Poached Eggs in Spiced Tomato

Featured in: Quick & Fresh Meals

This North African-inspired dish features poached eggs nestled in a rich and spiced tomato and pepper sauce. Sautéed onions and bell peppers provide a flavorful base, enhanced with cumin, paprika, and optional cayenne for warmth. The sauce simmers until thickened, then eggs are gently cooked until whites set but yolks remain soft. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 09:54:00 GMT
Close-up of bubbling Shakshuka, vibrant red tomato sauce surrounding perfectly poached eggs. Pin Recipe
Close-up of bubbling Shakshuka, vibrant red tomato sauce surrounding perfectly poached eggs. | fordishes.com

A vibrant, budget-friendly North African dish featuring poached eggs in a spiced tomato and pepper sauce. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner.

I discovered shakshuka while traveling and was amazed by its bold flavors and versatility. It quickly became my go-to recipe when I wanted something comforting but effortless.

Ingredients

  • Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Onion: 1 large, finely chopped
  • Green bell pepper: 1, chopped
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Diced tomatoes: 1 can (400 g/14 oz) or 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
  • Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon
  • Sweet paprika: 1 teaspoon
  • Ground cayenne pepper: 1/4 teaspoon, optional for heat
  • Salt and black pepper: to taste
  • Sugar: 1 teaspoon, optional to balance acidity
  • Eggs: 4 large
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro: chopped, optional garnish
  • Crusty bread: for serving, optional

Instructions

Prepare the vegetables:
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
Add garlic and spices:
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently. Stir in cumin, paprika, cayenne (if using), and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Make tomato sauce:
Add diced tomatoes (with juice), season with salt, pepper, and sugar if using. Simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
Taste and season:
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Add eggs:
Make 4 wells in the sauce with a spoon. Crack an egg into each well.
Cook eggs:
Cover the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until whites are set but yolks are still soft.
Garnish and serve:
Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro, if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Pin Recipe
| fordishes.com

Our family loves sharing shakshuka straight from the skillet, dipping warm bread and enjoying a hearty meal together. Even picky eaters get excited about the runny eggs and robust tomato sauce.

Required Tools

Large skillet with lid, wooden spoon, knife and chopping board are all you need for this dish.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 210, Total Fat: 11 g, Carbohydrates: 17 g, Protein: 10 g

Variations

Add canned beans for protein or stir in chopped spinach for extra nutrition. Try using roasted peppers for a deeper flavor twist.

Warm Shakshuka, ready to serve with crusty bread, featuring bright yellow egg yolks. Pin Recipe
Warm Shakshuka, ready to serve with crusty bread, featuring bright yellow egg yolks. | fordishes.com

Try shakshuka with different bread types or add your favorite fresh herbs on top for a new twist each time. Enjoy hot and savor every bite.

Poached Eggs in Spiced Tomato

North African style poached eggs cooked in a fragrant tomato and pepper sauce, ideal for any meal.

Prep Duration
10 mins
Cooking Duration
25 mins
Complete Time
35 mins
Recipe by Fordishes Ava Reynolds


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Middle Eastern/North African

Makes 4 Number of Servings

Diet Details Vegetarian Option, No Dairy

Ingredient List

Vegetables

01 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
02 1 large onion, finely chopped
03 1 green bell pepper, chopped
04 2 garlic cloves, minced
05 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes or 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped

Spices & Seasonings

01 1 teaspoon ground cumin
02 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
03 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)
04 Salt and black pepper, to taste
05 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

Eggs

01 4 large eggs

Garnish (optional)

01 Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
02 Crusty bread, for serving

Directions

Step 01

Sauté Vegetables: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and green bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.

Step 02

Add Garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently to release aroma.

Step 03

Incorporate Spices: Stir in ground cumin, sweet paprika, and cayenne pepper if using. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 04

Simmer Tomatoes: Add diced tomatoes with their juice. Season with salt, black pepper, and sugar if desired. Let simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens.

Step 05

Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed to balance flavors.

Step 06

Poach Eggs: Create 4 wells in the sauce and carefully crack one egg into each well.

Step 07

Cook Eggs: Cover the skillet and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until the egg whites are set but the yolks remain soft.

Step 08

Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro if desired, and serve immediately with crusty bread.

Needed Equipment

  • Large skillet with lid
  • Wooden spoon
  • Knife and chopping board

Allergy Info

Double-check ingredients for allergens and speak with a healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains eggs. Verify bread ingredients for allergens if served.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

For informational use only—doesn't replace personalized medical direction.
  • Calories: 210
  • Fats: 11 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Proteins: 10 g