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    Home / Recipes

    The Best Recipe For Purgatory Eggs: Uova in Purgatorio

    Posted On Oct 8, 2022 · Updated On Dec 3, 2022

    The Best Recipe For Purgatory Eggs: Uova in Purgatorio
    Main DishesPaleo FriendlyQuick & EasyRecipes & Techniques by Cooks We LoveThis Is SO GOOD.You Say Tomato

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    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.

    A pan of eggs in purgatory

    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.

    A pan of eggs in purgatory

    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.

    Eggs in Purgatory ingredients

    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. 

    A pan of eggs in purgatory
    A pan of eggs in purgatory

    Eggs in Purgatory

    KC Cornwell
    These easy purgatory eggs may be just the thing if you are searching for a quick, easy, & incredibly comforting meal!
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 25 mins
    Course Breakfast
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 242 kcal

    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

    I serve these with crusty bread or GF sourdough - I make them often on Christmas morning, but also whenever the mood strikes or cooking breakfast for a crowd. 
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 242kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 13gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 327mgSodium: 178mgPotassium: 722mgFiber: 3gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 1493IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 79mgIron: 4mg
    Keyword baked eggs, eggs, eggs in purgatory, gluten-free

    Photos by James Collier

    Love delicious egg recipes? Check out these recipes!

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    Delicious Baked Eggs

    Are you looking for a simple but beautiful dish? Try my recipe for Delicious Baked Eggs.

    Salty prosciutto, nutty Parmesan, and fresh herbs infuse the eggs with flavor. Did I mention they're baked in the oven? It's a simple technique to feed a large group. They can also be completely customized. Don't like spinach? Kale can be substituted. Is prosciutto not your thing? Instead, use ham or bacon. Once you've figured out your favorite combo, I guarantee you'll be making this dish all year.

    Avocado Baked Egg recipe

    Avocado Baked Eggs

    One of my favorite morning dishes is avocado baked eggs, which I normally top with bacon or roasted red peppers. I also use leftover taco meat (don't judge, it's amazing).

    Chips and Guac Deviled Eggs

    Do you have any leftover filling after stuffing all of your eggs? It's delicious served with chips like conventional guacamole or spread over toast with a generous dusting of Cotija cheese!

    Frequently Asked Questions about Egg in Purgatory:

    What is the difference between Shakshuka and Eggs 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."

    Can eggs in purgatory be prepped beforehand? 

    You can prep the Purgatory sauce beforehand. This makes this easy dish even easier! 

    Are eggs in purgatory Keto?

    Yes, this is a Keto dish. It's the ideal low-carb and keto breakfast.

    The Best Recipe For Eggs in Purgatory: Uova in Purgatorio

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    K.C. the G-Free Foodie

    K.C. is a farm-grown foodie, born and raised in the fertile fields of California’s San Joaquin Valley. After being diagnosed with Celiac Disease following years of unexplained illness, she has infused her gluten-free life with flavor, fork in hand. Learn more about K.C.

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