The Italian breakfast, Eggs in Purgatory, where eggs are poached in a spicy and herbaceous tomato sauce, can be ready and on the table in less than 30 minutes!
This dish brings together a few of my gastronomic loves.
Spicy tomato sauce.
Silky eggs.
Italian toast.
Strong coffee.
Good company.
I don’t know about you but I am easily inspired to drop whatever I am doing and head straight to the kitchen when the aroma of homemade sauce wafts over me. And when meals as rustic and comforting as Eggs in Purgatory are on the menu, I am destined to make my way to the table for a taste.
What could be better than dipping a piece or two of toasted Italian bread straight into the pan, finishing a cup or two of strong black coffee and discussing the matters of the day with people we love?
When I made this for lunch the other day, Luc and I didn’t even get plates. We saddled up to the table – forks, toast, and napkins in hand, and dug in.
It was a wonderful meal, if I do say so myself.
A simple sauce made of:
- crushed tomatoes
- minced garlic
- chopped flat-leaf parsley
- dried herbs
- olive oil
- red pepper flakes
…designed to cradle a couple of eggs… Mmmhhmmm, it’s a thing of beauty. <—— I say that a lot, don’t I?
Once the sauce is ready, simply crack in your eggs, cover the pan partially and poach for about five minutes until the whites are cooked and the yolk still soft. In the meantime, toast your bread. Top the finished dish with a drizzle more of olive oil (I used cayenne) chopped parsley, cracked black pepper and Parmesan cheese.
This meal makes for a perfect hot and spicy breakfast, brunch, light dinner or late night snack.
It is no mistake, my friends, that I am sharing Eggs in Purgatory the day before Valentine’s Day.
Buon Appetito!
PrintEggs in Purgatory
- Category: Breakfast
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. Olive Oil, divided (I used Cayenne Olive Oil)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley, divided
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp. dried basil
- 1 tsp. red pepper flakes
- 14 oz. crushed tomatoes
- 2 – 4 eggs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan
- salt & pepper to taste
- 4 slices Italian toast
Instructions
- Heat a small to medium sized skillet over medium heat. Add 1 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil and let warm.
- Add garlic, 1/4 cup parsley, oregano, basil and red pepper flakes.
- Cook and stir for about two minutes until garlic just begins to turn golden.
- Slowly add tomatoes and stir to combine.
- Lower heat to medium-low and simmer for 7 minutes.
- Taste and add more red pepper flakes if needed.
- Make a small well for each egg that you’re adding to the sauce.
- Crack them in.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan.
- Cover the pan partially.
- Let the eggs cook for about 5 minutes, or until the whites are set but the yolk still loose.
- In the meantime, make your toast.
- Remove pan from heat and drizzle with a little extra olive oil, black pepper, cheese and remaining chopped parsley.
- Eat with toasted bread.
CIAO!
karrie @ Tasty Ever After says
I like everything you like Annie! Need to make this for Sunday brunch tomorrow or for a meatless Monday dinner or both. lol 😉
Annie says
Both! My vote is both! Thanks, dear! 🙂
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
I have never had eggs in purgatory, but it has been on my “to make” list a long time! Thanks for reminding me to move it to the top. Can’t wait to try 🙂
Annie says
It’s the definition of comfort! Enjoy!! 🙂
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks says
Why have I never had eggs in tomato sauce? I need to change that ASAP because yours look so pretty and delicious! I totally want to dive into that pan!
Annie says
Luckily it’s not too late! Thanks, friend!!
Harriet Emily says
Wow Annie, these eggs look amazing! I love the sound of the sauce. So flavoursome and delicious. I definitely need to make this for myself over the weekend. Delicious! <3
Annie says
You’ll love the sauce! So simple and delicious! Thanks, my friend! Enjoy!
Manali@CookWithManali says
that looks GOOD!! love the pictures Annie 🙂
Annie says
Thank you, Manali!!
Robin Botie says
Well, I hope you don’t mind but I’m thinking of trying this out for dinner. I mean, it’s Valentines Day and no one’s coming to my rescue with a dinner invitation out this year. And I happen to have all the oingredients. And it looks so Valentiney. I was actually thinking of doing a pasta for my dinner earlier as I’m craving a tomato sauce. So – thanks for the inspiration. I’ll consider this a Valentine from a friend. Cheers!
Annie says
You absolutely can! There are no rules, my friend! Happy Valentine’s Day! Cheers! <3
Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop says
This looks like a great way to start the day! There’s nothing better than dipping a great piece of crusty bread into fried eggs. It’s one of the simple pleasures in life!
Annie says
The simple pleasures are where it’s at! Thanks, Kathy!
Cindy says
Wow, I am drooling over your ingredient photo, and admiring those power forward ingredients. Eggs in purgatory sound perfect for the rainy weekend we are expecting here in Los Angeles.
Annie says
Thanks, Cindy! This is ideal for those chilly rainy days! 🙂
GiGi Eats says
I have always wanted to make something like this – however I doubt it will look anything as amazing as this deliciousness!
Annie says
It’s quite easy, Gigi! Try it, you’ll love it! 🙂
stacey @ The Sugar Coated Cottage says
This looks divine and I love the spice! How cool you and Luc just ate right out of the pan. Those are some of the best meals 🙂 . Take care!
Annie says
It was a fun lunch! Thanks, friend!
Kelsie | itsy-bitsy kitchen says
I love this! So simple but still so elegant :)! And anything I can dip bread in is a winner in my book. . .
Annie says
Then this is a winner! Thanks, friend! 🙂
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
Lol. When a meal is made in a skillet I firmly believe plates are over-rated. I always just grab a shovel (or at least the biggest spoon I can find) and dive right in. I have zero manners, what can I say. 😉 My dad always said you could dress me up, but you can’t take me out. hahaha. NO SHAME. I LOVE eggs in purgatory and yours looks just MARVELOUS, Annie!! If this was in front of me I’d be doing a face plant right into that skillet! Those silky eggs! That spicy sauce! DROOLING! Pinned! Cheers, friend!
p.s. I hope you and the hubs have a wonderful Valentine’s day! xoxo
Annie says
I like the way you operate! Plates are definitely over-rated when cast iron is involved! I’d be happy to make you your own, my friend, and let the face plant commence! I hope you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day, too!! xoxo
Nicoletta @sugarlovespices says
What a beauty! We love eggs in purgatory, not for breakfast, but as a lunch or even dinner option. Yours look amazing, make me want to dig right in that sauce with a piece of rustic bread! Yum!
Annie says
Thanks, Nicoletta! Rustic cooking (and eating) is my favorite! 🙂
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
I have seen this recipe before Annie, but I’ve never tried it. My husband Tom would probably go nuts for it. Would be a great dish for us for dinner too! Can’t wait to try. Happy Monday!
Annie says
It certainly would! Dom missed out on lunch the other day so has asked for it for dinner one night this week! Enjoy, my friend! 🙂
Karen @ Seasonal Cravings says
I can’t believe I’ve never made this, it looks so good! I am putting it on my meal planning list for this week. Thanks for showing me so many fancy Italian dishes!
Annie says
Wonderful! I think you’ll love it, Karen!! Thanks, dear!
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says
Oh, Yes!! I can just taste this. Sounds delicious and the bread your provide as scarpette is simply ideal. We love spicy and the cayenne oil would kick up the zing!! Making it this weekend. Have a Happy Valentine’s Day!
Annie says
I used rosemary olive oil Italian bread and boy was that good! Yes…enjoy, this weekend! Happy Valentine’s Day!!
Dawn @ Girl Heart Food says
YES!!!! Love it! Definitely one of my favourite things and the spicier the better! I agree – no plates necessary 😉 I would so love to have this in front of me right now and your pictures are GORGEOUS, Annie! Pinned, of course. Happy Monday, my friend! XO
Annie says
Yep! I am with you!! That’s why I used red pepper flakes and cayenne oil – the spicier the better! So happy you like, my friend! Thank you! XO
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
It’s been such a long time since I’ve had eggs in purgatory (and I still giggle over the name every time I hear it). I love this easy dish, and how pretty it is, too! And “cradling eggs” is a perfect way to describe it. What a delicious breakfast or dinner!
Annie says
It does have a perfect name! 🙂 Breakfast, lunch, dinner – this dish is so flexible!! Thanks, Gayle!
Gaila says
Annie! I would love to have those eggs for breakfast like now!! Beautiful!
Annie says
This is a special meal! Thanks, friend!