Ingredients
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small white onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 (28-ounce) can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
- ½ teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Eggs and Garnish
- 6 large eggs
- ¼ cup fresh parsley or cilantro leaves
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
To Serve
- Pita bread
Instructions
- Heat the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large lidded skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper, cooking for 5 to 8 minutes until softened and tender.
- Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, and optional cayenne pepper. Cook while stirring for about 30 seconds until the mixture becomes fragrant.
- Simmer the Tomato Sauce: Pour in the fire-roasted crushed tomatoes, add ½ teaspoon sea salt, and several grinds of freshly ground black pepper. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 15 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens.
- Poach the Eggs: Using a spoon, make six small wells evenly spaced in the thickened sauce. Crack one egg into each well. Cover the skillet and cook for 4 to 8 minutes, depending on preferred egg doneness—less time for runny yolks, more for firmer.
- Finish and Garnish: Season the eggs and sauce with additional salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle the dish with fresh parsley or cilantro leaves and crumbled feta cheese for a burst of flavor and creaminess.
- Serve: Serve the Shakshuka hot straight from the skillet with warm pita bread on the side to scoop up the delicious sauce and eggs.
Notes
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to taste if you prefer a milder or spicier flavor.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro based on your preference; both complement the dish well.
- To make this dish vegan, omit the eggs and feta and add chickpeas or tofu instead.
- Fire-roasted tomatoes add a smoky depth, but regular crushed tomatoes can be used if unavailable.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the eggs at their best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegetarian
