Shakshuka (Tomato-Pepper Stew with Poached Eggs and Harissa)

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This dish of poached eggs set in a hearty paprika-scented stew is deliciously messy and perfect for brunch or dinner.

Shakshuka
Photo:

Kelsey Hansen / Food Styling by Annie Probst / Prop Styling by Breanna Ghazali

Active Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
1 hr
Yield:
6 servings

Chef Michael Solomonov adds harissa, a Tunisian red chile pepper paste, to his shakshuka recipe to give it an extra kick of flavor.

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 large onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice

  • 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch dice

  • Kosher salt

  • 1 teaspoon sweet smoked paprika

  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander

  • 1 tablespoon harissa

  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste

  • 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes

  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley

  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

  • 6 large eggs

  • Pitas or crusty bread, for serving

Directions

  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the onion and bell pepper, season with salt, and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 7 minutes. Stir in the paprika and coriander and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the harissa and tomato paste and cook over low heat for 3 minutes. Add the tomatoes and their juices and simmer over low heat until the sauce has thickened, about 20 minutes. Stir in the parsley and cilantro and season with salt.

  2. Raise the heat to moderate. One by one, break the eggs into a cup and add them to the simmering sauce. Poach the eggs until the whites are firm but the yolks are still runny, about 5 minutes. Season the eggs with salt. Transfer the eggs to bowls along with some of the sauce. Serve with warmed pitas or crusty bread.

Make Ahead

The recipe can be prepared through Step 1 and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat before proceeding.

Originally appeared: May 2008

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