Italian Eggs in Purgatory Recipe - Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner (2024)

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Have you ever tried Eggs in Purgatory? If not, stop what you're doing and make this immediately for breakfast, lunch or dinner! Easy, healthy and delicious - plus it comes together in less than 15 minutes. 240 calories and 3 Weight Watchers Freestyle SP.
Italian Eggs in Purgatory Recipe - Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner (1)

Italian Eggs in Purgatory Recipe

I'm wondering why it has taken me so long to make eggs in purgatory, or uova in purgatorio as it is called in Italian. The tongue in cheek name refers to the spicy tomato sauce and the eggs (representing those poor souls who inhabit Purgatory!) cooking in its fiery heat. And the flavors just can't be beat!

Traditionally, eggs in purgatory recipes involve poaching the eggs directly in the sauce, but this version is a slight variation on that theme, using fried eggs rather than poached. Either method works and both produce a dish that's full of flavor, nutrients and protein that works for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

If you follow me on Instagram stories, you likely saw that I was cooking from a new cookbook earlier this week. Mary Younkin of Barefeet in the Kitchen has put out a cookbook, The Weekday Lunches & Breakfast Cookbook (affiliate link), that is packed full of fantastic recipe ideas, including this easy egg recipe.

Italian Eggs in Purgatory Recipe - Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner (2)

The book contains recipes that are easy to put together, including an entire section on make-ahead recipes that have been tested for refrigerator and freezer storage. Perfect for meals throughout the week. Some of the recipes that caught my eye? Crispy Green Chile Pork Skillet, Savory Oatmeal with Mushrooms and Egg and In-A-Hurry White Chicken Chili, to name a few.

How to make eggs in purgatory:

  • Start by making the easy marinara sauce. The ingredients list may be simple, but with a ton of garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes, the flavor is out of this world! I decreased the olive oil slightly from the original recipe.
  • While the sauce is simmering, cook the eggs. As mentioned above, the eggs in this recipe are fried, but you could also poach the eggs directly in the sauce. If you use the poaching method, cover the pan with a lid to help steam the eggs.
  • The original recipe called for cooking the eggs in butter, but I opted for lightly coating the skillet with cooking spray. Butter, ghee, olive oil spray...any of the those would work.
  • If preferred, make the tomato sauce ahead of time and refrigerate. Reheat while cooking the eggs, then serve.

Italian Eggs in Purgatory Recipe - Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner (3)

Other healthy egg recipes:

{Cookin' Canuck}
{Cookin' Canuck}
Breakfast Bowls with Chicken Sausage & Egg Whites {Dinners, Dishes & Desserts}
Spinach & Mozzarella Egg Bake {Kalyn's Kitchen}

Printable Recipe

Italian Eggs in Purgatory Recipe - Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner (4)

Italian Eggs in Purgatory

Have you ever tried Eggs in Purgatory? If not, stop what your doing and make this immediately for breakfast, lunch or dinner! Easy, healthy and delicious - plus it comes together in less than 15 minutes. 240 calories and 3 Weight Watchers Freestyle SP

5 from 3 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Breakfast, Entrees

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Clean Eating

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 Servings

Calories: 240.3kcal

Author: Dara Michalski | Cookin' Canuck

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Warm the oil in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic, salt, red pepper flakes, oregano and basil. Saute, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes and simmer for 2 minutes.

  • While the sauce is simmering, heat a medium nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Lightly coat with cooking spray. Add 2 eggs to the skillet. When the edges of the eggs turn white, season lightly with salt and pepper. Add water to the pan and cover with a lid. Cook for 2 minutes, until the eggs are done to your liking. Slide the cooked eggs onto a plate and tent with foil. Repeat the steps with 1 to 2 more eggs.

  • Scoop the sauce into bowl and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle egg bowl with parsley, if desired, and slide an egg over the top. Serve with the crusty bread for dipping.

Notes

Weight Watchers Points: 3 (Freestyle SmartPoints), 6 (Points+)

Nutrition

Serving: 1Bowl | Calories: 240.3kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 16.2g | Fat: 13.1g | Saturated Fat: 4.9g | Cholesterol: 199.8mg | Sodium: 822.2mg | Fiber: 3.9g | Sugar: 9.1g

Tried this recipe?If you make this recipe, I'd love to see it on Instagram! Just use the hashtag #COOKINCANUCK and I'll be sure to find it.

Disclosure: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Italian Eggs in Purgatory Recipe - Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner (5)

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Reader Interactions

Comments

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  1. Mimi

    Great recipe. I usually cook the eggs in the sauce. But either way, this is great for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!

    Reply

  2. KalynsKitchen

    That looks tasty! And I am really excited to get to meet Mary at Everything Food next weekend!

    Thanks for the shout-out for my recipe too!

    Reply

  3. Mary

    Italian Eggs in Purgatory Recipe - Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner (10)
    I'm thrilled that you liked the recipe, Dara! I'm all about the easy recipes too. This one is a kid favorite in my house!

    Reply

Italian Eggs in Purgatory Recipe - Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner (2024)

FAQs

What time of day is shakshuka eaten? ›

Popular in Israel, shakshouka is a savory egg entree made with tomatoes, peppers and onions. Though it's most commonly served as a main dish for breakfast, it's also eaten for lunch and dinner.

What's the difference between eggs in purgatory and shakshuka? ›

The main difference between shakshuka and eggs in purgatory is the spices and herbs. Skakshuka features Middle Eastern spices, such as cumin and sweet paprika. Eggs in purgatory does not include these spices and uses Italian herbs, such as oregano and basil.

What are the eggs in purgatory pina? ›

Sprinkle the eggs with 1 tablespoon of the parmesan cheese. Cook the eggs in the tomato sauce, partially covered, until the whites are set, but the yolks still runny, about 5 minutes. Top the eggs with remaining parmesan cheese, additional pepper and basil if desired. Serve with toasted bread and enjoy!

How do you serve and eat shakshuka? ›

Start with a whole pita, then garnish generously with some hummus. Add a serving of the shakshuka, then garnish with the tomato salad. Slightly fold it in a way you can hold it with your hands, and eat immediately!

Can you eat shakshuka for lunch? ›

You can eat shakshuka at any time of day!

Can shakshuka be eaten for dinner? ›

This one-skillet wonder is perfect for busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table fast. It's a comforting dish that makes a hearty breakfast or delicious brunch, too.

What meal do you eat shakshuka? ›

Shakshuka is a classic North African and Middle Eastern breakfast dish. This recipe is simple and satisfying, featuring eggs poached in a bell pepper and tomato sauce. Serve it with pita or crusty bread for breakfast or brunch...or dinner!

What to serve with shakshuka for breakfast? ›

The best side dishes to serve with shakshuka are crusty bread, pita bread, hummus, sauteed spinach, avocado fries, gluten-free bread, Israeli salad, couscous, labneh, roasted potatoes, olives, and feta cheese.

Why is it called eggs in purgatory? ›

The catchy name refers both to the appearance and flavor of the eggs. The amorphous egg white encircling the yolks is said to evoke the souls of those in Purgatory. The red, spicy sauce represents the flames by which those doomed souls are surrounded. A somber take on such a delicious dish!

What is the difference between shakshuka and huevos rancheros? ›

Mexican Huevos Rancheros and Israeli shakshuka both use the main ingredients of eggs cooked in a tomato-based sauce. Huevos Rancheros uses traditional spice salsa. Israeli shakshuka uses chopped tomatoes flavoured with paprika, cumin, and turmeric.

Why is shakshuka healthy? ›

Traditional shakshuka is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and potassium, The eggs add lots of protein and the feta has lots of calcium. This dish is nourishing and deliciously health friendly.

Where did shakshuka come from? ›

Shakshuka is a simple dish made of gently poached eggs in a delicious chunky tomato and bell pepper sauce. Said to have originated in Tunisia, this breakfast recipe is popular in many parts of North Africa and the Middle East. It is so satisfying, you can serve it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Do you eat shakshuka in a bowl or plate? ›

Connoisseurs insist shakshuka should be eaten from the pan.

What to serve with shakshuka for lunch? ›

What to serve with shakshuka
  1. This dish is often served with crusty bread for dipping. ...
  2. You could also serve a salad alongside such as Middle Eastern carrot salad, chickpea salad or fattoush.

How do you not overcook eggs in shakshuka? ›

After breaking the eggs into the sauce, gently spoon some of the sauce over just the whites. This helps the whites cook faster so they set before the yolks overcook. Cover and rotate. Covering the skillet allows the eggs to steam-cook, which moves things along.

Can you eat shakshuka everyday? ›

The Shakshuka makes a perfect everyday meal but can also be served for a savory breakfast or for brunch. Also, when tomatoes are in season, I recommend you use large fresh ripe tomatoes instead of canned ones, it will be even tastier.

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