Shakshuka: Eggs in Purgatory

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• Pinch cayenne pepper, optional
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons harissa paste
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 3 to 5 large eggs
• ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup fresh parsley leaves
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Microgreens, for garnish, optional
• Toasted bread, for serving

Instructions

1. Heat the oil over medium heat in a 12-inch lidded stainless steel or enamel-coated cast-iron skillet. Add the onion, red pepper, salt, and several grinds of fresh pepper and cook until the onion is soft and translucent, 6 to 8 minutes.
2. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the garlic, paprika, cumin, and cayenne, if using. Stir and let cook for about 30 seconds.
3. Add the tomatoes and harissa paste. Simmer for 15 minutes until the sauce is thickened.
4. Add the spinach and stir until wilted. Use the back of a spoon to make 3 to 5 wells in the sauce. Crack in the eggs.
5. Cover and cook until the eggs are set, 5 to 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste and sprinkle with the feta, parsley, avocado, and microgreens, if using. Serve with toasted bread for scooping.