Description
Shakshuka for Two is a vibrant and flavorful Middle Eastern breakfast dish featuring poached eggs in a spiced tomato and bell pepper sauce. Perfect for a cozy brunch or light meal, this recipe combines sautéed onions, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and a touch of chili for warmth, topped with fresh herbs and optional cheese, served with crusty bread or pita for dipping.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 small yellow onion, diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices & Tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Eggs & Toppings
- 2–4 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- Optional: crumbled feta or goat cheese for topping
To Serve
- Crusty bread or pita
Instructions
- Heat Base Ingredients: Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper, and sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Spices and Garlic: Stir in minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute more until fragrant to build the aromatic base.
- Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, then season with salt and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly to a rich sauce consistency.
- Poach the Eggs: Using a spoon, create 2 to 4 small wells in the tomato sauce. Crack one egg into each well. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until the egg whites are set and yolks reach your preferred doneness.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, and add optional crumbled feta or goat cheese on top. Serve immediately with crusty bread or pita for dipping.
Notes
- You can easily double the recipe for more servings.
- For a richer tomato sauce, stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste with the spices.
- To make this dish dairy-free, omit the cheese topping.
