Shakshuka - Egg and Spicy Tomato Breakfast

Shakshuka (also spelled shakshouka) is a dish that originated in North Africa and is enjoyed throughout the region as well as many other parts of the world. The word means "a mixture" in Arabic, but the simple one-pot meal is so much more. Shakshuka consists of eggs gently poached in a spiced tomato and pepper sauce and is equally delicious served at breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Plus, it's ready in just over half an hour.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil 

1 medium yellow onion, diced 

1 medium red bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced 

1 to 2 tablespoons harissa paste, optional  

2 teaspoons smoked or sweet paprika 

1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander 

1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes  

Salt, to taste 

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
6 large eggs 

1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese, optional   

1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro leaves, or a combination of both

Directions

1. Gather the ingredients.
2. Place a 10-inch deep skillet, saucepan, or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add the oil followed by the onion. Sauté until beginning to turn translucent, 2 to 3 minutes. 
3. Add the bell pepper and sauté until beginning to turn soft, about 2 minutes.
4. Add the garlic, harissa, if using, paprika, cumin, and coriander. Stir and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds
5. Add the tomatoes and their juices, crushing them with your hands as you add them to the pan. Stir well and season to taste with salt and pep
6. Bring to a lively simmer, then reduce to medium-low heat. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened and the tomatoes have broken down a bit, about 15 minutes. 
7. Make 6 evenly spaced indentions in the mixture, big enough to nestle eggs. 
8. Crack an egg into each indentation.  
9. Cover the pan and cook, covered, until the egg whites are set and the yolks reach your desired done-ness. This will take between 5 minutes and 15 minutes, depending on your pan size, stove, and how you like your eggs. 
10. Remove from the heat and sprinkle the top with feta cheese, if using, then top with fresh parsley and/or cilantro. Serve. 

The Spruce Eats https://www.thespruceeats.com/shakshuka-recipe-5212033