Description
Shakshuka for Two is a delicious, easy-to-make Middle Eastern and North African breakfast or brunch dish featuring poached eggs in a flavorful, spiced tomato and bell pepper sauce. This vegetarian recipe is perfect for a cozy meal and pairs beautifully with crusty bread.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Main Ingredients
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
To Serve
- Crusty bread for serving
Instructions
- Heat the oil and sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and diced red bell pepper, sautéing for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add spices and garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for another 30 seconds until the spices are fragrant.
- Add tomatoes and simmer: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices, season with salt and black pepper, and allow the sauce to simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Create wells and add eggs: Make two small wells in the thickened tomato sauce and gently crack an egg into each well.
- Cook eggs: Cover the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until the egg whites are set but the yolks remain slightly runny.
- Finish and garnish: Remove the skillet from the heat, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley or cilantro over the eggs and sauce.
- Serve: Serve immediately with warm crusty bread for dipping and enjoying the rich tomato and egg sauce.
Notes
- Substitute canned tomatoes with fresh tomatoes when in season for a fresher taste.
- Adjust the heat by increasing or omitting the crushed red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.
- For added heartiness, try adding sautéed spinach or cooked chorizo before cracking the eggs into the sauce.
