
Hereβs a rustic and flavorful Italian dish you can whip up in under 30 minutes: Eggs in Purgatory (Italian Style) π³π₯. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner β this recipe combines poached eggs simmered in a spicy, garlicky tomato sauce. Simple, satisfying, and made in one skillet!
π³π₯ Eggs in Purgatory (Italian Style)
A traditional Southern Italian recipe where eggs are gently poached in a rich, spiced marinara-style sauce β often served with crusty bread to mop up all the goodness.
β±οΈ Time:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15β20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
β Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 can (14β15 oz) crushed tomatoes (San Marzano preferred)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 4 large eggs
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
- Optional: Grated Parmesan or pecorino, to serve
- Crusty bread or toast, for serving
π©βπ³ Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes. SautΓ© for 1β2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, uncovered, to thicken and develop flavor.
- Use the back of a spoon to make 4 small wells in the sauce. Crack an egg into each well.
- Cover the skillet and simmer gently for 5β7 minutes, or until egg whites are set and yolks are cooked to your preference.
- Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh herbs and cheese, if using.
π½οΈ Serving Size:
- Serves 2β4 people
π Tips & Notes:
- Use a lid to help the eggs cook evenly without overcooking the yolks.
- Like it extra spicy? Add a dash of Calabrian chili paste or more red pepper flakes.
- Perfect with ciabatta, focaccia, or garlic bread.
- Add sautΓ©ed spinach or kale for a veggie boost.
π³π₯ Eggs in Purgatory (Italian Style)
4
servings5
minutes15
minutesIngredients
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 can (14β15 oz) crushed tomatoes (San Marzano preferred)
1/2 tsp dried oregano
Salt & black pepper, to taste
4 large eggs
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Optional: Grated Parmesan or pecorino, to serve
Crusty bread or toast, for serving
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes. SautΓ© for 1β2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, uncovered, to thicken and develop flavor.
- Use the back of a spoon to make 4 small wells in the sauce. Crack an egg into each well.
- Cover the skillet and simmer gently for 5β7 minutes, or until egg whites are set and yolks are cooked to your preference.
- Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh herbs and cheese, if using.

Leave a Reply