Print

Cozy Eggs in Purgatory Recipe Easy Homemade with Crusty Bread for Perfect Dipping

eggs in purgatory recipe - featured image

A warm and hearty dish featuring eggs poached in a spicy tomato sauce, perfect for cozy dinners and served with crusty bread for dipping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjustable to taste)
  • 1 can (14 oz/400 g) crushed tomatoes or whole peeled tomatoes, lightly crushed
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • A handful fresh basil or parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • Rustic baguette or sourdough loaf, sliced thick for dunking

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a skillet until shimmering but not smoking, about 2 minutes.
  2. Add minced garlic and 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes. Stir frequently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Stir in 1 tablespoon tomato paste and cook for another minute to deepen the flavor.
  4. Add canned tomatoes with their juices. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  5. Simmer the sauce uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened.
  6. Stir in half of the chopped basil or parsley, reserving the rest for garnish. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Using the back of a spoon, make 4 small indentations in the sauce. Crack one egg into each well gently, keeping yolks intact.
  8. Reduce heat to low and cover the skillet. Cook eggs for 5-8 minutes depending on desired yolk consistency (5 minutes for runny yolks, 8 minutes for firmer whites and slightly set yolks).
  9. Sprinkle remaining herbs and a pinch more black pepper on top before serving.
  10. Serve immediately with thick slices of crusty bread for dipping.

Notes

If the sauce becomes too thick during simmering, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it. Gently tilting the pan during cooking helps eggs poach evenly. Crack eggs into a small bowl before adding to sauce to avoid shell bits and broken yolks. Medium-low heat with a snug lid is best to avoid uneven cooking or scorching.

Nutrition

Keywords: eggs in purgatory, spicy tomato sauce, poached eggs, crusty bread, cozy dinner, easy weeknight meal