Mediterranean Spiced Tomato & Poached Eggs Delight
Experience the vibrant flavors of North Africa with this lighter take on the classic Shakshouka. Our Mediterranean Spiced Tomato & Poached Eggs Delight brings together the aromatic spices of coriander and cumin with rich Roma tomatoes and sweet poblano chiles, all harmoniously cooked to perfection. This one-pan wonder is not only a feast for the senses but also a healthy breakfast option low in oil, making it a guilt-free indulgence. Serve it hot, fresh off the stove, with crusty bread to soak up the delicious tomato sauce. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch, it's sure to impress family and friends alike!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Coriander seeds
1.5 teaspoons (crushed)
Cumin seeds
1 teaspoon (crushed)
Paprika
1.5 tablespoons
Kosher salt
0.5 teaspoon (plus more to taste)
Garlic cloves
3 large (peeled)
Poblano chile
1 large (seeds and ribs removed, chopped)
Extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (divided)
Tomato paste
2 tablespoons
Roma tomatoes
1.5 lbs (halved lengthwise)
Eggs
4 large
Fresh ground black pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a mortar, combine the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, paprika, and kosher salt. Pound until finely crushed. If you don't have a mortar, place the spices in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Next, add the garlic cloves and continue to pound until you form a paste. Set the spice paste aside.
2
In a 10-inch frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped poblano chile and sauté, stirring frequently, until the chile is well browned and softened, approximately 10 to 12 minutes.
3
Stir in the prepared spice paste along with the tomato paste. Cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly, until the mixture is fragrant.
4
Add 3/4 cup water to the pan and then add the halved Roma tomatoes. Cook the mixture over medium heat, gently turning the tomatoes occasionally, until they are softened and the juices have started to form, about 10 to 20 minutes. If the mixture looks dry, add more water (1/4 cup at a time) to maintain a saucy consistency.
5
Using a wooden spoon, create four depressions in the tomato mixture. Carefully crack an egg into each depression. Season the eggs with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
6
Cover the pan and cook until the egg whites are set but the yolks remain slightly runny, typically about 5 minutes.
7
Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the shakshouka for added richness. Serve hot, scooping the mixture onto plates and ensuring each serving gets a yolk. Complement with crusty bread for a delightful dining experience.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Spiced Tomato & Poached Eggs Delight?
It is a lighter take on classic Shakshouka, featuring poached eggs in a spiced tomato sauce with poblano chiles.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this dish is completely vegetarian.
What are the primary spices used in this recipe?
The dish uses coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and paprika for a vibrant North African flavor profile.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for 1.5 lbs of Roma tomatoes, halved lengthwise.
How do I prepare the spice paste?
Pound coriander, cumin, paprika, and salt in a mortar, then add garlic and pound until a paste forms.
What if I do not have a mortar and pestle?
You can place the spices in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin before mixing with minced garlic.
What is a poblano chile?
A poblano is a mild, large green chile that provides a sweet, slightly smoky flavor when sautéed.
How long does it take to cook the poblano chile?
It takes approximately 10 to 12 minutes over medium heat until it is well browned and softened.
What type of oil is best for this dish?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for both sautéing and the final drizzle.
How much tomato paste is needed?
You will need 2 tablespoons of tomato paste to deepen the sauce's flavor.
Do I need to add water to the sauce?
Yes, start with 3/4 cup of water and add more 1/4 cup at a time if the mixture becomes too dry.
How long should the tomatoes cook?
Cook the tomatoes for 10 to 20 minutes until they are softened and have released their juices.
How many eggs are in one batch?
This recipe is designed for 4 large eggs.
How do I add the eggs to the tomato sauce?
Use a wooden spoon to create four depressions in the sauce and carefully crack an egg into each one.
How long should the eggs poach?
Cover the pan and cook for about 5 minutes until the whites are set.
Should the egg yolks be runny?
Yes, the goal is to have set whites with yolks that remain slightly runny.
What should I serve with this dish?
It is best served with crusty bread to soak up the spiced tomato sauce.
Is this a healthy breakfast option?
Yes, it is low in oil and features fresh vegetables and protein-rich eggs.
Can I make this dish in one pan?
Yes, it is a one-pan wonder designed to be cooked in a 10-inch frying pan.
How do I finish the dish before serving?
Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the top and season with black pepper.
Can I use ground spices instead of seeds?
While fresh crushed seeds are more aromatic, you can use ground coriander and cumin if necessary.
Is this recipe spicy?
It is aromatic and flavorful, but since poblano chiles are mild, it is not very spicy.
How many servings does this provide?
With 4 eggs and 1.5 lbs of tomatoes, it serves 2 to 4 people depending on the appetite.
Why is the pan covered when cooking eggs?
Covering the pan traps steam, which helps cook the tops of the egg whites quickly without overcooking the yolks.
Can I add cheese to this?
While not in the recipe, feta cheese is a common and delicious addition to this style of dish.
How do I prep the garlic cloves?
The garlic cloves should be peeled before being added to the spice paste.
What is the texture of the finished sauce?
It should be a thick, saucy consistency with softened whole tomato halves.
Is this dish suitable for brunch?
Absolutely, its impressive presentation makes it perfect for a cozy brunch.
Can I use a different type of chile?
Yes, you could substitute bell peppers for no heat or jalapeños for more heat.
What is the best way to clean the poblano?
Remove the seeds and ribs before chopping to ensure the texture is consistent and the heat is mild.