Eggs in Purgatory

 

If you’re reading this from the Northeast, then you’re getting ready for the foot of snow they say is coming our way.

You’re probably trying to run to the grocery store, braving the long lines, and fighting off angry moms for the last loaf of bread and carton of milk.

But, I bet you have the ingredients in your house already to make a warming, cozy and filling dinner.

Eggs in Purgatory, or Uova in Pugatorio in Italian, is a little dish I stumbled on in the Sopranos Family Cookbook. It’s insanely simple. Insanely delicious. And perfect for a snowy night because 1. it’s spicy and warm and 2. you probably have everything on hand.

You will need:

  • Marinara sauce (jarred or homemade)
  • eggs (figure 2 per person)
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Crusty bread (optional. Don’t risk a run-in with a soccer mom before the storm)

To start, heat marinara sauce in a large skillet over medium heat. If you want to make a quick marinara from scratch, dice half a white onion, 2 cloves of garlic and sautee in olive oil until the onions are translucent. Then pour in a can of diced tomatoes and cook. But again, jarred stuff works great for this.

IMG_1387

Crack the first egg in a small bowl. Using a wooden spoon, move the sauce aside to make a little bed for the egg. Gently pour the egg into the indent.

IMG_1388

Continue to add eggs until you have enough for everyone.

Let the eggs simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes. You are essentially poaching the eggs, but in marinara instead of water. Which is way better. When the eggs are cooked (see how the whites form around the yolk) it’s time to turn this into purgatory.

Give the eggs a healthy pinch of red pepper flakes.

IMG_1389

Spoon out the eggs onto plates and top with marinara sauce and a sprinkling of parmesan cheese.

IMG_1391

This is a great dish to whip up when you want a light dinner or when you have bare cupboards and no desire to go outside.