Ever wondered how to turn a handful of ingredients into a taste explosion? Picture this: crispy croutons, cherry tomatoes doing a sizzling dance, and eggs having a party in a skillet. Intrigued? Get ready for my Easy Eggs in Purgatory – the Italian dish that's basically a flavor carnival. Let's dive into easy, breezy, and seriously delicious cooking!
Looking for more easy breakfast recipes? Try my Waffle Breakfast Sandwich, Breakfast Potatoes, and Veggie Frittata.
What Is Eggs in Purgatory?
Eggs in Purgatory" is a delicious and rustic Italian dish featuring eggs poached in a flavorful tomato sauce. The dish typically includes ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and sometimes additional elements like anchovies or red pepper flakes for added flavor. The eggs are cracked into wells in the simmering tomato sauce and cooked until the whites are set but the yolks remain slightly runny. The name "purgatory" likely refers to the fiery and spicy nature of the dish. It's a comforting and satisfying meal often served with crusty bread for dipping.
Did I also mention this dish only makes 20 minutes to make and is made in only one pan?
Why You'll Love This Easy Eggs in Purgatory Recipe
Taste of Italy: Transport your taste buds straight to Italy with the delightful combination of crispy croutons, cherry tomatoes, and perfectly cooked eggs.
Effortless Elegance: Impress with ease! This easy eggs in purgatory recipe brings the elegance of Italian cuisine without the hassle, making you look like a kitchen maestro.
Egg-cellent Comfort: Indulge in comforting goodness as the eggs cozy up in a flavorful tomato sauce – it's like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Full list of ingredients with measurements listed below in recipe card.
- Crispy Croutons: These golden nuggets add a delightful crunch, making every bite an adventure. Forgot to buy them? Toast some bread chunks for a quick fix!
- Cherry Tomatoes: Bursting with freshness, these little gems bring a burst of flavor to the party. If fresh isn't an option, canned cherry tomatoes can save the day.
- Anchovy Fillets (Optional): For a savory kick! Don't have them? No worries, the recipe still rocks without this little extra.
- Garlic Cloves: Sliced thin, they infuse the sauce with aromatic goodness. No fresh garlic? Garlic powder can step in – just a pinch!
- Fennel Seeds: A hint of sweetness and warmth. If you're out, a dash of ground fennel can play the part.
- Black Pepper and Red Pepper Flakes: Spice up your life! Adjust according to your heat preference or sprinkle some hot sauce if that's your jam.
- Crushed Tomatoes: The heart of the sauce. Fresh out? Tomato sauce can jump in with a bit of extra seasoning.
- Kosher Salt, Dried Basil, Dried Oregano: The flavor trio. Don't stress about exact measurements – a pinch of love works just fine.
- Eggs: The stars of the show! Crack 'em in and let the magic happen. No eggs? Well, that's a grocery run excuse right there!
- Herb Salad (Mint, Basil, Parsley, Capers, Lemon Juice, Olive Oil): A fresh finale! Mix and match with your favorite herbs. No capers? Skip 'em or toss in some chopped olives for a twist.
- Parmesan Cheese: The optional but highly recommended final touch. Sprinkle generously – because cheese makes everything better!
How to Make this Recipe
Full step-by-step instructions listed below in recipe card.
- Heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil in a big skillet. Toss in bread chunks, flip till golden (4-5 mins), and let them shine on a plate.
- Add 2 more tablespoons of oil, throw in cherry tomatoes, garlic, fennel seeds, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir until tomatoes burst (about 5 mins).
- Introduce crushed tomatoes, salt, dried basil, and oregano to the mix. Stir until simmering (2 mins).
- Bring back the croutons, tucking them into the saucy goodness but leaving their tops exposed.
- Use a grand spoon to make cozy wells in the sauce and crack in the eggs. Cover and let the eggs shine until just set but still a bit runny (6-8 mins).
- In a separate bowl, let the herb salad join the party – mint, basil, parsley, capers, lemon juice, and a drizzle of olive oil. Toss it like confetti for a burst of freshness.
- Sprinkle this herbaceous joy on top of the skillet.
- Serve it family-style with a side of Parmesan cheese
Variations
- Spicy Mama: Kick it up a notch by adding extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a fiery twist. Watch out, taste buds – it's gonna be caliente!
- Veggie Wonderland: Embrace the veggie goodness by tossing in your favorite veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. It's a garden party in a skillet!
- Cheese Lover's Dream: Elevate the decadence by melting your favorite cheese over the eggs – think gooey mozzarella or sharp cheddar. Because, really, more cheese is always a good idea.
- Protein Powerhouse: Amp up the protein game by adding cooked sausage, crispy bacon, or even shredded chicken. It's a hearty meal that'll keep you fueled up and ready for anything.
- Mediterranean Escape: Take a detour to the Mediterranean by swapping out the herbs for a mix of oregano, olives, and a sprinkle of feta. Close your eyes, take a bite, and imagine the sun-soaked shores.
Wine Pairing
Uncork a bottle of Chianti and let the good times flow with Easy Eggs in Purgatory! This Italian classic meets its vino soulmate – a red that's as easygoing as your cooking style. Cheers to a meal that's a taste bud tango and a sip away from perfection!
FAQ's
- Can I make Easy Eggs in Purgatory ahead of time?
- While the eggs are best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the sauce and croutons in advance. Just add the eggs when you're ready to dazzle your taste buds!
- What can I substitute for anchovy fillets?
- No anchovies? No problem! The recipe still rocks without them. Their absence won't steal the show from this flavorful dish.
- Can I customize the spice level?
- Absolutely! Adjust the black pepper and red pepper flakes to match your spice preference. Feel the heat or keep it mild – it's your flavor journey.
- Any alternatives for the herb salad ingredients?
- Mix and match! If you're missing one herb or capers, toss in your favorites. Cooking should be fun, and your herb salad is your canvas.
- What's the secret to perfectly cooked eggs?
- It's all about timing! Cover the skillet and let the eggs dance until they're just set but still slightly runny (6-8 mins). Want them firmer? Keep them on the heat a bit longer.
Tips
- Perfectly Golden Croutons:
- Flip those croutons for an even golden brown, ensuring they're crispy and ready for the flavor party!
- Tomato Stirring Technique:
- When the cherry tomatoes burst, give them a stir to ensure every tomato gets its time in the spotlight.
- Mastering Egg Timing:
- Cover the skillet and let the eggs cook until they're just set but still a bit runny (6-8 mins). Adjust for firmer yolks if desired.
- Herb Salad Harmony:
- Toss the herb salad for a burst of freshness. Mix and match the herbs for a personalized touch.
- Parmesan Perfection:
- Sprinkle Parmesan generously for the grand finale, elevating your skillet to a new level of deliciousness!
Looking for more recipes?
Looking for more easy breakfast recipes? Try my Waffle Breakfast Sandwich, Breakfast Potatoes, and Veggie Frittata.
Did You Make this Recipe?
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Recipe Card
📋 Recipe
Easy Eggs in Purgatory
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Ingredients
- 6 Tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- 4 Cups Crusty Bread cut into 2-inch cubes
- 3 Anchovy Fillets Optional
- 1 Pint Cherry Tomatoes
- 4 Cloves Garlic Cloves thinly sliced
- 1 Teaspoon Fennel Seeds
- ½ Teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- ½ Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 28 oz can Crushed Tomatoes
- 1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ½ Teaspoon Dried Basil
- ½ Teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 6 Large Eggs
- Herb Salad
- ½ Cup Fresh Mint Leaves
- ½ Cup Fresh Basil Leaves
- ½ Cup Fresh Parsley Leaves
- 2 Teaspoon drained capers roughly chopped
- 1 Tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 Tablespoon Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat 4 tablespoons of the oil over medium heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the bread. Cook, flipping halfway through, until golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer the croutons to a plate.
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the skillet, along with the anchovies (if using), cherry tomatoes, garlic fennel seeds, black pepper, and pepper flakes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to burst, about 5 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, dried basil, and oregano. Cook, stirring constantly until the sauce is simmering, about 2 minutes.
- Return the croutons to the skillet, tucking them into the tomato sauce but leaving their top halves, exposed. Use a large spoon to make wells in the tomato sauce and crack the eggs into the wells. Cover the skillet and cook until the eggs are just set but still slightly run, 6-8 minutes. If you like your yolks more cooked, leave on heat until cooked to your liking.
- In a medium bowl, combine the herbs capers, lemon juice, and olive oil and toss to coat the herbs well.
- To serve, sprinkle the herb salad over the top of the skillet. Serve family style with a bowl of Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Achieve perfect croutons by flipping them halfway through the cooking process to ensure an even golden brown color and delightful crunch.
- For a burst of flavor, consider adding optional anchovy fillets when cooking the cherry tomatoes, garlic, fennel seeds, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- To customize the egg doneness, adjust the cooking time according to your preference, ensuring the yolks are set to your liking, whether slightly runny or fully cooked.
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