Mediterranean Shakshouka Toast with Feta-Fried Eggs: A Flavorful Breakfast Delight

Shakshouka Toast with Feta Fried Eggs is an enticing Mediterranean breakfast that seamlessly blends savory, spicy, and creamy elements in every bite. The base of this dish is a rich, spiced shakshouka sauce, made with aromatic vegetables and warm spices, which is then topped with feta fried eggs. Served on toasted bread, this dish offers a satisfying crunch with the softness of the eggs and the complexity of the sauce, making it the perfect comfort food to kick-start your day. The drizzle of pesto adds a fresh, herby note that ties the whole dish together, making it not only a feast for the stomach but also for the senses. Whether you’re looking for a weekend brunch recipe or something to impress your guests, Shakshouka Toast with Feta Fried Eggs brings bold, layered flavors that are sure to delight.

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Ingredients

To make Shakshouka Toast with Feta Fried Eggs, you will need two primary components: the shakshouka sauce and the ingredients for the eggs and toast. The shakshouka sauce is packed with Mediterranean flavors, while the fried eggs, crumbled feta, and toasted bread serve as the perfect vessel for the sauce. Below are the ingredients for this recipe:

Shakshouka Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon oil (olive or your choice)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes

Remaining Ingredients:

• ½ cup chili oil or olive oil, divided
• 5 ounces crumbled feta, divided
• 8 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 slices toasted bread (your choice of bread)
• ½ cup pesto (for drizzling)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Shakshouka Sauce

The shakshouka sauce is the heart of this dish, providing a wonderful depth of flavor that permeates each bite. To begin, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion and red bell pepper. Sauté them for about 5 minutes or until they soften and start to become translucent. The onion releases its natural sweetness, while the bell pepper adds a light, almost fruity crunch, contributing to the complexity of the sauce. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Once the onions and peppers have softened, add the minced garlic to the pan. Continue sautéing for another minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant and golden. This is when the aroma of the dish truly starts to fill the kitchen, inviting you to enjoy the flavors to come.

Next, add the spices: paprika, coriander, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir them into the vegetables, allowing the spices to bloom in the hot oil. The paprika gives the sauce a smoky depth, while the coriander and cumin add earthy, warm undertones. The chili powder contributes just the right amount of heat, enhancing the dish’s complexity without overpowering it. Stir everything together to coat the vegetables and spices in the oil.

Now, add the canned crushed tomatoes to the pan. The bright red color of the tomatoes contrasts beautifully with the deep hues of the sautéed vegetables and spices. Stir everything together, ensuring that the tomatoes are well incorporated into the sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes. During this time, the sauce will thicken and the flavors will deepen and meld together. Occasionally stir the sauce to make sure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary. Once the sauce has simmered and thickened to your liking, set it aside. You can also prepare the shakshouka sauce a day ahead of time to save time when serving.

2. Fry the Eggs with Feta

Now it’s time to make the feta fried eggs that will crown your shakshouka toast. To start, heat ¼ cup of chili oil or olive oil in a nonstick sauté pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add 2 ½ ounces of crumbled feta to the pan. Spread the feta out evenly, and let it heat for about 30 seconds or until it starts to melt and soften. The feta will begin to turn slightly golden at the edges, adding a wonderful texture and flavor to the eggs.

Crack four large eggs directly on top of the feta. Be careful not to break the yolks as you do so. Season the eggs with a pinch of dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Allow the eggs to cook until the whites are fully set but the yolks remain runny—this will usually take around 3-5 minutes. The combination of the melted feta and the soft egg yolk creates a creamy, rich topping for your shakshouka toast. If you prefer your eggs cooked more thoroughly, continue cooking until the yolks are set to your liking.

Once the eggs are cooked, remove them from the pan and repeat the process with the remaining 4 eggs. You may need to add a little more oil and feta for the second batch, depending on the size of your pan. The feta should continue to melt and crisp up, enhancing the flavor of the eggs. The result is a beautifully golden, slightly crispy feta bed that supports the eggs, adding a wonderful contrast to the softness of the yolks.

3. Assemble the Shakshouka Toast

Now that the shakshouka sauce and feta fried eggs are ready, it’s time to assemble your dish. Start by toasting the bread slices. You can use any bread you like, from crusty sourdough to a soft, fluffy white bread. Toast the bread until it’s golden brown and crisp, ensuring it has a sturdy base to support the shakshouka sauce and eggs.

Once the bread is toasted, spoon a generous amount of the shakshouka sauce onto each slice. The sauce will soak into the bread, adding flavor and moisture. Then, carefully place a feta fried egg on top of each slice of bread. The combination of the spiced shakshouka sauce and the creamy, slightly crispy feta fried egg creates a satisfying layer of textures and flavors.

Finally, drizzle a bit of pesto on top of each serving. The fresh, vibrant green pesto adds a burst of herby freshness that perfectly balances the richness of the eggs and sauce. The pesto also adds a beautiful contrast in color, making the dish visually stunning. Serve the Shakshouka Toast with Feta Fried Eggs immediately, while the eggs are still warm and the bread is crispy.

Flavor and Texture Breakdown

The beauty of Shakshouka Toast with Feta Fried Eggs lies in the interplay of textures and flavors. The shakshouka sauce is thick and rich, with a deep tomato base and the warmth of spices like paprika and cumin. The onions and bell peppers provide a slight sweetness and crunch, adding complexity to the sauce. The fried eggs, with their golden yolks and slightly crispy feta layer, offer a creamy, rich contrast to the tangy and spicy sauce. The toasted bread adds a satisfying crunch, which provides the perfect contrast to the soft, gooey eggs and flavorful sauce. The pesto drizzle ties everything together with its fresh, herbal notes, bringing brightness to an otherwise indulgent dish.

Tips for Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to make substitutions and variations based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few options to consider:

• Cheese Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of feta, you can swap it out for goat cheese, which will provide a tangy and creamy texture. Alternatively, sharp cheddar or even mozzarella can be used for a different flavor profile.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder and chili oil to control the spice level. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili powder or omit the chili oil altogether. For those who like extra heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
• Vegetarian Variations: You can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the eggs with roasted vegetables or chickpeas for added protein. Consider adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or eggplant to the shakshouka sauce for extra texture and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free bread in place of regular bread. This ensures that everyone can enjoy this dish without worry.

Serving Suggestions

Shakshouka Toast with Feta Fried Eggs is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a variety of side dishes to enhance the experience. A side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad can add balance and freshness. For a more indulgent brunch, consider serving this dish with roasted potatoes or crispy hash browns. Pair it with freshly squeezed orange juice, a light herbal tea, or even a chilled iced coffee to complement the richness of the dish. This recipe is perfect for a leisurely weekend breakfast or a brunch gathering with friends and family.

Conclusion

Shakshouka Toast with Feta Fried Eggs is an unforgettable dish that brings together bold Mediterranean flavors in a delightful, easy-to-make breakfast. The combination of shakshouka sauce, feta fried eggs, and toasted bread creates a comforting and satisfying meal that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this dish is simple to prepare and sure to impress anyone lucky enough to enjoy it. With its rich textures, vibrant flavors, and beautiful presentation, Shakshouka Toast with Feta Fried Eggs is the perfect recipe to add to your repertoire. Try it today, and let the warmth and deliciousness of this Mediterranean classic brighten your day.