The Best Eggs in Purgatory Recipe Ever! How to use leftover marinara/pasta sauce! Easy Shakshuka
The BEST Eggs in Purgatory Recipe Ever! How to use leftover marinara/pasta sauce! Easy Shakshuka! is a easy Italian recipe that serves 2. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Dinner with Mariah on YouTube.
Prep: 11 min | Cook: 8 min | Total: 24 min
Cost: $2.60 total, $1.30 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup Tomato Sauce (homemade or good‑quality jarred sauce, warmed)
- 2 large Eggs (farm‑fresh, room temperature)
- 2 slices Bread (any sturdy bread, toasted)
- 4 leaves Fresh Basil (chopped roughly, generous garnish)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 400°F and let it fully preheat while you prepare the other ingredients.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 400°F
Warm Tomato Sauce
Add the tomato sauce to a skillet over medium heat and bring it to a gentle simmer.
Time: PT2M
Crack Eggs into Sauce
Carefully crack the two eggs directly onto the simmering sauce, spacing them apart.
Time: PT2M
Bake Eggs
Transfer the skillet to the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake for 8 minutes, until the whites are set but the yolks are still soft.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: 400°F
Toast Bread
While the eggs are baking, toast the two slices of bread to a golden brown.
Time: PT2M
Assemble
Remove the skillet from the oven, use a spatula to lift each egg with its sauce and place it on a slice of toast.
Time: PT1M
Garnish and Serve
Scatter the chopped fresh basil over the eggs and serve immediately.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 14g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 15g
- Fiber
- 4g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Eggs, Wheat
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Tomato Sauce: Marinara sauce, Crushed tomatoes with herbs
- Instead of Eggs: Duck eggs, Free‑range chicken eggs
- Instead of Bread: Sourdough, Ciabatta, Whole‑grain toast
- Instead of Fresh Basil: Dried basil (1/2 tsp), Italian parsley
Equipment Needed
- Skillet
- Oven
- Spatula
- Toaster or broiler
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Plate for serving
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cracking the eggs without breaking the yolks.
- Baking the eggs for exactly 8 minutes to achieve a set white and runny yolk.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra flavor, drizzle a tiny drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil over the finished dish.
- A pinch of red‑pepper flakes adds a pleasant heat without overpowering the sauce.
Troubleshooting
Egg whites remain runny after baking.
Increase oven time by 1‑2 minutes or move the skillet to a higher rack.
Sauce is too watery.
Let the sauce simmer a minute longer before adding the eggs, or add a pinch of tomato paste.
Yolks break when lifting the egg.
Use a wide, flat spatula and support the yolk with a spoon while transferring.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat gently on the stovetop.
Freezer: Not recommended – the texture of the eggs changes after freezing.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Use a high‑quality jarred tomato sauce if you don’t have homemade.
- Toast the bread while the eggs are baking to save time.
- Pre‑chop the basil and store in a small container.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Eggs in Purgatory in Sicilian cuisine?
Eggs in Purgatory (Uova in Purgatorio) is a traditional Sicilian comfort food that dates back to humble peasant kitchens, where leftover tomato sauce was used to poach eggs, creating a hearty, inexpensive meal.
What are the traditional regional variations of Eggs in Purgatory in Italy?
In some regions of Italy, the dish is spiced with chili flakes or garlic, while in others a splash of red wine is added to the sauce. Some families garnish with Pecorino cheese instead of basil.
How is Eggs in Purgatory traditionally served in Sicily?
It is typically served hot, directly from the skillet, over thick slices of rustic bread or toasted ciabatta, and finished with a generous handful of fresh basil or parsley.
On what occasions is Eggs in Purgatory traditionally eaten in Sicilian culture?
The dish is popular for a quick breakfast, a late‑night snack after a night out, or as a comforting brunch on weekends when fresh eggs are abundant.
What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional Eggs in Purgatory versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include farm‑fresh eggs, a simple tomato sauce made with San Marzano tomatoes, and fresh basil. Acceptable substitutes are high‑quality jarred sauce, regular eggs, and dried basil if fresh is unavailable.
What other Sicilian dishes pair well with Eggs in Purgatory?
A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, roasted potatoes, or a side of sautéed zucchini complement the rich tomato‑egg combination nicely.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Eggs in Purgatory?
Common errors include over‑cooking the eggs, breaking the yolks when adding them to the sauce, and using a sauce that is too thin, which can cause the eggs to slide around.
Why does this Eggs in Purgatory recipe bake the skillet in the oven instead of covering the pan on the stovetop?
Baking ensures even, gentle heat that sets the whites without over‑cooking the yolk, something hard to achieve on the stovetop where direct heat can be uneven.
Can I make Eggs in Purgatory ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the tomato sauce and keep it refrigerated. Assemble and bake the eggs just before serving; leftovers can be reheated gently on the stovetop, but the yolks will continue to cook.
What does the YouTube channel Dinner with Mariah specialize in?
The YouTube channel Dinner with Mariah focuses on approachable home‑cooking tutorials, often featuring comfort dishes, quick weeknight meals, and tips for using pantry staples.
How does the YouTube channel Dinner with Mariah's approach to Italian cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Dinner with Mariah emphasizes simplicity and flexibility, encouraging viewers to use either homemade or store‑bought components and to adapt recipes to what they have on hand, rather than insisting on strict traditional techniques.
Last updated: August 24, 2026
