Imagine a dish that's both comforting and exciting, where perfectly runny eggs nestle in a fiery sea of rich tomato sauce – welcome to Uova in Purgatorio, or Eggs in Purgatory! This classic Italian recipe is about to transform your breakfast or brunch from ordinary to extraordinary. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, you'll create a mouthwatering meal that looks like it came straight from a gourmet restaurant kitchen. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and impress everyone at the table with this surprisingly easy yet incredibly delicious dish!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 400g crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 onion
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour the crushed tomatoes into the skillet, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Simmer the tomato sauce for 7-8 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and develop a rich flavor. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Create four small wells or indentations in the tomato sauce using the back of a spoon.
- Carefully crack an egg into each well, ensuring the yolks remain intact.
- Cover the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but the yolks remain runny.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh torn basil leaves.
- Serve immediately, directly from the skillet, with crusty bread or toasted Italian bread for dipping.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pan: Use a large, heavy-bottomed skillet to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use the freshest eggs possible for the best flavor and presentation.
- Control Your Heat: Keep the heat at medium to prevent the garlic from burning and the sauce from scorching.
- Egg Doneness: For perfectly cooked eggs, cover the skillet and watch carefully. The whites should be set, but the yolks should remain beautifully runny.
- Bread Pairing: Crusty Italian bread or sourdough works best for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh basil adds a bright, aromatic touch that elevates the entire dish.
- Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat, or some grated Parmesan for extra richness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 370mg