Shakshuka Bowl with Poached Eggs (Printable)

Poached eggs in spiced tomato and pepper sauce with 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 - 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
13 - 1 teaspoon sugar
14 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Eggs and Garnish

15 - 5 large eggs
16 - ¼ cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
17 - ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

→ To Serve

18 - 4 pita breads, warmed

# Steps:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together faster than you'd expect, turning weeknight dinner into something that tastes like you've been cooking all afternoon.
  • One skillet means less cleanup, more time enjoying food with people you actually want to spend time with.
  • The sauce transforms completely as it simmers—watching it deepen and thicken is oddly meditative and satisfying.
02 -
  • The temperature of your skillet matters enormously—if it's too hot, your eggs will cook from underneath before the whites fully set.
  • Don't be tempted to skip the simmering time for the sauce; this is when all the flavors marry and the sauce actually thickens rather than stays watery.
03 -
  • Make the sauce in advance if you can—it actually tastes better after a day in the refrigerator once the spices have settled, and you just reheat and add eggs when you're ready.
  • If your eggs finish cooking before the sauce has thickened enough, remove the eggs to a bowl, finish the sauce uncovered, then slide them back in gently to warm through.
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