Pin It A vibrant & budget-friendly dish featuring perfectly baked eggs nestled in a spiced tomato and pepper sauce: ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an easy supper.
I first tried a baked egg dish on a trip to Istanbul, and the comforting warmth of the spiced tomato sauce instantly won me over. Now, it's become a staple for weekend breakfasts at home.
Ingredients
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Onion: 1 large, finely chopped
- Red bell pepper: 1, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Diced tomatoes: 1 can (400g/14 oz)
- Tomato paste: 1 tablespoon
- Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon
- Sweet paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Chili flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste
- Eggs: 4 large
- Fresh parsley or cilantro: Chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Crusty bread: To serve (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Set oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Sauté veggies:
- Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3 4 minutes until softened.
- Add bell pepper:
- Stir in bell pepper and cook another 3 4 minutes until tender.
- Add spices:
- Add garlic, cumin, paprika, and chili flakes. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Build the sauce:
- Add diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 8 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens.
- Add eggs:
- Make four wells in the sauce with a spoon. Crack one egg into each well.
- Bake:
- Transfer skillet to oven. Bake 8 10 minutes, until whites set but yolks remain runny.
- Garnish & serve:
- Remove from oven, garnish with parsley or cilantro if desired, and serve with crusty bread.
Pin It This has become our go-to meal for Saturday mornings when the whole family gathers in the kitchen to help chop veggies & crack eggs together.
Required Tools
Ovenproof skillet or sauté pan, knife and cutting board, wooden spoon
Allergen Information
Contains eggs. If serving with bread, check for gluten if gluten-free is required.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 185, Total Fat: 8 g, Carbohydrates: 16 g, Protein: 10 g
Pin It Enjoy straight from the skillet, garnished with fresh herbs. Perfect for sharing at any time of day.
Recipe FAQs
- → What spices add flavor to the tomato sauce?
Ground cumin, sweet paprika, and optionally chili flakes create a rich, warm flavor profile in the sauce.
- → How can I make this dish vegan-friendly?
Omit the eggs and add drained canned chickpeas for a plant-based alternative that complements the spiced tomato sauce.
- → What is the best way to tell when eggs are cooked perfectly?
Bake until egg whites are fully set but yolks remain slightly runny for a creamy texture.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
The sauce can be prepared in advance and refrigerated. Add eggs and bake just before serving for freshness.
- → What sides pair well with this baked egg dish?
Crusty bread is ideal for dipping into the sauce, and fresh herbs add brightness when garnishing.