Not to toot my own horn but this might be one of the easiest purgatory eggs recipes (and tastiest) that you’ll ever try! Known as Uova in Purgatorio in Italy, the eggs are cooked in a flavorful thick tomato sauce.
Toot toot!
This recipe takes close to no time to prepare and is all made in one pan. For sobbing out loud, there is nothing better than that. Seriously.
I make Purgatory eggs often on Christmas morning, but also whenever the mood strikes or cooking breakfast for a crowd. Or breakfast for dinner. Or when we have a bunch of eggs and I'm hungry.
What are eggs in purgatory?
Eggs in Purgatory is a one-pan dish with poached eggs in a fiery tomato sauce. "Purgatory Eggs" is just a simplified version of Shakshuka.
How did Purgatory Eggs get their name?
The Cult of the Souls of Purgatory became popular among Catholics in Naples in the sixteenth century.
Paintings and frescos depicting souls rescued from the Purgatory flames explained the Cult to the general public.
This recipe was established to represent and revere the Cult even on Neapolitan tables.
The name of this meal all boils down to the eggs signifying "souls" in limbo, as symbolized by the tomato sauce surrounding them. The sauce can be made particularly spicy, representing purgatory.
In case you didn't know- Purgatory is Hell. (But the eggs are really good.)
In Roman Catholic theology, limbo is the location on the threshold between heaven and hell where souls who are denied the joy of eternal life with God in heaven while not sentenced to punishment.
History of eggs in purgatory
Purgatory eggs are from the Naples region of Italy. It's been cooked there for generations, known as Uova in Purgatorio.
The Uova in Purgatorio had quickly spread throughout the country due to its simplicity and deliciousness. This recipe had grown in popularity so fast that only a few people knew its Neapolitan origins.
How to serve purgatory eggs
The best way to eat this easy dish is right out of the oven while it's still hot and bubbling.
This dish is fine served on its own; it’s better served with crusty bread or gluten-free sourdough. Trust me on this.
What are the ingredients for Purgatory eggs?
- Oregano
- Basil leaves
- Salt
- Pepper
- Tomato puree
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Eggs
- Romano or Parmesan cheese
Can I make the Purgatory sauce spicy?
Well, duh! Obviously, you can make this sauce as spicy as you'd like. All you have to do is add as many red pepper flakes into the sauce as you want when cooking. I use Calabrian chili flakes when I'm spicing it up.
How long does it take to make this recipe?
It only takes about 20 minutes to make this recipe.
Eggs in Purgatory
Ingredients
- 1 clove crushed garlic
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups canned tomato puree
- 4 fresh basil leaves torn into pieces
- 1 pinch dried oregano
- salt and pepper
- 8 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese or 1 tablespoon Romano cheese
- 2 teaspoon chili flakes optional
Instructions
- In a medium skillet, cook the garlic in the oil over medium heat for about 2 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Add the tomato, basil, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, or until the sauce is thickened. If you're using chili flakes, stir them in after the sauce has thickened.
- Break an egg into a small cup. With a spoon, make a well in the tomato sauce. Slide the egg into the sauce. Continue with the remaining eggs. Sprinkle with the cheese.
- Cover and cook for 3 minutes, or until the eggs are done to your taste. Serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition
Photos by James Collier
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Frequently Asked Questions about Egg in Purgatory:
Cumin and sweet paprika are among the Middle Eastern spices used in Shakshuka.
In Eggs in Purgatory, Italian herbs like oregano and basil are used instead of these spices. It's commonly known as "Italian shakshuka."
You can prep the Purgatory sauce beforehand. This makes this easy dish even easier!
Yes, this is a Keto dish. It's the ideal low-carb and keto breakfast.
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