A plate of Oprah's Favorite Shakshuka with three sunny-side-up eggs, garnished with herbs, sits invitingly next to fresh tomatoes and a fork and knife resting on a napkin.
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

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

As Oprah embraces new culinary traditions, shakshuka has quickly become her breakfast of choice. This vibrant Middle Eastern-inspired dish combines poached eggs with a bold, spicy tomato and pepper sauce, providing a wholesome yet flavorful start to the day. Known for its warming spices and rich texture, shakshuka is perfect for leisurely mornings or even a brunch gathering with friends. With each spoonful, this dish brings both comfort and energy—ideal for someone with a busy schedule like Oprah. Try it as a flavorful way to elevate your breakfast routine!

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