Eggs in Purgatory: A Timeless Italian Comfort Dish

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Eggs in Purgatory is a beloved Italian-inspired comfort dish, harmonizing tender poached eggs with a rich, aromatic tomato sauce. Often likened to a vibrant shakshuka with added Parmesan depth, this recipe delivers a balanced blend of acidity, heat, and creamy richness—perfect for weeknight dinners or lazy weekend brunches.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Tomato & Egg Base

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), plus extra for drizzling

• 2 large garlic cloves: 1 thinly sliced, 1 halved (for sauce and toast)

• 3 anchovy fillets, minced (optional; omit for a vegetarian adaptation)

• Pinch of red-pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

• 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted tomatoes add depth; see substitutions)

• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt (adjust to taste)

• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1 large sprig fresh basil or rosemary (or ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary)

• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (adds creaminess; optional)

• 6 large eggs (room temperature, critical for even cooking)

For Garlic Toast

• Sliced crusty bread (e.g., baguette, sourdough; 1 slice per person)

• 1 halved garlic clove (for rubbing toast)

• 1 teaspoon EVOO (plus extra for drizzling)

• Pinch of salt

For Garnish

• Small handful chopped fresh basil or parsley

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics & Build the Sauce

In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet with a tight-fitting lid, heat 2 tablespoons EVOO over medium heat until shimmering. Add the thinly sliced garlic, minced anchovies (if using), and red-pepper flakes. Sauté for 1–1.5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic edges turn golden (avoid burning). Add the diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, and fresh herb sprig. Stir to combine, then reduce heat to medium-low.

Step 2: Simmer to Thickened Sauce

Let the tomato mixture simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon or potato masher to break down tomatoes into a thick, rustic sauce. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon and have a deep, savory aroma. After 20 minutes, stir in the grated Parmesan and butter, adjusting salt and red-pepper flakes to taste.

Step 3: Poach Eggs in the Sauce

Using the back of a large spoon, create 6 evenly spaced divots in the sauce (2 inches apart). Crack 1 room-temperature egg into each divot. Cover the skillet tightly with the lid and cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes. For runny yolks (traditional), this is ideal; for firmer yolks, extend cooking by 30 seconds–1 minute. Pro Tip: Uncovered pans prevent eggs from fully cooking, so never skip the lid!

Step 4: Prepare Garlic Toast

While eggs cook, toast bread in a toaster or under the broiler until golden and crisp. Rub warm toast with the halved garlic clove (cut side down) to infuse flavor, then drizzle with EVOO and sprinkle with salt.

Step 5: Serve

Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the eggs with extra Parmesan and chopped herbs. Using a wide spatula, transfer the eggs and sauce to shallow bowls or plates. Serve with garlic toast on the side, and pass extra red-pepper flakes for guests to customize spice levels.

Chef’s Notes & Community Tips

• Room Temperature Eggs: Critical for even poaching! Let eggs sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before cracking.

• Substitutions:

• Anchovies: Omit or replace with 2 tablespoons capers or 1 tablespoon fish sauce for umami.

• Tomatoes: Use 1.5 cups fresh diced tomatoes (no seeds) or fire-roasted canned tomatoes for smoky depth.

• Anchovies Alternative: Per a user comment, replace with 2 tablespoons canned tuna (in water) for a protein boost.

• Sauce Consistency: For thicker sauce, reduce 2–3 minutes longer; for looser texture, add 1–2 tablespoons water.

• Health Misconceptions: "Skipping butter/Parmesan ruins the dish"—these ingredients enhance flavor, not weight gain. Refined carbs/sugar (not in this recipe) are the true culprits. Fat (oil, butter, cheese) supports satiety!

Enjoy this vibrant, soul-satisfying dish—a classic that proves simplicity and quality ingredients shine brightest.