📖 Instructions

1. Prep Your Veggies: Dice the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Mince the garlic finely for a bolder flavor. Set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until softened and slightly translucent. Don't rush this step; letting them caramelize a bit will deepen the flavor.
3. Introduce the Garlic and Spices: Add the minced garlic and harissa paste (or red pepper flakes) to the skillet. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
4. Build the Tomato Base: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir well to combine, ensuring the tomato paste is fully incorporated. Season with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasonings to your liking – maybe a pinch more cumin if you're feeling adventurous!
5. Simmer and Thicken: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the tomato sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and the sauce to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
6. Create Nests for the Eggs: Using the back of a spoon, make small indentations (nests) in the tomato sauce, spacing them evenly apart.
7. Crack in the Eggs: Gently crack an egg into each indentation. Try to keep the yolks intact for a pretty presentation.
8. Cook the Eggs: Cover the skillet again and cook for about 5-8 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still runny. The cooking time will vary depending on your preference for yolk consistency. Keep an eye on them!
9. Add the Extras (Optional): If using, sprinkle feta cheese over the shakshuka during the last few minutes of cooking. The warmth will soften the cheese, creating a lovely creamy texture. You could also broil it in the oven for a couple of minutes to make it more golden and yummy.
10. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes (if you like it spicy!). Serve immediately with crusty bread or pita for dipping. Enjoy!