Shakshuka Bowl with Poached Eggs (Print)

Poached eggs nestle in a rich spiced tomato sauce with bell peppers and onions, perfect for dipping warm pita bread.

# What you'll need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
02 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
03 - 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
04 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 2 cups baby spinach
06 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped

→ Sauce

07 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
08 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
09 - 1 teaspoon paprika
10 - ½ teaspoon ground coriander
11 - ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
12 - 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
13 - 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
14 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Eggs and Garnish

15 - 4 to 6 large eggs
16 - ¼ cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
17 - ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

→ To Serve

18 - 4 pita breads, warmed

# How To Make It:

01 - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened and translucent.
02 - Add the diced red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and jalapeño to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables become tender.
03 - Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, ground coriander, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute until the spices become fragrant.
04 - Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add 1 teaspoon of sugar, salt, and black pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
05 - Add the baby spinach and cook for 2 minutes until completely wilted.
06 - Using a spoon, make small wells in the sauce, spacing them evenly throughout. Crack one egg into each well.
07 - Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until the egg whites are set but the yolks remain runny.
08 - Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and crumbled feta cheese.
09 - Transfer the shakshuka to serving bowls and serve immediately with warm pita bread for dipping.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Those runny egg yolks break into warm, spiced tomato sauce and suddenly dipping pita bread becomes an actual joy.
  • It looks impressive enough for guests but honest enough for a solo weeknight when you need something that feels like comfort.
  • The whole thing comes together in under 40 minutes, yet tastes like you've been simmering it all morning.
02 -
  • Don't cover the skillet until the eggs are in—uncovered simmering is what thickens and concentrates your sauce into something memorable, not watery and thin.
  • Room temperature eggs matter more than you'd think; they settle into the hot sauce without the shock that can cause the whites to turn rubbery while the yolk stays cold in the center.
03 -
  • Make the sauce a day ahead and reheat it gently—the flavors deepen overnight, and you'll only need to crack in fresh eggs before serving.
  • If your eggs cook too quickly and the yolks get too firm, your sauce is too hot; medium-low heat and a lid are your friends here.
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