Eggs in Purgatory (Uova in Purgatorio)

By Kirsten Maxwell April 20, 2023 30 mins read 83 Views

Uova in Purgatorio, as it is called in Italy, consists of poached eggs in a spicy tomato-based sauce. The yolks of the eggs become runny and ooze into the spicy tomato broth. You'd never know that it was made with just a few ingredients.

What is Eggs In Purgatory?

Shakshuka is often compared with Eggs in Purgatory, a dish that has a soft poached yolk and an aromatic tomato sauce. The sauce may be similar to Middle Eastern Shakshuka but the seasoning is different. Instead of feta, mint and Parmigiano Reggiano, Italian flavors such as fresh basil and Parmigiano Reggiano are the stars.

The recipe for eggs in purgatory is an example of the "cucina povera" or "poor man’s cuisine," which was created by home cooks who had few resources. This is Italian culinary genius at its finest! The soft tomato sauce, with red pepper flakes and onion, is a bed for the eggs. They are cooked until the whites have set but the yolks still runny.

This easy, versatile dish is a perfect centerpiece for a brunch or lunch. Serve with homemade focaccia or crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce. It can also be served as a weeknight meal with crispy smashed potato side.

Table of Contents

What is Eggs In Purgatory?
Why Is it Called Eggs In Purgatory
What you need to make eggs in Purgatory
How to make eggs in Purgatory
Substitutions and Swaps
What to serve with eggs in Purgatory
Enjoy Breakfast with These Egg Recipes
Recipe for Eggs in Purgatory

Why does it say Eggs in Purgatory ?

Both the flavor and appearance of the eggs are referred to in the catchy name. According to legend, the amorphous white egg that surrounds the yolks is meant to represent the souls in Purgatory. The fiery red sauce is meant to represent the flames that surround those souls in Purgatory. This dish is a somber rendition of a tasty one!

The recipe is associated with Neapolitan food. Neapolitans have a special talent for transforming humble ingredients into delicious meals. You'll also find versions of this dish in Sicily and other southern Italian regions.

In Abruzzo, where my family comes from, we use sweet pepper diced to add flavor. This is a tradition that my family has, so I have included it to continue the delicious traditions. It also adds sweetness.

Eggs in Purgatory : What you need to make it

This dish is popular because it is easy to make with only a few ingredients. Most of these ingredients are likely to be in your fridge or pantry. This is one of my favorite dinners that I've made over and over. You will need the following ingredients to make Eggs In Purgatory.

Extra virgin olive oil: Only 3 tablespoons are needed to make Eggs in Purgatory. Use an oil with a fresh taste, such as our Nocellara Italian Extra-Virgin Olive Oil.
Yellow onions and garlic are the two main aromatics that make up the base flavor of poaching sauce. Yellow onions have more flavor. You can substitute white onions or shallots if you don't have any yellow ones.
Red Pepper Flakes: Eggs in Purgatory wouldn't exist without a generous pinch. This dish is made to pop with spice!
Red Bell Pepper:Although it is optional, I add this to my Eggs In Purgatory. The pepper adds an extra layer to the tomato sauce and gives it a hint of sweetness.
Canned finely chopped tomatoes: They are convenient to use because they don't require peeling and are available all year round. Avoid canned tomatoes with heavy tomato paste. They lack the fresh taste. You can use whole tomatoes. You can also use whole tomatoes. You can also squeeze the tomatoes using your hands. Wear an apron. ).
The star of the show is the eggs. The most luxurious eggs are large, but small eggs can also be used. You will need to cook smaller eggs for a shorter time to get them soft-poached.
Fresh Basil:Adding a few fresh basil leaves at the end will perfume the dish. The leaves also add a splash of color.
Parmigiano and Pecorino Cheese:Cheese can be optional. Just before serving, I sprinkle a few handfuls of freshly grated pecorino or parm.
Fine Salt: This salt enhances the flavor of the dish.
Bread : Like cheese, bread is optional but I don't skip it. It is a real pleasure to use a vessel that can soak up the tomato broth.

How To Make Eggs In Purgatory

To gently poach the eggs in Purgatory, you need to use a large, luxurious bath. The best skillet to use is a wide one. The sauce will cook down quickly and there is plenty of space for poaching eggs.

To make the tomato sauce, add 3 tablespoons of olive oil to a pan. Add a small onion, thinly sliced and a clove of lightly crushed garlic. Add a generous pinch of red chili flakes, and if desired, one chopped red bell, pepper. About 10 minutes on medium low will soften the pepper and onion. If the pepper still isn't soft enough, partially cover the pan and continue to cook for 5 minutes more.
Add tomatoes:Add three cups of chopped tomato and season with a healthy amount of salt. Bring the tomatoes up to a simmer. Cook the tomatoes until they have started to darken in color, and thicken up about 15 minutes. Remove the cover and continue cooking for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
Poach eggs: Make four wells with the back of the spoon in the sauce. Be sure that they are large enough to accommodate the eggs. Crack an egg in each of the four wells. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of salt over each egg. Cover the pan and simmer on medium low heat for about 2 minutes, until the whites have set but the yolks remain soft.
Serve and garnish: Remove pan from heat. Add the finishing touches after the eggs have been cooked. Toss a few basil leaves on top of the sauce and eggs. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmigiano and Pecorino on top, then serve immediately.

Substitutions and Swaps

Eggs in Purgatory is a dish that's easy to experiment with, and almost irresistible. Here are a few ways to make Eggs in Purgatory your own family recipe.

Add more herbs. Add a pinch dried oregano, or a few fresh marjoram sprigs to the aromatics. Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley over your eggs just before serving.
Add vegetables. In the summer, try sauteed diced zucchini or eggplant with the garlic and onion. This could be done instead of, or in addition to, the pepper. You could also add some baby spinach at the end to give it a flavorful and fresh twist.
Add mozzarella. I sometimes arrange thinly-sliced mozzarella around the eggs. The eggs melt the cheese, almost like topping a pizza.
Swap in in ricotta salata. Try crumbling a handful of Ricotta Salata instead of Parmigiano and Pecorino. This is a salty ricotta, which has been pressed. It crumbles well and has a tangy taste.
Add some pesto. Add a few dollops of pesto if fresh basil is not available.

Photo credits: Andrea Gralow

What to serve with eggs in Purgatory

This dish is so versatile. It can be served as a breakfast, brunch or lunch. You could even serve it as a quick vegetarian meal.

Serve Eggs in Purgatory for brunch or lunch with thick, warm slices of crusty Italian Bread, such as Ciabatta. Antipasto Skewers are a great way to welcome guests. For a lighter option, Lemony Blanched Asparagus makes a colorful, fresh side dish.

Crispy Smashed Potatoes are a delicious, quick and nutritious vegetarian meal.

Egg recipes to make breakfast better

Eggs Fra Diavolo
Green Shakshuka Recipe
Easy Vegetarian Egg Casserole Recipe
Pesto eggs recipe with tomatoes and mozzarella

All Mediterranean Recipes.

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Eggs in Purgatory

This easy tomato sauce-poached eggs dish is spiced with red pepper. For a weeknight meal that is satisfying, finish with fresh basil and sprinkle of Parmigiano Reggiano.

Course Break

Cuisine Italian

Diet Gluten Free, Low Lactose, Vegetarian

Preparation Time ten minute

Cook Time 45 Minutes

Total time 55 Minutes

Servings

Calories 207.7 Kcal

Author Domenica Maretti

Ingredients

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 small onion, thinly cut
1 a clove of garlic, a lightly crushed and peeled
Red pepper flakes in large quantities
1 Red bell pepper (optional), coarsely sliced
Fine salt
1 28 ounce can chopped tomatoes
4 large eggs
5-8 fresh basil leaves, torn
3-4 tablespoons fresh grated Parmigiano Reggiano or Pecorino Romao
Crusty bread (optional), for serving

Instructions

In a large saucepan or skillet with a lid, heat the oil over low heat and stir in the onion, red pepper flakes, and red bell Pepper. Stirring constantly, cook the onions and peppers for about 10 minutes. If the bell peppers are not quite soft, partially cover the pan and continue to cook for 5 more minutes until they have softened, but still retain their shape. Add a generous amount of salt.
Add the tomatoes. Stir the tomatoes in and bring the pan to a gentle simmer on medium heat. Reduce the heat to medium low, partially cover the skillet and gently simmer until the tomato color has darkened and the sauce is thickened. This should take about 15 minutes. Remove the cover and continue to cook for another 5 minutes, until you have a nice thickened sauce.
Poach the eggs. Use the back side of the spoon to create four wells wide in the sauce. This will be the home for your eggs. Crack the eggs in the wells, and sprinkle salt on each one. Cover the pan, and cook until the whites have set but the yolks are still runny. This should take about 2 minutes.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves torn into small pieces and cheese. Serve immediately with good bread.

Notes

Leave the cover on and poach them for an additional minute.
Use a pan that has a lid. The eggs will not cook through if you don't.
Browse our shop for quality Mediterranean ingredients such as olive oil, honey, jams, and spices.

Nutrition

Carbohydrates: 9.2g

The Mediterranean Dish first published the post Eggs in Purgatory.

By: Domenica Marchetti
Title: Eggs in Purgatory (Uova in Purgatorio)
Sourced From: www.themediterraneandish.com/eggs-in-purgatory/
Published Date: Thu, 20 Apr 2023 16:07:33 +0000

Frequently Asked Questions

What fruit can you eat as part of a Mediterranean diet

Fruits commonly found in the Mediterranean Diet include apples, oranges, grapes, melons, pears, figs, dates, and berries. To add more nutrition to your breakfast, you can try adding fresh fruit to smoothie bowls or parfaits. Greek yogurt is a great option for breakfast. It provides natural sweetness and does not require any processed sugars. Also, fresh fruit can be added to salads and can satisfy sweet-taste cravings. You can also enjoy healthy snacks like nuts, seeds and almonds. Also, dark chocolate may be a good option for antioxidants. You can taste the ancient Mediterranean diet's flavors by exploring the various options available in the Mediterranean region.

Is it possible for me to lose weight following the Mediterranean Diet?

Yes, you can lose weight on the Mediterranean Diet. The Mediterranean diet emphasizes whole foods such fruits, vegetables, legumes, olive oil, and other quality fats. These can help you reduce calories while still providing essential nutrients for your health. To help lose weight, you can incorporate physical activity into your eating habits. If you have the right mindset, it is possible to reduce high-fat processed foods, red meat, and added sugars.

Is regular olive oil okay to be used in place of extra virgin?

You can choose regular olive oil over extra virgin olive if you follow the Mediterranean diet. Extra Virgin Olive Oil, (EVOO), has a higher quality, more nutritional benefits, and a milder flavor. Regular olive oil, however, is still an option. Regular olive oil can be used to make everyday meals such as stir-frying or roasting vegetables. This olive oil has a lower price than EVOO. However, some believe that it is better suited for higher heat applications like deep frying. It is important to remember that it doesn't contain as many nutrients or positive compounds than EVOO. Therefore, you should try to compensate for these benefits with other food items.

What foods are not permitted on a Mediterranean-style diet?

A Mediterranean diet excludes certain food groups, including all processed foods, added sugar, and unhealthy fats. To maintain the health benefits of this diet, certain foods should not be consumed. Although these foods are fine to eat occasionally, they can cause problems for your health if you eat them regularly.

The Mediterranean diet prohibits whole-grain breads as well as starches, including white bread, sugary cereals, breads made from refined flours, and any other high-processed baked goods. These items are quickly absorbed into your system as sugars and may lead to blood sugar spikes that cause weight gain over time. They also lack vitamins and minerals as compared to whole grains like quinoa and millet.

Other forms of sugar fall into this category as well; limit your intake of sweetened drinks - including soda, tea with added sugars, and juices - as these won't support weight management or healthy nutrient profiles.

Red meats and processed meats are not recommended for Mediterranean-style meals. Red meats as well as processed meats are high in saturated fats. This raises the risk of heart disease and other metabolic syndrome-related illnesses. Due to the association of nitrates with cell damage responses within the cells, processed lunchmeats may raise cancer risk. Dairy products should be avoided as many cheeses have high levels of saturated fats.

According to nutrition experts, fish should not be eaten more than three times per week.

Statistics

Aim to get 20 to 35 percent of your total daily caloric intake from fat, and for saturated fats to represent less than 10 percent of your total caloric intake, advises the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (everydayhealth.com)
Other components in tomatoes may help reduce the risk of blood clots, thereby protecting against cardiovascular disease, according to a March 2019 review in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. (everydayhealth.com)
In one study, the healthiest eaters at age 50 had a nearly 90% lower risk of dementia than those with the least healthy diets. (heart.org)
The Mediterranean Diet group had a 30% lower relative risk of cardiovascular events compared to the low-fat diet group. (my.clevelandclinic.org)

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How To

How can the Mediterranean Diet reduce your risk of Stroke and Heart Disease?

The Mediterranean diet is a healthy eating plan that includes whole grains, legumes and fruits as well as healthy fats. It has been associated with numerous potential health benefits, such as improved blood lipids, better glucose control, reduced risk for depression and certain types of cancer, better cardiac health, enhanced cognitive function, and improved weight management. It has been shown that this dietary strategy could lower your chances of developing heart disease or stroke.

It is possible to incorporate Mediterranean-inspired foods into your daily diet by swapping high-calorie snacks like chips for nutrient-dense vegetable appetizers or other traditional greens or beans dishes. In order to improve your appetite after meals, you can add spices and other ingredients derived from fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Furthermore, moderate amounts of dairy products like yogurt, cheese, and milk should be included throughout the day for added nutrition. Olive oil should replace traditional oils as the primary cooking medium. Red wine may occasionally be enjoyed to complete the Mediterranean experience.

Combined with regular physical activity on an average vigorous level, one could see even more significant increases in short-term results and long-term positive impacts on body composition and overall health benefits, including chronic disease prevention. The Mediterranean diet encourages eating well and maintains a healthy nutritional balance. This can help to reduce one's chances of suffering from stroke or heart disease.