Shakshuka is a typical North African (Tunisia) dish that feeds the body and soul, equally. Versions of it can be found in other countries such as Turkey, Egypt, Palestine...
Place a large pan on medium heat, pour a generous amount of olive oil and the cumin seeds. Sauté them until they begin to smell incredibly nice and toasted (but don't let them burn).
Chop the onion into half moons (or however you like, really) and add them to the pan. Mix well so they're coated in the cumin oil, and let them cook for 10 mins, until soft and transparent.
Slice the peppers into lng thin slices. Remove the seeds and white bits. Add to the pan, mix and cook until they become soft.
Add the tomato sofrito, thyme, bay leaf, sugar, chopped parsley, cayenne pepper and mix well. Bring to low heat and cover. Let it cook for 5-10 mins, allowing the mixture to reduce. If it becomes a little dry, add some water to prevent veggies from burning.
With a spoon, make space for 3 or 4 eggs, pressing the mixture down, creating little pools for the eggs to fit in. Crack and egg in each hole, increase the heat to mdium-high and cover. Allow the eggs to cook for 1-2 mins, until the whites are cooked and the yolks are still a little runny.
Uncover, add a pinch of salt and black pepper on the eggs, and serve hot.
I recommend you bring the pan to the table, sprinkle some chopped parsley, and serve this dish with lots of warm bread. You will need it to clean your plates ;)
Batchcooking
Cook the vegetable sofrito in advance and, when you want to enjoy this dish, simply reheat it in a pan, crack a few eggs and toast some bread.
Storage
Cooked vegetable sofrito will last 2-3 days in the fridge.