🍳🔥 Shakshuka (Poached Eggs in Spiced Tomato Sauce)
A hearty and flavorful Middle Eastern breakfast made with poached eggs nestled in a rich, spiced tomato and pepper sauce. Perfect with warm bread!

⭐ Ingredients (Serves 3–4)
2 tbsp olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 red bell pepper, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp sweet paprika

¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

4–5 ripe tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can crushed tomatoes)

Salt and pepper to taste

4–5 eggs

Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Warm pita or crusty bread, for serving

🔥 Instructions:
🔸 ① Sauté the Veggies:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until soft.

🔸 ② Add Garlic and Spices:
Stir in garlic, cumin, paprika, and cayenne. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

🔸 ③ Add Tomatoes:
Pour in the chopped or crushed tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.

🔸 ④ Add the Eggs:
Make small wells in the sauce and crack an egg into each. Cover the pan and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until eggs are done to your liking.

🔸 ⑤ Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle with fresh herbs and serve hot with warm pita or crusty bread.

💡 Tips:
For a richer flavor, add a pinch of sugar to balance acidity in the tomatoes.

You can add feta cheese, olives, or spinach for variations.

Best served immediately while the yolks are still runny!