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Flavorful Shakshuka Recipe Easy Poached Eggs in Spiced Tomato Sauce

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A cozy and flavorful shakshuka with perfectly poached eggs nestled in a spiced tomato sauce, ready in about 30 minutes. This dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner and features a smoky, gently spicy tomato base.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes or whole peeled, crushed by hand
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt to taste (start with 1 teaspoon)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 4 large eggs (room temperature)
  • Handful of fresh parsley or cilantro, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet until shimmering but not smoking, about 3 minutes.
  2. Add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 6-8 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not burnt.
  4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the tomato paste. Stir to combine, then season with salt and black pepper. Let simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and deepens in color.
  5. Using the back of a spoon, make 4 small indentations in the sauce to create wells for the eggs.
  6. Crack each egg into a small bowl, then gently slide it into a well in the sauce. Cover the pan with a lid and reduce heat to low. Cook for 6-8 minutes, depending on desired yolk consistency.
  7. Once eggs are cooked to your liking, remove from heat. Sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro and optional crumbled feta over the top.
  8. Serve immediately with crusty bread or pita to scoop up the sauce and eggs.

Notes

If the sauce thickens too much before adding the eggs, add a splash of water to loosen it. Use gentle heat to poach the eggs perfectly without rubbery whites. Cracking eggs into a bowl first helps avoid broken yolks. Fresh spices and medium-low heat are key for best flavor and texture.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://dahliadishes.com/flavorful-shakshuka-recipe-easy-poached-eggs-in-spiced-tomato-sauce/