YT Recipe

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

  1. Preheat Oven

    Set the oven to 400°F and let it fully preheat while you prepare the other ingredients.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 400°F

  2. Warm Tomato Sauce

    Add the tomato sauce to a skillet over medium heat and bring it to a gentle simmer.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Crack Eggs into Sauce

    Carefully crack the two eggs directly onto the simmering sauce, spacing them apart.

    Time: PT2M

  4. 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

  5. Toast Bread

    While the eggs are baking, toast the two slices of bread to a golden brown.

    Time: PT2M

  6. 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

  7. 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

Last updated: April 11, 2026

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The BEST Eggs in Purgatory Recipe Ever! How to use leftover marinara/pasta sauce! Easy Shakshuka!

Recipe by Dinner with Mariah

A simple Sicilian comfort dish where farm‑fresh eggs are poached in a rich tomato sauce, then finished in a hot oven and served over buttery toast, finished with fresh basil.

EasyItalianServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
9m
Prep
12m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
31m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$2.60
Total cost
$1.30
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • • Cracking the eggs without breaking the yolks.
  • • Baking the eggs for exactly 8 minutes to achieve a set white and runny yolk.

Safety Warnings

  • • Handle the hot skillet and oven with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • • Egg whites can cause slipping; clean any spills promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Eggs in Purgatory in Sicilian cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Eggs in Purgatory in Italy?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How is Eggs in Purgatory traditionally served in Sicily?

A

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.

cultural
Q

On what occasions is Eggs in Purgatory traditionally eaten in Sicilian culture?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional Eggs in Purgatory versus acceptable substitutes?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What other Sicilian dishes pair well with Eggs in Purgatory?

A

A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, roasted potatoes, or a side of sautéed zucchini complement the rich tomato‑egg combination nicely.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Eggs in Purgatory?

A

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.

technical
Q

Why does this Eggs in Purgatory recipe bake the skillet in the oven instead of covering the pan on the stovetop?

A

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.

technical
Q

Can I make Eggs in Purgatory ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

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.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Dinner with Mariah specialize in?

A

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.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Dinner with Mariah's approach to Italian cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

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.

channel
More like this:Italian RecipesBreakfast RecipesMore by Dinner with Mariah

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