Quick Shakshuka Eggs (Printable)
Poached eggs nestled in spiced tomato sauce with peppers and aromatic seasonings.
# What You Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
02 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
05 - 1 small fresh tomato, chopped
→ Spices & Seasonings
06 - 2 tbsp olive oil
07 - 1 tsp ground cumin
08 - 1 tsp sweet paprika
09 - 1/2 tsp ground coriander
10 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
11 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Eggs
12 - 4 large eggs
→ Garnishes
13 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
14 - Crumbled feta cheese
15 - Warm crusty bread or pita
# Steps:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add cumin, paprika, coriander, and cayenne pepper. Stir for 30 seconds to toast the spices and release their oils.
04 - Pour in canned and fresh tomatoes. Season with salt and black pepper. Simmer uncovered for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly.
05 - Using the back of a spoon, make 4 small wells in the sauce. Crack an egg into each well, taking care not to break the yolks.
06 - Cover skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until whites are set but yolks remain runny. Adjust time for firmer yolks as desired.
07 - Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and crumbled feta if using. Serve immediately with warm bread for dipping.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- It comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like something that simmered all afternoon
- The runny yolks create their own rich sauce when you break them into the spiced tomatoes
- Its equally perfect for a lazy Sunday brunch or a quick weeknight dinner
02 -
- The sauce consistency matters, if its too thin the eggs wont poach properly and will end up boiled instead
- Room temperature eggs wont shock the sauce and are less likely to spread into an unappealing white cloud
- Practice makes perfect with the egg wells, my first attempts looked like a science experiment gone wrong
03 -
- A pinch of smoked paprika or harissa paste transforms this into something entirely next level
- Leftovers actually reheat surprisingly well in the microwave, though the yolks wont be runny anymore