My family has been making Eggs Poached in Spicy Tomato Sauce, or Shakshouka, for as long as I can remember. We just called it eggs in tomato sauce. But according to a cookbook about Jerusalem cuisine, the name is derived from the Hebrew verb leshakshek, “to shake”, also meaning “a mixture”. And what a mixture this is! Usually, I just poach the eggs in seasoned tomato sauce simmered with sautéed garlic, but for this rendition I bumped up the sauce for a bit more heat and texture, adhering closely to the traditional Shakshouka recipe.
Chunky diced tomatoes and vegetables makes this dish hearty and robust. And the cumin, chili powder and paprika make it earthy and smoky.
The eggs are typically cooked over-easy, but go crazy and make them to your personal preference! Cook them to your liking and if a few guests at the table want them over-medium or hard, just add them sooner than the rest.
MY LATEST VIDEOSWhat a great meal for any time of the day. This is also good served with toast or homemade hash brown potatoes to soak up the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium red bell pepper chopped
- 2 cans or boxed 14 oz. each diced tomatoes, undrained or 4 cups ripe diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Pinch of cayenne pepper more or less to taste
- Pinch of sugar optional, to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 5-6 eggs
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley optional, for garnish
- Heat olive oil in a large, heavy bottomed skillet over medium heat. Cast iron works well.
- Add chopped onion, sauté for a few minutes until the onion begins to soften. Add garlic and continue to sauté till mixture is fragrant.
- Add the bell pepper, sauté for 5-7 minutes over medium until softened.
- Add tomatoes and tomato paste to pan, stir till blended.
- Add chili powder, cumin and paprika. Add cayenne and sugar if desired and allow mixture to simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, until sauce starts to reduce and thicken.
- Taste to see if you want to add more sugar or cayenne pepper for your taste.
- Crack the eggs, one at a time, directly over the tomato mixture, making sure to space them evenly over the sauce. I usually place 4-5 eggs around the outer edge and 1 in the center. The eggs will cook "over easy" style on top of the tomato sauce.
- Cover the pan. Allow mixture to simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked and the sauce has slightly reduced. Keep an eye on the skillet to make sure that the sauce doesn't reduce too much, which can lead to burning.
- Some people prefer their eggs more runny. If this is your preference, let the sauce reduce for a few minutes before cracking the eggs on top-- then, cover the pan and cook the eggs to taste.
- Garnish with the chopped parsley, if desired.
Recipe adapted from Good Dinner Mom’s kitchen and Shiksa in the Kitchen.
My all time favorite! My husband (whom doesn’t like ketchup on scrambled eggs) loved this dish! he went back for seconds.
Thanks Sally for Sharing!
This is my go-to breakfast after a workout. Thanks for posting
My mouth is watering….
It’s Friday night and the work week was a long, tiring one. Even though there was not much energy left to make a time consuming meal, I wanted to make a nutritious one. This wonderful recipe was not only nutritious, but it was also delicious! I made it exactly as printed but added some fresh spinach and mushrooms in the frig that needed used. I’m definitely “feeling the love” through this shared recipe you gracioiusly posted. Thank you!
Sheila! We have all had days and/or weeks like that and if my recipe could comfort you and make for an easy meal in any way… well, that just made my weekend. Glad you liked it. Thank you for posting a comment.