Eggs in Purgatory — Ad-Free Recipe, Ingredients First

Simmer the tomato down until it is thick and settled before the eggs go in. A loose, watery sauce lets the whites scatter and boil; a thick one holds each egg in a clean pocket to poach.

The Ingredients — and where to get them

Cook for 2 servings

Eggs

Cracked into the sauce to poach. Deep-gold pasture yolks look and taste best.

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Crushed tomatoes

The body of the dish; a sweet, low-acid tomato needs no sugar.

1 can (14 oz)

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Garlic

Sliced thin, not crushed, so it perfumes the oil without burning. Fresh, firm heads.

3 cloves

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Red pepper flakes

The heat that names the dish; buy them fresh so they are fragrant.

1 tsp

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Pecorino

Grated over the top to finish. A real aged pecorino is the salt and savor.

2 tbsp

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The Rundown

Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge

A light hand — your arteries say thanks.

EffortEasy

Cook it with

Instant PotSlow cookerOne-pot

The Method

Warm the garlicCook the sliced garlic and chili in olive oil until fragrant but pale.
Reduce the sauceAdd the tomatoes and a pinch of salt and simmer until thick.
Poach the eggsMake wells, crack in the eggs, cover, and cook until the whites set and the yolks stay soft.
FinishScatter pecorino over and serve with crusty bread.

The Toolkit

Skillet with lid · Wooden spoon · Grater

Straight Answers

Can you make Eggs in Purgatory in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert

Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.

Can you freeze Eggs in Purgatory? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Eggs in Purgatory ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Eggs in Purgatory gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Eggs in Purgatory vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan

It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy and egg. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.

Community Notes

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Eggs in Purgatory, and where to source it