Eggs in Purgatory, known in Portugal as "Ovos no Purgatório," is a humble, rustic dish that originated as a simple farmhouse meal, using pantry staples like eggs and tomato sauce to create a comforting, protein‑rich plate.

In some northern Portuguese regions, the sauce may include smoked chorizo or a splash of red wine, while coastal versions sometimes add fresh herbs like cilantro or a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness.

It is typically served hot straight from the pan, accompanied by thick slices of rustic or country bread that are used to dip into the sauce and soft yolk, making it a popular breakfast or light dinner.

The dish is popular for everyday meals but is also a go‑to comfort food for weekend brunches, family gatherings, and after‑work meals when a quick, satisfying dish is needed.

Authentic ingredients include fresh garlic, onion, high‑quality extra virgin olive oil, plain tomato sauce, and fresh parsley. Substitutes such as canned tomato sauce, vegetable oil, or dried parsley work fine but may alter flavor.

Eggs in Purgatory pairs nicely with a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar, or with a side of sautéed greens like kale or collard greens, and of course with crusty Portuguese bread.

Common mistakes include burning the garlic, cooking the sauce on too high a heat which makes it bitter, and overcooking the eggs which turns the yolk hard. Keep the heat low‑medium and watch the eggs closely.

Covering the pan traps steam, which gently cooks the egg whites evenly without drying out the yolk, ensuring a soft‑centered yolk while keeping the sauce moist.

You can prepare the tomato sauce a day ahead and refrigerate it. The eggs should be added and cooked fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days and reheated gently.

The tomato sauce should be glossy and slightly thickened, the egg whites fully set but still tender, and the yolks should remain bright yellow and slightly runny when pierced with a fork.

The YouTube channel DIYwithnancyg focuses on simple, budget‑friendly home cooking tutorials that use everyday ingredients and minimal equipment, often highlighting quick meals for busy families.

DIYwithnancyg emphasizes straightforward, no‑fuss techniques and adapts traditional Portuguese flavors for the modern home cook, avoiding complex steps or hard‑to‑find ingredients while still preserving authentic taste.