Easy Eggs in Purgatory

Eggs in purgatory is a one pan meal that can be eaten for breakfast, lunch or dinner! It is super easy to make and has a wonderful aroma while cooking.

This is an old family favorite which I remember eating often for dinner. So let’s start cooking…

What are Eggs in Purgatory?

Simply put this is poached eggs in tomato sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. It is a one pan meal!
2. Simple to make.
3. It makes a great breakfast, lunch or dinner.

What You Need For This Recipe

To make this eggs in purgatory recipe you will need a total of 10 ingredients:

1. Tomatoes (Grape) 260 grams
2. Yellow Onion 25 grams
3. Garlic 2 grams
4. Fine Ground Sea Salt 1/8 Teaspoon
5. Fine Ground Black Pepper 1/8 Teaspoon
6. Dried Oregano 1/8 Teaspoon
7. Fresh Basil 1 Large Leaf
8. Extra Virgin Olive Oil 3 Tablespoons
9. 3 Large Eggs
10. Fresh Parsley 2 Teaspoons ( For Garnish at End)

Tools

To make eggs and tomato sauce you will need the following tools:

1. Large Cutting Board,
2. Paring Knife,
3. Medium Sized Bowl,
4. Frying Pan (Ceramic 10 inch used to make this recipe),
5. Scale (to weigh ingredients), and
6. Measuring Spoons (1/8 teaspoon, teaspoon, tablespoon)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation

First you want to gather all of the ingredients and tools needed for this recipe.

Next you want to prep the ingredients. Wash and cut the tomatoes. Peel the yellow onion, wash, chop and weigh out. Do the same with the garlic clove. Then wash the basil and parsley, and chop.

Making the Tomato Sauce

Now take your frying pan and place it on the stove over low heat with 2 teaspoons of oil. Next add in the chopped onions and saute until it starts to become soft and translucent. Covering the pan with a lid will help to cook the onions faster. Occasionally stir the onions; it should take about 2-3 minutes.

Next add in the chopped garlic and continue with low heat. Again covering with a lid will help to cook the garlic quicker. Occasionally stir the garlic; it should take about 1-1/12 minutes.

Add the tomatoes to the frying pan and season with salt, pepper and oregano. Stir and cover with lid and cook on low heat until the tomatoes start to boil. This can take up to 9 minutes, then let the sauce cook down for 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally.

Next add in the basil and stir the sauce.

Cooking the Eggs

Now, flatten the tomatoes with the spatula and crack three eggs and add in. Then cover with lid and continue to cook on low heat. Cooking time can vary based on if you want the egg yolks to remain soft or if you want them to be hard. In this recipe it took 6 minutes for a soft runny yolk. Once the eggs are cooked sprinkle with some sea salt.

Finally, It is important to keep a close eye on the eggs if you want them to be runny because they can quickly become firm. Garnish with parsley and serve.

This dish can be enjoyed on its own or with some nice crusty bread to dip into the eggs and sauce.

Buon appetito!

FAQs

What other toppings/seasonings can I use for this eggs in tomato sauce Italian recipe?

Some ideas of other seasonings that can be added include red pepper flakes or you can even sprinkle on some Parmesan or Pecorino cheese at the very end.

What about adding meat or vegetables to this recipe?

You can add to or modify this recipe as you wish. One idea would be to add a spicy sausage meat to the sauce. In terms of vegetables, you could add peas, asparagus, broccoli rabe or any of your favorite vegetables.

Related Recipes

Italian Sausage Casserole

Egg Muffin Recipe

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