Eggs in Tomato Sauce Recipe : EASY Shashuka Recipe | White On (2024)

Home » Recipes » Shakshuka: Poached Eggs in Tomato Sauce on Toast {make this now}

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by Todd + Diane

This shashuka recipe has eggs in tomato sauce for a wonderful breakfast or brunch. We’re obsessed with this hearty dish of poached eggs in a savory sauce. If you have a big enough skillet, it’s a great dish to feed a crowd.

What is Shashuka?

These aren’t just an ordinary eggs in tomato sauce, often called Shashuka (in Arabic). This wonderful, spiced dish originated in North Africa and the Middle East. We’ve all experienced this “omg, this is amazing….” type of revelation for particular dishes. When the sensations hit just right on the tongue or when that “wow” moment hits the palette. We can’t help it but to tell everyone to make this shashuka recipe now. It’s mind blowing at at how simple and delicious this eggs in tomato sauce recipe can be, we can’t help it but scream it out loud.

Eggs in Tomato Sauce Recipe {Shashuka Recipe}

How much more perfect can this simple concept be? The rich tomato sauce, nurturing the egg-poached-heaven is a match made in food-perfection. Add the third factor, crispy grilled bread, and all of a sudden, this trilogy now becomes a great breakfast or brunch. Oh what the heck, make it for dinner. Add a salad on the side and you’ll be whimpering like I did and ask, “why haven’t I made this before?!”

Eggs in Tomato Sauce Recipe : EASY Shashuka Recipe | White On (2)

Video: How to Make Shakshuka Recipe

Why we love Shakshuka so much

Classic shashuka recipe is simply poached eggs simmering in bubbly-hot and well seasoned tomato sauce. Then the plump eggs are smeared over a grilled piece of bread. This is life changing. We’ve been hitting myself in the head over since we made these Shashuka eggs in tomato sauce because we can’t believe this dish snuck under our hungry-radar all these years.Where have you been all our lives, dear poached eggs in tomato sauce… on toast? You are so freaking good.

Additions to rich tomato sauce

The best part about this delicious obsession is that you can add so many other ingredients to it to hearty-it-up. We’ve seen versions with kale, chopped bell peppers, chickpeas, and ground chicken. Do what ever you want to it because for now, it’s all yours to play with. A handful of fresh chopped herbs on top or some cheese really takes Shaskhuka to another level.

Eggs in Tomato Sauce Recipe : EASY Shashuka Recipe | White On (3)

Tips on Making Shakshuka

Making poached eggs in tomato sauce is pretty simple and straight forward. But here’s a couple thought starters to think about if it’s your first time making it:

  • Don’t be afraid of flavor and all the spices. The ground cumin adds wonderful flavor. If you’re a little cautious about ground cumin, then just add half the amount. Taste the sauce and if you feel that it needs more flavor, then add the remaining half as listed in the recipe box.
  • Ground coriander is another optional spice you can add for more fragrance and flavor.
  • The more fresh herbs, the better. That’s our motto. We love adding a handful of fresh chopped herbs like parsley, cilantro or basil.
  • The timing of the eggs is very personal and everyone likes different textures. We talk about this more below.
  • For a more umami flavored tomato sauce, add a little bit of soy sauce. Yeah, it’s not traditional but it sure does make the sauce flavorful.
  • All the eggs in purgatory or shakshuka recipe are in the recipe box below.
Eggs in Tomato Sauce Recipe : EASY Shashuka Recipe | White On (4)

Firmer Eggs or Poached Eggs in Tomato Sauce? It’s all about the timing.

For us, the most important (and hardest) part is timing the egg so that it becomes the poached texture that you like. Walk away from the stove for to long too check email, and what you will have a is a firm, boiled-like, yolk center. Become too impatient and turn off the heat too soon and what you will have are egg whites that are too runny. So make it a few times to get a feel for how long it takes to make your poached eggs perfect.

Alas, we’re already hungry again as we write this post. We’ll have to make it again soon and maybe next time, we’ll just dive the toast (crusty end first) into the tomato sauce and kill the poached egg in one quick swoop. Yum. And we’re still learning so many names that are used for this eggs in tomato sauce recipe: eggs in hell and eggs in purgatory are just a few!

Eggs in Tomato Sauce Recipe : EASY Shashuka Recipe | White On (6)

Poached Eggs Recipe in Tomato Sauce on Toast (Shakshouka)

The important part is timing the egg so that it becomes the poached texture that you like. Walk away from the stove for too long to check email, and what you will have is a firm, boiled-like, yolk center. Become too impatient and turn off the heat too soon and you'll get egg whites that are too runny. So make it a few times to get a feel for how long it takes to make your poached eggs perfect. If you like more sauce, just use less eggs.

You can add so many other ingredients to it to hearty-it-up. I've seen versions with kale, chickpeas, and ground chicken.

4.12 from 26 votes

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Ingredients

  • 28 oz. crushed tomatoes or your favorite tomato sauce
  • 6 large eggs
  • 3 Tablespoons (45g) butter
  • 1 small onion , minced
  • 3 cloves garlic , minced
  • 1 Tablespoon (15ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt , or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) chopped parsley
  • additional salt and pepper to taste
  • grilled bread or toast (for gluten free serve with gluten free bread)

Instructions

  • Heat large saucepan on medium heat. Melt butter, then add onions and garlic and cook until soft.

  • Add crushed tomatoes with juices (or tomato sauce), Worcestershire, cumin, paprika, salt and sugar. Stir till everything is combined well. Bring the sauce to a low boil, then reduce heat to low.

  • Stir in the parsley and simmer the sauce on low heat for about 10 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally.

  • Crack the eggs into the tomato sauce, then cover the pan. Poach the eggs in the sauce for about 5-8 minutes, or until the whites are set and the yolk is still runny. If you want less runny eggs, cook it for longer. Keep checking the eggs to make sure they’re the consistency that you want.

  • Spoon the egg and tomato sauce over toast. Or serve the egg and tomato sauce in a bowl and dip with the toast. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.

Nutrition Information per Serving

Calories: 208kcal, Carbohydrates: 16g, Protein: 9g, Fat: 13g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 186mg, Sodium: 1514mg, Potassium: 831mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 11g, Vitamin A: 1744IU, Vitamin C: 22mg, Calcium: 76mg, Iron: 4mg

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: Breakfast/Brunch, Stove Top

Calories: 208

Simple recipe for the weekend:

  • Baked tomatoes with parmesan cheese and eggs on toast
  • How to make Vietnamese spring rolls
  • Crispy chicken vegetable spring rolls
  • Easy chili recipe in 30 minutes

Here’s another great brunch recipe: Our deviled egg bar!

  • Hearty Instant Pot Beef Stew
  • No Pasta zucchini lasagna
  • Air fryer corn on the cob
  • Roasted san marzano tomatoes
  • Chocolate cherry crisp
    Eggs in Tomato Sauce Recipe : EASY Shashuka Recipe | White On (7)This recipe was originally published in 2013 and re-published in 2021 with new video & images.

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33 comments on “Shakshuka: Poached Eggs in Tomato Sauce on Toast {make this now}”

  1. Sherry Buckingham February 18, 2024 @ 11:59 am Reply

    Wow! We both loved it. Nice delicious change.Eggs in Tomato Sauce Recipe : EASY Shashuka Recipe | White On (11)

    • Todd + Diane February 18, 2024 @ 2:03 pm Reply

      Thanks Sherry!

  2. Jennifer May 15, 2022 @ 4:50 pm Reply

    Loved it. Added sausage or bacon with it and made it for dinner and family loved it. ThanksEggs in Tomato Sauce Recipe : EASY Shashuka Recipe | White On (12)

  3. Nancy March 16, 2021 @ 11:21 pm Reply

    Added a drizzle of soy sauce and the flavor was fantastic. We served it with crusty bread like you did. Definitely a keeper and so delicious! Eggs in Tomato Sauce Recipe : EASY Shashuka Recipe | White On (13)

    • Keith Northern February 5, 2023 @ 8:07 am Reply

      I’m gonna try this but I think I’ll put it on a grilled cheese

  4. Danielle February 18, 2021 @ 5:16 pm Reply

    Wow. This was packed with so much flavor. I really enjoyed the taste and texture of this recipe.Eggs in Tomato Sauce Recipe : EASY Shashuka Recipe | White On (14)

  5. Dean June 18, 2020 @ 6:08 pm Reply

    Great recipe. I love the flavor and ease of preparation. Eggs in Tomato Sauce Recipe : EASY Shashuka Recipe | White On (15)

  6. Diamond July 28, 2019 @ 7:43 am Reply

    Excellent recipe! Even our picky girls loved it (ages 3, 5 and 8). We paired with apple flavored bacon. Great start to the morning!Eggs in Tomato Sauce Recipe : EASY Shashuka Recipe | White On (16)

  7. Denny July 9, 2019 @ 11:05 am Reply

    Great recipe. I add a little harissa, 1 tsp+ for some heat. Family fav…Eggs in Tomato Sauce Recipe : EASY Shashuka Recipe | White On (17)

    • July 13, 2019 @ 10:29 pm Reply

      Thanks Denny and love the addition of harissa! Yum!

  8. Bronson March 3, 2019 @ 8:27 am Reply

    Delicious, although the eggs took a bit longer to get the whites opaque (in a Lodge cast iron pan). Great recipe nonetheless.Eggs in Tomato Sauce Recipe : EASY Shashuka Recipe | White On (18)

  9. Sabrina B. April 11, 2017 @ 5:36 pm Reply

    saw this in your featured recipes, you should be proud of it! Just looking at pictures was enough to piece these flavors together from memory and it already made me very hungry indeed, thank you for this!

  10. RossC October 23, 2016 @ 10:53 am Reply

    I so enjoy reading food blogs and learning about dishes which at 77 years old, I’m just finding out about…
    We will put this together for certain…
    Thank you… :O)

Leave a Reply

Eggs in Tomato Sauce Recipe : EASY Shashuka Recipe | White On (2024)

FAQs

What is shakshuka sauce made of? ›

Shakshuka is a classic Middle Eastern recipe made from wholesome ingredients. This traditionally vegetarian dish has a rich, spicy tomato base that cooks into a thick sauce with a mixture of onions, bell peppers, and common Middle Eastern spices such as cumin, cayenne, and paprika.

How do you not overcook eggs in shakshuka? ›

Then return the skillet to a gentle simmer at medium-low heat. Spoon some of the sauce over the whites. After breaking the eggs into the sauce, gently spoon some of the sauce over just the whites. This helps the whites cook faster so they set before the yolks overcook.

How do you keep eggs runny in shakshuka? ›

Crack in the eggs and simmer

Ottolenghi advises using a fork to swirl the egg whites around in the sauce, all the while being careful not to break the yolks. Simmer until the egg whites are just set and the yolks are still slightly runny. Remove from the heat and let stand about 2 minutes before serving.

What's the difference between eggs in purgatory and shakshuka? ›

The main difference between shakshuka and eggs in purgatory is the spices and herbs. Skakshuka features Middle Eastern spices, such as cumin and sweet paprika. Eggs in purgatory does not include these spices and uses Italian herbs, such as oregano and basil.

Is shakshuka Israeli or African? ›

Even though many people today associate shakshuka with Israel, it actually originated in North Africa and the Ottoman Empire: the only reason shakshuka is eaten in Israel is because North African Jewish immigrants brought it there.

Why is shakshuka good for you? ›

Shakshuka is an excellent meal to eat if your doctor has recommended a mediterranean diet to reduce cholesterol, blood pressure and improve your cardiovascular (heart) health. Cooking shakshuka at home allows you to control the amount of salt and oil used, which can be quite high when ordered in a restaurant.

Why are my eggs not cooking shakshuka? ›

Take them out of the fridge ahead of time and add them to the dish at room temperature. A cold egg lowers the temperature of the sauce and cooks unevenly. Cooking the eggs is a stressful and problematic task because the whites take longer to cook than the yolks.

How to know if shakshuka is done? ›

Sprinkle a little salt and pepper over the eggs. Carefully transfer the skillet to the oven (it's heavy) and bake for 8 to 12 minutes, checking often once you reach 8 minutes. They're done when the egg whites are an opaque white and the yolks have risen a bit but are still soft.

How to make shakshuka thicker? ›

Options for the latter include adding flour, cornflour mixed with cold water, a beaten egg, cream cheese, or making a beurre manié from equal parts softened butter and flour. Stir well and give your thickener of choice a few minutes to work its magic.

Do you serve shakshuka in a bowl or plate? ›

To assemble the shakshuka:
  1. For the “sandwich version”: place a large pita onto a plate. ...
  2. For the “plate version”: add all the ingredients into a plate, starting with a serving of shakshuka, and adding a side of hummus, some tomato salad and some pita bread cut into triangles so you can dip them into the hummus.

What is traditionally served with shakshuka? ›

Shakshuka is traditionally served with warm, crusty bread or pita. However, you can also pair it with a variety of other side toppings such as avocado, feta cheese, or a simple salad.

What country is known for shakshuka? ›

Shakshuka is a simple dish made of gently poached eggs in a delicious chunky tomato and bell pepper sauce. Said to have originated in Tunisia, this breakfast recipe is popular in many parts of North Africa and the Middle East. It is so satisfying, you can serve it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

What does shakshuka taste like? ›

It's loaded with flavor, from earthy cumin and paprika to roasty tomatoes and peppers, to sharp and salty feta. The addition of potatoes in my version of shakshuka makes it extra satisfying. Just add some bread on the side, and maybe a green salad, and you've got a quick, easy, and healthy meal!

Why is shakshuka so popular? ›

Today, shakshuka is most strongly associated with the Middle East and Israel in particular, where it was introduced by Jewish immigrants from Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, and Libya. It's always been an affordable, filling, and undemanding meal, so it's no wonder it keeps gaining popularity all over the world.

How are you supposed to eat shakshuka? ›

The best way to serve a shakshuka is to make it the centerpiece of the meal, then create a multitude of small plates to serve along. They usually involve some bread, simple vegetable salads, and spreads.

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