Steamed Eggs in Tomato Sauce (Shakshuka)
Shakshuka is a North African-inspired main course of eggs gently steamed in a rich, spiced tomato and bell pepper sauce. The Thermomix TM7 grinds the cumin and paprika fresh, sautés the garlic and pepper, and simmers the harissa tomato sauce to develop deep flavour, while the Varoma steams the eggs to silky perfection.
About this recipe
Shakshuka Thermomix TM7 recipes bring the vibrant flavours of North Africa straight to your all-in-one kitchen machine. This steamed eggs in tomato sauce recipe is a brilliant quick weeknight dinner or leisurely weekend brunch, combining silky eggs with a smoky, gently spiced sauce of diced tomatoes, bell pepper and harissa. What makes this shakshuka work so well in the TM7 is the layering of technique: whole cumin seeds are ground moments before cooking, releasing an aroma that pre-ground spices simply cannot match, while garlic cloves are chopped uniformly so they fry without burning. The sauce simmers steadily at a controlled temperature, coaxing sweetness out of the tomatoes and smoked paprika, and the eggs steam gently on top rather than boiling, giving whites that are just set and yolks that stay lusciously runny. Whether you serve it with crusty bread for scooping or a fresh green salad, this vegetarian one-bowl meal delivers restaurant-quality depth with minimal washing up and maximum fragrance.
Preparation tips
- Make small wells in the simmered tomato and bell pepper sauce with the back of a spoon before adding the eggs, so each egg stays in place and cooks evenly while steaming in the Varoma.
- For a thicker shakshuka sauce, let the diced tomato mixture reduce with the lid off the mixing bowl for a few minutes before adding the harissa and tomato paste; a looser sauce suits dipping bread.
- Mild-tasting children can enjoy this shakshuka too: simply replace the harissa with a teaspoon of sweet smoked paprika and a pinch of sugar for a gentle, family-friendly version of the sauce.
Recipe variations
- Green shakshuka variation: swap the diced tomatoes and tomato paste for steamed spinach, courgette and a splash of cream, keeping the cumin and garlic base but finishing with crumbled feta for a fresh, lactose-containing twist.
- Festive winter variation: add roasted cubes of butternut pumpkin and a pinch of cinnamon to the pepper and tomato sauce, then top the steamed eggs with fresh coriander and toasted pine nuts for a celebratory brunch centrepiece.
Thermomix TM7 Benefits
- Fresh spice grinding - The Thermomix grinds whole cumin seeds into aromatic powder seconds before cooking, boosting the shakshuka sauce flavour. [Grinding]
- Uniform chopping - The TM7 chops the garlic cloves and bell pepper into even pieces so they soften evenly without burning. [Chopping]
- Hands-free simmering - The Thermomix simmers the diced tomato and harissa sauce unattended, developing deep, smoky sweetness without stirring. [Heating]
- Gentle steaming - The Varoma of the TM7 steams the eggs on the tomato sauce until whites are set and yolks stay runny. [Steaming]
- One-bowl convenience - A single TM7 mixing bowl weighs the olive oil, builds the sauce and cooks everything, leaving you minimal washing up. [Weighing]
Ingredients
- extra virgin olive oil
- harissa
- tomato paste
- red bell pepper
- garlic cloves
- ground cumin
- sweet smoked paprika
- salt
- diced tomatoes
- large eggs