Eggs In Purgatory, Italian Style
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
I'm sure you've had or heard of that iconic dish, Eggs In Purgatory. This dish most probably originated in Italy, but over the years its been Americanized and changed a little, the anchovies are sometimes omitted, but I think they are crucial! It's like Caesar dressing without anchovies, just not right! The Parmesan cheese is important as well, this is definitely Italian style, the way my granny made it. It's very easy to put together, the time is in letting the fresh tomatoes cook down and simmer with the garlic, anchovies, basil and red pepper, then just break the eggs in and cook for 3 minutes! I use my garden tomatoes and basil, and fresh eggs from my hens, fresh and healthy! Absolutely delicious in every way!
Author: Ruth Guerri
Recipe type: Eggs
Serves: 3 - 4
Ingredients
- 2 Tbs of olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 3 anchovy filets, minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- 2½ - 3 cups of either grape or cherry tomatoes, or same amount of regular tomatoes, chopped
- ¼ tsp of sugar
- ½ tsp of salt
- 3 or 4 fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 Tbs of fresh Parmesan cheese, grated or shaved
- 1 Tbs of butter
- 6 eggs, room temperature
- garnish with chopped basil or parsley- optional
- 4 pieces of toast
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium/high heat and add the garlic, anchovies, and red pepper flakes, cook and stir for 1 minute.
- Now, reduce the heat to low and add in the tomatoes, sugar, salt, and basil.
- Simmer for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally and breaking up the tomatoes with a wooden spoon, then stir in the Parmesan and butter. Taste and add more salt or red pepper flakes if desired.
- Use a large spoon and make 6 "craters" in the tomato sauce, Crack an egg into each crater. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and cook for about 3 minutes until the eggs are set, the yolk should be runny, cook a little longer if you like a firmer yolk.
- To serve, sprinkle on a little more Parmesan and if you like, some chopped fresh basil or parsley and serve with your favorite toasted bread!
