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A plate of shakshuka, Oprah's favorite dish, features three poached eggs on top, garnished with parsley. A bowl of crumbled cheese, a fork, and fresh herbs are beside the plate.

Oprah’s Favorite Shakshuka

An indian woman smiling in a market.Maya Rivera
A vibrant Middle Eastern-inspired breakfast with poached eggs in a spicy tomato and pepper sauce, perfect for a flavorful start to the day.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Meal Type Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine Middle Eastern, North African
Servings 3
Calories 225 kcal
Difficulty Easy
Ingredient Cost $6.50
Shopping Cost$25

Equipment

  • Large skillet or cast iron pan with lid
  • Wooden spoon
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Ingredients
 
 

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for extra heat
  • 1 can tomatoes 14 oz diced tomatoes
  • ½ cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 4 large eggs
  • parsley Fresh, chopped, for garnish, or cilantro
  • Feta cheese crumbles, optional, for garnish
  • Crusty bread for serving

Instructions
 

Prepare the Base:

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and diced red bell pepper, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened.
    1 medium onion, 1 red bell pepper, 2 tablespoons olive oil

Add Garlic and Spices:

  • Add the minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, and cayenne (if using). Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
    3 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Create the Sauce:

  • Add the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce to the skillet. Stir to combine and season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
    1 can tomatoes, 1/2 cup tomato sauce, Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Poach the Eggs:

  • Make small wells in the sauce with the back of a spoon and gently crack an egg into each well. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still runny. Adjust cooking time if you prefer firmer yolks.
    4 large eggs

Garnish and Serve:

  • Remove from heat, and sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro and feta cheese, if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.
    parsley, Feta cheese, Crusty bread

Notes

Adjusting Heat: For a milder version, omit the cayenne pepper. If you prefer extra spice, add a dash more or top with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Make-Ahead Option: The tomato sauce base can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to two days. Reheat and add eggs when ready to serve.
Serving Suggestion: Serve with warm pita or sourdough bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 225kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 10gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 248mgSodium: 305mgPotassium: 405mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 2205IUVitamin C: 58mgCalcium: 71mgIron: 3mg
Keyword Healthy Breakfast, Oprah shakshuka recipe, poached eggs in tomato sauce, Shakshuka, spicy breakfast dish

Ingredient Costs: Cost of Recipe by Ingredient Measurements

Shopping Costs: Cost of Recipe with Brand New Ingredient Purchases

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