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

Published: · Modified: by Dara · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. · 3 Comments

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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

    Leave a Comment

  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

Italian Eggs in Purgatory Recipe - Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner? ›

Breakfast or Dinner: You Decide.

What is another name for shakshuka? ›

Shakshuka, also known as Eggs in Purgatory, is another dish that has conflicting claims to its origin. Most sources say that it originated in North Africa, with Morocco, Libya, Tunisia, Turkey, and Yemen all claiming credit. It is also very popular in Israel and the middle east, after being brought over in the 1950s.

Is shakshuka good for you? ›

Shakshuka is an easy, healthy meal in Israel and other parts of the Middle East and North Africa. It's a simple combination of simmering tomatoes, onions, garlic, spices and gently poached eggs. It's nourishing, filling and one recipe I guarantee you'll make time and again.

What to serve with eggs? ›

The best side dishes to serve with scrambled eggs are bacon, tater tots, potato rosti, caprese salad, banana bread, mochi donuts, sheet pan pancakes, avocado toast, sausage and potatoes, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, fruit salad, hash browns, English muffin, and Greek yogurt.

Can you eat shakshuka for lunch? ›

If you've ever had Italian “eggs in purgatory” or Turkish menemen, the dishes are all quite similar. You can't go wrong serving shakshuka for breakfast or brunch. It's also great for lunch and dinner. Shakshuka is a simple one-pan meal that makes a statement, and it's a great recipe to keep in your back pocket.

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 does shakshuka mean in English? ›

shakshouka, a Maghrebi (North African) dish, popular throughout the region, featuring poached eggs in a spicy tomato sauce, seasoned with peppers, onion, garlic, and various spices. The word shakshouka comes from Maghrebi Arabic dialect and means “mixed.”

Which country is shakshuka from? ›

It is believed to have a Tunisian origin. Shakshuka means "a mixture" or “shaken” in Tunisian dialect. Shakshuka is a staple of Tunisian, Libyan, Algerian, and Moroccan cuisines traditionally served up in a cast iron pan with bread to mop up the sauce (most important).

Do you eat shakshuka with bread? ›

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!

Do you eat shakshuka with spoon or fork? ›

It's a quick, flavourful, and satisfying meal, especially after a long day. Also, it is perfectly acceptable to eat shakshuka straight out of the pan, using wedges of pita bread as your spoon. Of course, if you prefer a knife and fork, spoon the eggs with their sauce over lightly toasted bread.

Can you eat shakshuka by itself? ›

Shakshuka is traditionally eaten with bread. Try a crusty variety like a sliced baguette to go with your shakshuka, or try it with warm pita bread or naan. You could also eat shakshuka on its own, or with rice if you prefer!

How many eggs is okay to eat a day? ›

Eating one to three eggs per day can have several health benefits, but this varies from person to person. At this level of consumption, people can expect minimal changes in their cholesterol levels. It is unclear whether there is an upper limit on how many eggs a person can eat per day.

What is good to drink with eggs? ›

The 10 Best Raw Egg co*cktails from Fizzes to Flips
  • Eggnog.
  • Golden fizz.
  • Pisco sour.
  • Coffee co*cktail.
  • Ramos gin fizz.
  • Clover club.
  • Tom and Jerry.
  • Flip.
Oct 29, 2021

What fruit goes with eggs? ›

In my opinion, oranges, dragonfruit, blueberries, strawberries, pear, raspberries & you can even add maybe some honey for sweetness too! Bella P. APPLES!!!! They are the best ,I love it and they go with eggs and toast…but if you dont like them then go for bananas….

What to eat with shakshuka reddit? ›

I think it would go well with most meats..
  1. Beef meatballs with mint, coriander... Maybe some Feta.
  2. Grilled fish... Possibly fish cakes..
  3. Similar with Shrimp...
  4. Roasted Chicken with Zaatar.
  5. Spicy Italian Sausages.
  6. Lamb/Goat... I'm sure it would work well.
Jun 1, 2022

What ethnicity is shakshuka? ›

Shakshuka is a staple of Tunisian, Libyan, Algerian, and Moroccan cuisines traditionally served up in a cast iron pan with bread to mop up the sauce (most important). It is also popular in Israel, where it was introduced by Tunisian Jews. These Sephardic Jews came from Spain, Portugal and the Middle East.

Do you eat shakshuka with a spoon? ›

It's a quick, flavourful, and satisfying meal, especially after a long day. Also, it is perfectly acceptable to eat shakshuka straight out of the pan, using wedges of pita bread as your spoon. Of course, if you prefer a knife and fork, spoon the eggs with their sauce over lightly toasted bread.

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