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–+ servings
Ultra close-up of authentic shakshuka with poached eggs and feta cheese in cast iron skillet

Authentic Mediterranean Shakshuka

Gently poached farm-fresh eggs nestled in a rich, simmering sauce of sweet bell peppers, San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika, topped with creamy crumbled feta and fresh herbs. The ultimate 20-minute one-pan Mediterranean brunch.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, North African
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

Aromatic Veggie & Spiced Sauce Base
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 large red bell peppers, seeded and chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (or 1 tbsp harissa paste)
  • 1 can (14 oz) whole peeled or crushed San Marzano tomatoes
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Eggs & Fresh Mediterranean Garnish
  • 4-6 large pasture-raised eggs
  • 1/3 cup authentic Greek feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro or flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
  • 4 pieces warm pita bread, sourdough slices, or challah (for dipping)

Method
 

Sauté Veggies & Bloom Spices
  1. Heat extra virgin olive oil in a 10-inch or 12-inch heavy cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and red bell peppers; sauté for 6 to 8 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized at the edges. Add minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and chili flakes; cook for 1 minute until deeply fragrant.
Simmer the Rich Tomato Sauce
  1. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and season with kosher salt and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomato sauce has thickened into a rich, luscious stew.
Poach Eggs & Garnish
  1. Use the back of a large spoon to make 4 to 6 small wells in the bubbling sauce. Carefully crack an egg directly into each well. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet with a lid, and cook for 5 to 8 minutes until the egg whites are fully set but the golden yolks remain delightfully runny.
  2. Remove the skillet from heat. Scatter crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh cilantro/parsley over the top. Serve immediately straight from the hot skillet with plenty of warm crusty bread or toasted pita for dipping.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 14gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 210mgSodium: 480mgPotassium: 540mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 2100IUVitamin C: 95mgCalcium: 160mgIron: 2.6mg

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