Eggs in Purgatory

When it comes to a hearty, fast and easy Italian style breakfast, it does not get much better than eggs in purgatory. It’s called that because the eggs are gently poached in a fiery tomato sauce. It’s not quite as fiery as Fra Diavolo sauce though, which means the devil’s brother! My Nana Lulu loved to make it for us if we came over during the day. In Italy it’s more traditional to have it for lunch or even dinner since breakfast is usually a pastry with espresso. So it was a favorite lunch of my Nana’s. I made it over the weekend for brunch (which seemed like a happy medium between tradition and what my belly needed) and oh my goodness was it a hit!

First, I made what I will affectionately call the purgatory mixture. It was a simple combination of onion, garlic, and diced tomatoes. The fiery kick came in from lots of crushed red pepper and smoked paprika.
First, I made what I will affectionately call the purgatory sauce. It was a simple combination of onion, garlic, diced tomatoes and parmesan. The fiery kick came in from lots of crushed red pepper and smoked paprika. I let it all simmer for just a few minutes.
Then it was time for the eggs to go into their purgatory bath. I cracked them into their own little individual bowls first. That helped me make sure the yolks didn't crack. I could just slide them in gently from the bowl on top of the purgatory sauce.
Then it was time for the eggs to go into their purgatory bath. I cracked them into their own little individual bowls first. That helped me make sure the yolks didn’t crack. I could just slide them in gently from the bowl on top of the purgatory sauce.
The eggs needed to poach with the pan's lid on for just 2 to 3 minutes to set. I told you this eggs in purgatory was a fast dish!
The eggs needed to poach with the pan’s lid on for just 2 to 3 minutes to set. I told you this eggs in purgatory was a fast dish! That was all there was to it.
Eggs in Purgatory
Eggs in Purgatory
5 from 1 vote
Eggs in Purgatory
Eggs in Purgatory
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
15 mins
 

Eggs in purgatory is such an amazing one pan wonder breakfast with loads of my beloved Italian flavors! It comes together easily in 15 minutes too. 

Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Eggs, Eggs in Purgatory
Servings: 2
Calories: 392 kcal
Author: Jeanie and Lulu's Kitchen
Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 a small onion finely diced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes 28 ounce size
  • 2 pinches crushed red pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 pinch truffle salt
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese plus additional for sprinkling on top
  • 6 whole eggs
  • 4 whole fresh basil leaves coarsely chopped
  • slices of toast for serving
Instructions
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and let them get soft and fragrant for a minute. Then add the diced tomatoes, crushed red pepper, smoked paprika, salt and parmesan. Stir it all together and let it gently simmer for 5 minutes.
  2. While the "purgatory" mixture simmers, crack each of the eggs into their own little individual bowls. Then gently slide each of them on top of the purgatory mixture, with 5 around the edge and one in the middle. Cover the skillet with its lid and let the eggs poach for 2-3 minutes. Once the eggs are poached, its ready! Sprinkle additional parmesan on top along with the chopped basil. Serve immediately with toast!
Nutrition Facts
Eggs in Purgatory
Amount Per Serving (1 serving)
Calories 392 Calories from Fat 264
% Daily Value*
Fat 29.3g45%
Saturated Fat 8.1g51%
Cholesterol 503mg168%
Sodium 604mg26%
Potassium 249mg7%
Carbohydrates 11g4%
Fiber 2.9g12%
Sugar 6.3g7%
Protein 22.3g45%
Calcium 170mg17%
Iron 3.1mg17%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Eggs in Purgatory
Eggs in Purgatory

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