Shakshuka with Poached Eggs in Spicy Tomato Sauce

Shakshuka with Poached Eggs in Spicy Tomato Sauce is a beloved Middle Eastern and North African dish known for its bold flavors, comforting warmth, and rustic simplicity. At its heart, shakshuka is a rich, slow-simmered tomato sauce infused with onions, garlic, peppers, and aromatic spices, with eggs gently poached right in the sauce until the whites are just set and the yolks remain beautifully runny.

This dish is a celebration of humble ingredients transformed into something deeply satisfying. Traditionally enjoyed for breakfast or brunch, shakshuka is just as perfect for lunch or dinner. Served straight from the pan with warm bread for dipping, it’s a communal, cozy meal that feels both nourishing and indulgent.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s comforting, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. The spicy tomato sauce is rich and fragrant, while the poached eggs add creaminess and protein. It’s a one-pan meal that’s easy to prepare, yet feels special and restaurant-worthy every time.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• Bold, warming spices and rich tomato flavor
• One-pan, easy-to-make recipe
• Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner
• Naturally vegetarian and gluten-free
• Ideal for sharing with family or friends

Preparation Time, Cooking Time & Servings

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: 40–45 minutes
• Servings: 4

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 300–350 kcal
• Course: Breakfast / Brunch / Main Course
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern / North African

Ingredients

For the Shakshuka Sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon chili powder or cayenne (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander (optional)
• 1 can (400 g / 14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Eggs

• 6–8 large eggs

For Garnish (Optional)

• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Chili flakes

Cooking Directions

1. Sauté vegetables and spices.
2. Simmer tomato sauce until thick and flavorful.
3. Poach eggs directly in the sauce.
4. Garnish and serve hot.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Heat the Oil:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet or shallow pan over medium heat.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   Add chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes until soft and translucent.
3. Add Garlic and Spices:
   Stir in garlic, cumin, paprika, chili powder, and coriander. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add Tomatoes:
   Pour in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Season with salt and pepper. Stir well.
5. Simmer the Sauce:
   Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and flavors develop.
6. Create Wells for Eggs:
   Use a spoon to make small wells in the sauce.
7. Poach the Eggs:
   Crack an egg into each well. Cover the pan and cook for 5–8 minutes, until egg whites are set but yolks remain runny.
8. Garnish:
   Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh herbs, feta, or chili flakes if desired.

How to Serve

• Serve hot directly from the pan.
• Pair with crusty bread, pita, or flatbread for dipping.
• Serve alongside a simple cucumber or green salad for balance.

Recipe Tips

• Use ripe or high-quality canned tomatoes for best flavor.
• Adjust spice levels to your taste.
• Cover the pan while cooking eggs for even cooking.
• Don’t overcook the eggs—runny yolks are traditional.

Variations

Green Shakshuka

Replace tomatoes with spinach, kale, and herbs.

Cheesy Shakshuka

Add mozzarella or extra feta for a richer dish.

Meaty Shakshuka

Add cooked sausage or ground lamb to the sauce.

Extra Spicy Shakshuka

Add harissa paste or fresh chilies.

Vegan Shakshuka

Skip eggs and add chickpeas or tofu cubes.

Freezing and Storage Time

Refrigerator

• Store leftover sauce (without eggs) in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

• Tomato sauce freezes well for up to 2 months.
• Add eggs fresh when reheating.

Reheating

• Reheat sauce gently on the stove, then add eggs and cook fresh.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or shallow pan with lid
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board

Conclusion

Shakshuka with Poached Eggs in Spicy Tomato Sauce is a comforting, flavorful, and deeply satisfying dish that brings people together around the table. With its rich tomato base, warming spices, and perfectly poached eggs, it’s a recipe that feels both rustic and special. Easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and perfect for any time of day, shakshuka is truly a must-try classic.