Egyptian Shakshuka
A vibrant and flavorful Egyptian breakfast or brunch dish featuring eggs gently poached in a rich, spiced tomato and pepper sauce. Perfect for a hearty start to the day or a light dinner, especially when served with crusty bread for dipping.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 medium Onion
- 1 medium Bell pepper
- 3 cloves Garlic
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 0.25 tsp Cayenne pepper
- 500 g Crushed tomatoes
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
- 6 Eggs
- 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro or parsley
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat (approx. 190°C / 375°F if using an oven later). Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 8-10 minutes. The vegetables should be tender but not browned.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the skillet. Cook for about 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
⏱️ 1 minute - 3
Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Season with salt and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 4
Using a spoon, create 6 small wells in the simmering tomato sauce. Carefully crack one egg into each well, ensuring the yolks remain intact.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 5
Cover the skillet again and continue to cook on low heat for 5-8 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still runny. Alternatively, for more evenly cooked whites, you can transfer the oven-safe skillet to a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) for 5-7 minutes.
⏱️ 5-8 minutes - 6
Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley, if desired. Serve immediately, directly from the skillet, with crusty bread or pita for dipping into the delicious sauce and runny yolks.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Serve hot, straight from the pan.
- ✓Crusty bread or pita is essential for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
- ✓This dish is fantastic for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner.
- ✓Adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
🔄 Variations
- Add crumbled feta cheese over the top before serving.
- Stir in a tablespoon of harissa paste with the tomatoes for a spicy kick.
- Incorporate cooked chickpeas or crumbled merguez sausage for a heartier meal.