Elevating Eggs in Purgatory to Perfection!
Elevating Eggs in Purgatory to Perfection! is a easy Italian recipe that serves 4. 380 calories per serving. Recipe by Matthew Augusta on YouTube.
Prep: 25 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 1 hr 10 min
Cost: $11.45 total, $2.86 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (extra virgin preferred)
- 2 medium Shallots (minced)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 0.25 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (adjust to heat preference)
- 0.5 teaspoon Fennel Seeds (optional)
- 0.5 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 0.5 cup Dry Sherry (reduce by half)
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (sliced)
- 1 can (28 oz) Canned San Marzano Tomatoes (crushed by hand or use crushed variety)
- 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar (pinch to balance acidity)
- 0.25 cup Fresh Basil (torn, not cut)
- 6 large Large Eggs (room temperature)
- 0.5 cup Ricotta Cheese (optional, dollops for creaminess)
- 0.25 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated, plus extra for topping)
- 4 slices Bread (any crusty bread, toasted)
- 0.25 cup Basil (for pesto) (extra leaves for pesto)
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice (fresh)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for pesto) (extra virgin)
- 1 clove Garlic (for pesto) (minced)
Instructions
Crush Tomatoes
Place the canned San Marzano tomatoes in a bowl and crush them lightly with your hands or a fork; slice the cherry tomatoes.
Time: PT5M
Prep Aromatics
Mince the shallots and garlic; tear the fresh basil leaves; set aside.
Time: PT5M
Sauté Shallots
Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in the oven‑safe skillet over medium heat. Add the minced shallots with a pinch of salt and cook until translucent, about 3‑4 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Add Garlic & Herbs
Stir in the minced garlic, red‑pepper flakes, fennel seeds (if using), oregano, and thyme. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Time: PT1M
Deglaze with Sherry
Pour in ½ cup dry sherry, scraping the bottom of the pan. Reduce the liquid by half, about 4‑5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Add Cherry Tomatoes
Add the sliced cherry tomatoes, season with salt and black pepper, and cook until they soften, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Add San Marzano Tomatoes
Stir in the crushed San Marzano tomatoes, a pinch of sugar, and additional salt/pepper to taste. Mix well.
Time: PT2M
Simmer Sauce
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5‑10 minutes. Tear in the fresh basil just before finishing the simmer.
Time: PT10M
Add Eggs and Cheese
Create small wells in the sauce and crack the six eggs directly into them. Sprinkle each egg with a pinch of salt, add dollops of ricotta, and scatter grated Parmesan over the top.
Time: PT3M
Bake Eggs
Transfer the skillet to a pre‑heated oven at 375°F and bake for 12‑15 minutes, until the egg whites are set but the yolks remain slightly runny.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 375°F
Finish and Garnish
Remove the skillet from the oven. Sprinkle additional Parmesan and torn basil over the top.
Time: PT2M
Make Quick Pesto (Optional)
In a small bowl, combine extra basil leaves, 1 tsp lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, 2 Tbsp olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Mix until a loose pesto forms.
Time: PT5M
Serve
Toast the bread slices, then spoon sauce, a baked egg, and a dab of pesto onto each piece. Enjoy immediately.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 380
- Protein
- 21 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 24 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free option (omit bread), Nut‑Free
Allergens: Eggs, Milk, Wheat
Last updated: April 7, 2026






