Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Eggs in Purgatory/Poached Eggs in Tomato Sauce

This is something that I learned from an Italian chef a long time ago. He told me that his grandmother used to serve this as a quick, light lunch so that they can all get back to the farm to continue working. I am not sure why such a dramatic name for such a simple Southern Italian Dish. Basically it is just poached eggs in tomato sauce. For this dish I like using over-ripe tomatoes which are plenty during summer. With just a few ingredients you get a healthy robust flavor meal. Remember to get some fresh Italian bread before you make this as you’re going to need it to slop up all the sauce.



Ingredients:

4 large ripe tomatoes (roughly chopped) or a can of 14 oz crushed tomatoes
2 cloves garlic - chopped
4 eggs
Some fresh basil – julienned
Salt and black pepper to taste

1. Put the olive oil in a skillet large enough to hold the number of eggs you’ll be making. Sauté the garlic until lightly browned over medium heat. Add the tomatoes and cook for 10 to 15 minutes or until the sauce is thickened to your liking. Add in salt and pepper.
2. Once the sauce is ready, make little wells in the sauce and break in eggs one at a time. Turn down the heat, cover the skillet and let eggs cook until the yolks are to your desired runniness (is there such a word?).
3. Sprinkle in the basil and serve immediately with some crusty bread.



31 comments:

MaryMoh said...

I just love this. I love poached eggs. They look so beautiful floating in tomato sauce.

Elin Chia said...

Gert..this is so delicious and refreshing too. Poached eggs in tomato sauce...I never thought of it...thanks for sharing the recipe. Will make this for my breakfast this weekend. Hopefully I can poached the egg well :p

Shereen said...

Oh Gert,I love you,I love you,I love you...kiss!kiss!I had this dish in an Italian Restaurant here in Auckland and it cost a bomb for such a small dish.It is so delicious but sadly I couldn't remember the name of the dish and thus I can't do a search.Now,I can make this and eat until vomit...lol!Leceh sikit as you know there is someone who does not like eggs...especially poached!Hmm...wonder if I can scrambled the egg instead..or just watch him gag..(evil laugh).Thanks for the recipe.

Honey Bee Sweets said...

Think I have seen this before! But have not reissue, but I bet it is absolutely delicious! Tangy and creamy, mmmmm, I can imagine how it taste. Thanks for refreshing this idea.

Sayantani Mahapatra Mudi said...

oh thats totally my type of recipe. bookmarked for some light lunch someday.
between that wooden set of plates and spoons look awesome.

busygran said...

Talk about wholesome, talk about healthy, talk about easy! This is superb! Great for breakfast or lunch!

Sarah said...

Looks absolutely delicious! Purgatory is not a bad place after all?

Sonia ~ Nasi Lemak Lover said...

Thanks for sharing this new recipe, sound really good.

Vibey said...

Lovely. Eggs in tomato sauce, whether they be Italian, Spanish, or Middle Eastern, are delish.

And I think I know where the name comes from. In Italy, many spicy dishes carry the name "all'inferno", meaning "from Hell", or "Hell style" (sounds like something Buffy the Vampire Slayer might wear). So I'm thinking that eggs in purgatory have a little warmth thanks to the spices and garlic, but no fire. :)

WendyinKK said...

I love that name!!!!

Thanks for sharing this, now I have something new to do with eggs.

Melina said...

Eggs in tomato sauce! Yummy! I used to make something similar to this as a student. It was cheap and easy. For some variation I'd add some chopped onions and chillies or top with grated cheese and grill it until bubbly and for more protein, mini meatballs. The possibilities are endless really.

Jo said...

This looks super good and yummy. The title has also definitely caught my eye. :P

Anonymous said...

I like this recipe and soups with texture. Will make it also with vegetable soup.


Judy

mycookinghut said...

Looks very appetising! I already love the look of the food!

Edana said...

Ooh, that sounds tasty! I want it. What a great easy meal.

Shirley @ Kokken69 said...

This does look like a rustic wholesome meal - yes, must go with the bread otherwise no carbs for the energy :)

Kitchen Corner said...

This dish is really healthy and delicious! It's such a great comfort food. I like the soup bowl, it's make the whole dish more appetizing! Very yummy!

My Little Space said...

I would love to try this tomato soup soon. Hope my kids will like it. Hve a nice day.
Cheers, kristy

Zurin said...

they look absolutely yummy and so pretty in those mini casseroles. Whats not to love in poached eggs! it couldnt get any beter :))tq for sharing :)

ReeseKitchen said...

Hmm.....never seen or taste before..heehee! I'm not so into Italian food but only those speggheti in cream sauce and Italian pizzas..haha! The ingredients here seems simple and easy to prepare, might go for a try. Thanks!

Alchemy Spoon said...

These things look absolutely amazing! You're the only other person that I've run across who knows this dish. My grandmother used to make this dish (well, something very similar) back in the day. I actually had the recipe published in the Washington Post a few years ago before her passing. Thanks for posting such a beautiful and delicious dish!

Here's the Post link: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/23/AR2007012301162.html

~Sean

Morgan said...

This looks quite delicious! Similar to the eggs en coquette recipe I shared on my blog. I am a sucker for runny yolks and fresh bread! Thanks for sharing!

ICook4Fun said...

Mary, thank you.

Elin, yes this is great for breakfast or brunch. Hope you like it.

Shereen, did you eat something similar? Please don't tell Simon the egg recipe is from me if you want to cook it for him. Nanti dia marah I pulak :)

Bee Bee, this is a very popular dish from Italy. I just love this so are my sisters.

Sayantani, yes this is light and easy to cook. Goes really well with bread.

Busygran, ha ha I like how you said it.

Sarah, not bad place at all if it look and taste as good as this dish :)

Sonia, you are welcome.

ICook4Fun said...

Vibey, that is a great interpretation of this simple dish :)

Wendy, me too. So dramatic isn't it :)

Melina, adding some greated cheese sounds great. I am sure my hubby will love the addition.

Jo, ha ha.. yes this taste great especially with a touch of fresh basil.

July, hope you like this.

Leemei, thanks

ICook4Fun said...

Edana, yes it is.

Shirley, yeap this dish needs some bread.

Grace, thank you. I too like the little pot.

Kristy, this is not exactly a soup. It is more like stew. You too have a nice day.

Zurin, you are most welcome.

Reese, there are so many Italian dishes beside pasta and pizza. This dish is super simple especially for people who like tomato.

Sean, thanks for stopping by and your comment. Yea a friend of mine taught me to make this dish many many years ago. Wish check out the WP article.

Morgan, thanks for stopping by and your comment.

Cheah said...

Great recipe and simply awesome pictures!

Christelle said...

My mums used to make this when I was little, and I do myself sometimes, egg and tomato is a cracking combination!! :)

petite nyonya said...

This egg in tomato broth meal looks delish!!

Healthy and Homemade said...

Been wanting to try this for a while, I saw it in a French cookbook. Looks delish!

Anonymous said...

Have you ever tried Shakshuka?!
Same idea, but different flavours. Try it out!

Damaris @Kitchen Corners said...

This looks so delicious. Italians knows what's up. I just posted a link to this post on my post today about poached eggs. Thanks for the inspiration.