Homemade Eggs in Purgatory: Spicy Tomato and Spinach Shakshuka Recipe
Eggs in Purgatory is a cozy and flavorful brunch dish featuring poached eggs simmered in a spiced tomato and spinach sauce, topped with fresh herbs and creamy mozzarella, and served with toasted bread for dipping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Brunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Sauce and Eggs
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 medium Yellow Onion, chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (can substitute with regular paprika)
- Kosher Salt, to taste
- Black Pepper, to taste
- 1 (14-ounce) can Canned Diced Tomatoes (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 cups Fresh Baby Spinach (or other greens)
- 4 large Eggs (organic or free-range recommended)
- 8 ounces Fresh Mozzarella (can substitute feta)
To Garnish and Serve
- Fresh Dill (or parsley, cilantro, basil), to taste
- Parmesan Cheese, optional, to taste
- Toasted Bread (any preferred type), to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and sauté until translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 20 seconds until fragrant. Add red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper to taste, mixing well.
- Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes, stir to combine, then reduce heat to medium-low. Let the sauce simmer for approximately 10 minutes until it thickens.
- Incorporate Spinach: Add fresh baby spinach to the sauce and stir gently until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
- Poach the Eggs: Create small wells in the sauce and carefully crack in the eggs. Season each egg with salt and pepper. Cover the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes until the eggs are done to your liking.
- Toast the Bread: While the eggs cook, toast slices of bread in a separate skillet until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Assemble and Serve: Serve the eggs in the sauce hot, topped with fresh dill and optional Parmesan cheese. Add torn pieces or slices of fresh mozzarella on top and accompany with toasted bread for dipping.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh mozzarella with feta cheese for a tangier flavor.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control heat according to your preference.
- Use low-sodium canned tomatoes to better control salt levels.
- Any type of bread works well for toasting and serving with this dish.
- To make it vegetarian, ensure the cheese used is free from animal rennet.
Keywords: Eggs in Purgatory, Brunch Recipe, Tomato Sauce, Poached Eggs, Spinach, Mozzarella, Italian, Easy Brunch
