or broth). Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
3. Poach the Eggs
- Use a spoon to create small wells in the sauce. Crack an egg into each well.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 5-8 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still runny. Adjust the cooking time depending on how you like your eggs.
4. Garnish and Serve
- Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro and crumbled feta cheese (if using).
- Serve hot with crusty bread or pita for dipping.
Tips
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of harissa paste or a dash of hot sauce to the tomato sauce.
- Customize with additional veggies like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend it briefly with an immersion blender before adding the eggs.
Enjoy your Shakshuka! 🍳🍅✨
