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America's Test Kitchen Shakshuka Recipe

America's Test Kitchen Shakshuka Recipe - Great Meal Recipes

I remember the first time I encountered shakshuka. A friend invited me over for brunch and promised a dish that would transform my perception of breakfast. What I found was a delightful concoction of poached eggs nestled in a fragrant, spiced tomato sauce. 
I was hooked. Since then, I've experimented with various versions, but the one from America's Test Kitchen stood out. It was straightforward yet packed with flavor, and I felt compelled to share my experience with you.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 199

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 large farm-fresh eggs
  • 1 ⅓ cups finely diced sweet onion
  • 2 ½ cups ripe tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup julienned bell peppers
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 small spicy chili, deseeded and finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon toasted cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt

Method
 

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
  1. In a generous skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it shimmers, add the diced sweet onion. Cook it for about 5 minutes until it turns translucent.
    Next, toss in the julienned bell peppers, stirring them in until they soften, roughly 3 minutes later. Follow with the minced garlic and chili, ensuring that lovely aroma fills your kitchen.
Step 2: Cook the Tomatoes
  1. Now, it’s time to add the chopped tomatoes to the skillet. Stir in the sea salt, ensuring the tomatoes begin to break down, releasing their juices and creating that rich sauce.
    This should take around 8 minutes. As the mixture heats, don’t hesitate to crush the tomatoes gently with your spoon if they haven't broken down entirely.
Step 3: Spice Things Up
  1. It's spice time! Sprinkle in the toasted cumin powder, smoked paprika, ground coriander, and black pepper. Stir these into the tomato mixture, allowing the spices to bloom and mingle for about 2 minutes.
Step 4: Create Wells for the Eggs
  1. Now comes the fun part. Using your spoon, make four small wells in the spiced tomato mixture. Gently crack an egg into each well. Make sure the whites settle around the yolks.
Step 5: Poach the Eggs
  1. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid. Lower the heat slightly and get excited as you watch the eggs poach. This should take about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on how runny you want your yolks. Peek occasionally.
Step 6: Serve It Up
  1. Once the eggs look perfect for you, remove the skillet from the heat.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh eggs and ripe tomatoes make a noticeable difference. The quality of your tomatoes will shine through.
  • Adjust Spice Levels: If you don't like too much heat, feel free to reduce or omit the chili.
  • Cooking Time: Be attentive while poaching the eggs; they can go from perfect to overcooked quickly.
  • Presentation: Serve the shakshuka directly from the skillet. It adds a rustic feel to the experience.
  • Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro just before serving adds a fresh touch.