Rachael's Spanish Eggs in Purgatory

Rachael's Spanish Eggs in Purgatory is a easy Spanish recipe that serves 4. 380 calories per serving. Recipe by Rachael Ray Show on YouTube.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 55 min

Cost: $76.91 total, $19.23 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 medium Spanish Onion (diced)
  • 0.5 cup Celery Leaves (thinly sliced, from 1 bunch of celery)
  • 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 tsp Smoked Sweet Paprika (also called pimentón)
  • 0.5 tsp Hot Smoked Paprika (adds heat)
  • 1 tsp Tabasco Sauce (optional, for extra kick)
  • 1 tbsp Sherry Vinegar (provides acidity)
  • 2 tbsp Dry Sherry (optional, can use either vinegar or sherry)
  • 0.5 cup Chicken or Vegetable Stock (low‑sodium)
  • 1 cup Tomato Passata (uncooked pureed tomatoes)
  • 0.5 cup Sweet Peppers (sweet, almost sugary strips (roasted red pepper strips work well))
  • 8 oz Spanish Chorizo (Linguisa) (sliced)
  • 4 large Large Eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 loaf Crusty Bread (Baguette or Ciabatta) (sliced and toasted)
  • 2 cloves Garlic Cloves for Rubbing (halved)
  • 2 tbsp Fruity Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, good flavor)
  • 1 pinch Flaky Sea Salt (to finish bread)
  • 2 oz Manchego Cheese (shaved)
  • 0.25 cup Flat‑Leaf Parsley Tops (chopped)
  • 1 cup Arugula (peppery leaves)
  • 2 tbsp Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)

Instructions

  1. Prep Ingredients

    Dice the onion, thinly slice the celery leaves, mince the garlic, slice the chorizo, and shave the Manchego. Measure all liquids and set aside.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Sauté Aromatics

    Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a cast‑iron skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the onion, celery leaves, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  3. Render Chorizo

    Add the sliced chorizo to the skillet and sauté for 2 minutes, allowing the fat to render and the pieces to brown slightly.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium

  4. Spice It Up

    Stir in the smoked sweet paprika, hot smoked paprika, and Tabasco sauce. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: Medium

  5. Build the Sauce

    Add the sherry vinegar, dry sherry, stock, tomato passata, and sweet pepper strips. Bring to a gentle simmer and let bubble for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

    Time: PT7M

    Temperature: Medium

  6. Add Eggs and Bake

    Using a ladle, make four small wells in the sauce and crack one egg into each well. Transfer the skillet to a pre‑heated 400°F oven and bake until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny, about 8 minutes (adjust for desired doneness).

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: 400°F

  7. Prepare the Salad

    In a mixing bowl combine the sliced celery leaves, shaved Manchego, chopped parsley, and arugula. Dress with lemon juice, 2 tbsp fruity olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss gently.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Toast and Garlic‑Rub Bread

    Slice the crusty bread and toast until golden. While still warm, rub each slice with a halved garlic clove, drizzle with a little extra‑virgin olive oil, and finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Plate and Serve

    Transfer the skillet (or spoon the sauce) onto a serving dish. Arrange the garlic‑olive oil bread on the side and the fresh salad beside it. Serve immediately while the eggs are hot.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
380
Protein
18g
Carbohydrates
35g
Fat
20g
Fiber
5g

Dietary info: Non‑vegetarian, Contains gluten, Contains dairy

Allergens: Eggs, Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: April 7, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Rachael's Spanish Eggs in Purgatory

Recipe by Rachael Ray Show

A hearty Spanish‑style Eggs in Purgatory featuring smoky chorizo, a spicy tomato‑pepper sauce, crusty garlic‑olive oil bread, and a bright celery‑Manchego salad. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner.

EasySpanishServes 4

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

Source Video
22m
Prep
23m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
55m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$76.91
Total cost
$19.23
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Sauté the aromatics until softened but not browned.
  • Render the chorizo to release its smoky fat.
  • Balance the sauce acidity with sherry vinegar or dry sherry.
  • Create wells and crack eggs gently to avoid breaking yolks.
  • Bake the eggs to your preferred doneness without overcooking.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot skillet and oven with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Cook eggs to at least 140°F internal temperature if serving to vulnerable individuals.
  • Tabasco and hot paprika can cause skin irritation; wash hands after handling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

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

A

Eggs in Purgatory (Huevos a la Purgatoria) is a rustic Spanish comfort dish that dates back to peasant kitchens, where simple pantry staples like tomatoes, chorizo, and eggs were combined to create a hearty meal for any time of day.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Eggs in Purgatory across Spain?

A

In Andalusia the dish often uses sweet paprika and sherry, while in the Basque Country it may feature piquillo peppers and a splash of Txakoli wine. Northern versions sometimes add smoked ham instead of chorizo.

cultural
Q

How is Eggs in Purgatory traditionally served in Spain?

A

It is typically served hot in a shallow earthenware or cast‑iron pan, accompanied by crusty country bread for dipping, and a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Eggs in Purgatory associated with in Spanish culture?

A

The dish is popular for weekend brunches, festive family gatherings, and as a comforting late‑night meal after celebrations, because it can be made quickly with pantry ingredients.

cultural
Q

What makes Spanish Eggs in Purgatory special compared to other Egg‑in‑Purgatory recipes?

A

The Spanish version relies on smoky chorizo, smoked paprika, and a splash of sherry or sherry vinegar, giving it a deep, slightly sweet‑smoky flavor that differs from the Italian version which uses chili flakes and Parmesan.

cultural
Q

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

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the eggs, burning the garlic, and using too much vinegar which can overpower the sauce. Render the chorizo briefly and add the acidic ingredients gradually to keep balance.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use both sherry vinegar and dry sherry instead of just one acid?

A

Sherry vinegar provides a sharp acidity, while dry sherry adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor. Together they create a balanced bright‑savory profile that mimics traditional Spanish pantry staples.

technical
Q

Can I make the sauce for Spanish Eggs in Purgatory ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the tomato‑chorizo sauce can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead. Cool it quickly, refrigerate in an airtight container, and gently reheat before adding the eggs.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the sauce is ready?

A

The sauce should be slightly thickened, glossy, and pepper‑streaked from the paprika. It should coat the back of a spoon but still be fluid enough to cradle the eggs.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Rachael Ray Show specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Rachael Ray Show specializes in quick, approachable home‑cooking recipes, meal‑prep ideas, and lifestyle segments that blend comfort food with everyday convenience.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Rachael Ray Show's approach to Spanish cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Rachael Ray’s approach focuses on simplifying traditional Spanish flavors with pantry‑friendly ingredients and minimal equipment, whereas many specialty channels may require hard‑to‑find items or advanced techniques.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Spanish Eggs
12

Spanish Eggs

A delicious preparation of poached eggs in a Mediterranean sauce with peppers, tomatoes, olives and chorizo, inspired by Spanish cuisine. Served with rice, it is a complete and flavorful dish, ideal for lunch or dinner.

46 minServes 4$9
Spanish
I made eggs in purgatory and it was SO EASY!
6

I made eggs in purgatory and it was SO EASY!

A quick, low‑effort Italian‑style breakfast or brunch where poached eggs are nestled in a bubbling marinara sauce, finished with red‑pepper flakes, Parmesan and fresh basil.

20 minServes 2$3
Italian
Mary Berg’s Eggs in Purgatory
5

Mary Berg’s Eggs in Purgatory

A bright, slightly spicy skillet of sliced garlic, sweet cherry tomatoes, and poached eggs finished with a generous drizzle of fiery chili oil (Bomba). Served over buttery ricotta toast, this dish is perfect for a weekend brunch or a comforting dinner.

44 minServes 2$24
American
Eggs in Purgatory: Your New Favorite Poached Egg Dish! 🔥
6

Eggs in Purgatory: Your New Favorite Poached Egg Dish! 🔥

A classic Southern Italian breakfast or brunch dish where poached eggs rest in a spicy San Marzano tomato sauce, finished with fresh basil and parsley and served with toasted garlic bread.

43 minServes 2$8
Italian
How Italians make eggs — and it’s incredible Eggs in Purgatory 🇮🇹
6

How Italians make eggs — and it’s incredible Eggs in Purgatory 🇮🇹

A simple Italian comfort‑food breakfast of poached eggs nestled in a fragrant tomato‑onion sauce, finished with fresh basil. Ready in under 30 minutes, this skillet dish delivers the bright flavors of Italy for a quick morning meal.

40 minServes 2$3
Italian
Eggs in Purgatory: A Flavor-Packed Keto Breakfast (4g Net Carbs)
8

Eggs in Purgatory: A Flavor-Packed Keto Breakfast (4g Net Carbs)

A low‑carb, keto‑compatible take on the classic Italian Eggs in Purgatory. Six large eggs are poached in a spicy tomato‑and‑green‑chili sauce, finished with fresh basil, grated Parmesan, and a drizzle of olive oil. Perfect for a hearty breakfast or brunch.

40 minServes 6$5
Italian