Fiery Eggs in Purgatory: Spicy Tomato-Poached Eggs for Breakfast Bliss
This bold and comforting Italian dish features eggs gently poached in a spicy, garlicky tomato sauce. Perfect with crusty bread, “Eggs in Purgatory” is a one-pan breakfast (or dinner) thatβs as soul-satisfying as it is simple.

π΄ Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 large eggs
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
- Grated Parmesan (optional)
- Toasted crusty bread, for serving
π₯ Instructions
Make the Sauce:
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. SautΓ© for 1β2 minutes until garlic is fragrant but not browned.
Simmer the Tomatoes:
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Add the Eggs:
Make small wells in the sauce and crack in the eggs. Cover the skillet and cook until whites are set but yolks are still runny, about 5β7 minutes.

Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle with chopped herbs and Parmesan if using. Serve hot with slices of toasted bread to soak up the sauce.
π¦ Amazon Must-Haves to help you create the best Fiery Eggs in Purgatory
- π San Marzano Crushed Tomatoes β Sweet and rich, perfect for a robust sauce.
- π₯ Crushed Red Pepper Flakes β Add a fiery kick to your tomato base.
- π§ Garlic Press Tool β Easily mince garlic for intense flavor.
- π³ Nonstick Skillet with Lid β Perfect for simmering sauce and poaching eggs evenly.
- π Crusty Artisan Bread β Just the thing for soaking up every drop.
- π§ Microplane Grater for Parmesan β Adds a fine dusting of cheese with ease.
π‘ Helpful Tip: For extra richness, crack a bit of butter into the sauce while simmeringβit mellows the acidity and enhances the flavor beautifully.