Shakshuka with Spicy Tomato Sauce (Print Version)

Eggs poached in a rich, spiced tomato sauce with bell peppers and onions. Perfect for dipping with warm bread.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
02 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
03 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
04 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
06 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced

→ Pantry

07 - 2 tbsp olive oil
08 - 2 tbsp tomato paste

→ Spices

09 - 1 tsp ground cumin
10 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
11 - ½ tsp ground coriander
12 - ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Eggs

14 - 6 large eggs

→ Garnish

15 - ¼ cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
16 - ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese

→ To Serve

17 - 1 loaf crusty bread or pita

# How-To Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell peppers. Sauté for 5–6 minutes, until softened.
02 - Stir in garlic and jalapeño; cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
03 - Add tomato paste, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, and cayenne. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
04 - Pour in diced tomatoes with their juices. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens.
05 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
06 - Make 6 wells in the sauce with a spoon. Crack an egg into each well.
07 - Cover skillet and cook for 6–8 minutes, until egg whites are set but yolks are still runny (or longer if firmer eggs are desired).
08 - Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh herbs and feta, if using. Serve immediately with warm crusty bread or pita for dipping.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one pan, leaving you with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor
  • The runny yolks create a rich, creamy sauce when you break them into the spiced tomatoes
  • It looks impressive but comes together in under 40 minutes, even on a lazy weekend
02 -
  • Resist the urge to stir once you've added the eggs, or you'll break the yolks and end up with a mess
  • The eggs continue cooking after you remove the pan from heat, so pull them slightly earlier than you think
  • Covering the pan is non-negotiable for setting the whites without overcooking the yolks
03 -
  • Use a skillet with a lid that actually fits, otherwise your eggs won't cook evenly
  • Crack each egg into a small bowl first, then slide it into the sauce to avoid shell fragments
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