Description
Eggs in Purgatory is a flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring eggs poached in a spicy, savory tomato sauce. This one-pan recipe combines sautéed onions, bell peppers, garlic, and crushed tomatoes simmered with Italian herbs and red pepper flakes, topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, served alongside crusty baguette. Perfect for a comforting breakfast, brunch, or light dinner.
Ingredients
For the Sauce and Eggs
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 5–6 large eggs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, preferably freshly cracked
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For Serving
- Baguette, sliced (for serving)
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes until the oil sizzles and is hot.
- Sauté vegetables: Add diced onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and the vegetables have softened.
- Add tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt. Mix well and bring the sauce to a simmer over medium-low heat. Cover with a lid and let it simmer gently for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the eggs: Carefully crack the eggs directly over the tomato sauce in the skillet, spacing them evenly apart. Cover with a lid and cook until the eggs reach your preferred doneness: 3 to 5 minutes for set yolks, or 2 to 3 minutes if you prefer runny yolks.
- Finish and serve: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese, cracked black pepper, and chopped fresh basil or parsley over the eggs and sauce. Serve immediately with toasted slices of baguette for dipping.
Notes
- Use fresh eggs for the best texture and flavor when poaching in the sauce.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness of the sauce.
- The dish pairs well with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful tomato sauce.
- For a vegetarian option, ensure the marinara sauce contains no meat products.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated, but eggs are best served fresh.
