Description
Eggs in Purgatory is a rustic Italian dish featuring eggs gently poached in a rich, garlicky tomato sauce. This comforting recipe combines savory crushed tomatoes, aromatic garlic and onions, and a touch of spicy red pepper flakes, topped with grated Parmesan and fresh herbs. Perfect for an easy breakfast, brunch, or light dinner, it pairs beautifully with crusty toasted bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
For the Tomato Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Eggs and Garnish
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
To Serve
- Crusty toasted bread
Instructions
- Heat the oil and cook onion: In a medium skillet over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and sauté briefly: Stir in the minced garlic cloves and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, careful not to let it burn.
- Simmer the tomato sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Add 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes if using, and salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well and let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
- Prepare eggs in sauce: Use a spoon to make four small wells in the simmering tomato sauce. Carefully crack one egg into each well, keeping the yolks intact.
- Cover and cook eggs: Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until the egg whites are fully set but yolks remain soft or to your desired doneness.
- Finish and garnish: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the eggs and tomato sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley.
- Serve immediately: Serve the dish hot, paired with crusty toasted bread to scoop up the flavorful sauce and runny yolks.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time to achieve preferred egg yolk consistency—less time for runny yolks, more for firm.
- Add fresh spinach or kale into the tomato sauce for extra vegetables and nutrition.
- Best enjoyed immediately to appreciate the freshness and texture of the eggs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
