Why Shakshuka Eggs Take Too Long to Set in the Oven

Question

I’ve been making Shakshuska for years and the most annoying part is how long it takes for the eggs to get done. It’s around 30 to 45 minutes, but all the recipes say about 15 - 20. For me, at 20 minutes, the whites aren’t set and the yolk isn’t even slightly cooked.
I’ve baked them in an electric oven and gas. I always pre-heat and use an oven thermometer to ensure the temp is accurate. And still, I’m waiting forever for the whites to set and the yolks to be creamy, not runny. What am I doing wrong?

Chris Kimball · Accepted Answer

Hi,
Apologies for the delay in responding. Have you tried covered on the stovetop?  Create divots in the sauce with a ladle, plop the eggs in, and then cover. Make sure there's still sauce underneath the eggs too so that the white doesn't sit on the bottom of the pan and overcook. And cover the pan, which traps the steam, so the eggs cook faster. Shouldn't take more than 10 minutes when cooked in this fashion. Medium-low heat.
Report back please!

Why Shakshuka Eggs Take Too Long to Set in the Oven

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