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Eggs in Purgatory

A rustic Italian dish featuring perfectly poached eggs nestled in a bubbling, spice-kissed marinara sauce, creating comfort food at its finest with maximum flavor and minimal effort.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

For the Spicy Tomato Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
For Serving
  • 4-6 large eggs
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Crusty bread for dipping

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook for 4-5 minutes until they become translucent and release their sweet aroma. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, followed by salt, pepper, oregano, and smoked paprika. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Let it bubble away for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  3. Using a spoon, create small wells in the simmering sauce, spacing them evenly around the pan. Crack each egg into a small bowl first, then gently slide it into a well. The eggs should sit comfortably in the sauce without overcrowding.
  4. Cover the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, depending on your preferred yolk consistency. For runny yolks, aim for 8 minutes; for firmer yolks, go the full 10. The egg whites should be completely set and opaque white, while the yolks remain golden and slightly jiggly. Remove from heat and let it rest for 2 minutes.
  5. Serve immediately with warm crusty bread, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Prepare the tomato sauce base up to 3 days ahead and store refrigerated for quicker weekday preparation. Always crack eggs into a bowl first before adding to sauce to prevent broken yolks. Cook over medium-low heat to avoid scorching tomatoes. Let rest for 2 minutes after cooking to finish eggs perfectly. Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days, though eggs are best fresh. Sauce base freezes for up to 3 months.