Eggs in Purgatory with Spicy Yogurt Sauce

Serves 6

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

My version of this quick Southern Italian dish uses simple ingredients for a delicious breakfast, lunch, or supper that is perfect for a Wednesday or Friday abstention from meat. With 6 servings, it’s a great meal to share with your family, or with your brothers in fraternity. The white eggs are considered the souls saved from the spicy tomato sauce that symbolize the flames of Purgatory. This recipe is similar to a Middle Eastern Shakshuka or a Mexican Huevos Rancheros – two other great ideas I encourage you to try.

“Have patience with all things, but first of all with yourself.” – St. Francis de Sales

Eggs in Purgatory Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium-size yellow onion, diced
• 1 red or green bell pepper, diced
• 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 28-ounce can diced or crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 Tablespoons butter
• 2 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 6 eggs
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Spicy Yogurt Sauce Ingredients

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon Chili Garlic Sauce
• 2 Tablespoons water

Eggs in Purgatory Instructions

1. In a large cast iron skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes, stirring often.
3. Add the tomatoes, water, balsamic, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper and stir to combine. Lower heat to medium and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the butter and Parmesan and cook for another 4 minutes.
5. Crack an egg into a small bowl, make a small indention in the tomato sauce. Gently pour the egg into the indentation. Repeat with the remaining eggs.
6. Cover and cook for 5 minutes until the eggs are white but the yolks are still runny.
7. Serve in bowls, drizzled with spicy yogurt sauce with croutons or your favorite bread.

Spicy Yogurt Sauce Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients and refrigerate until ready to use.