Eggs In Purgatory

When you want something different, imagine a skillet of spicy, savory tomato sauce, eggs that are poached on top, and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese then served with crusty Italian bread for dipping and wiping up all that delicious sauce. It is a perfect brunch recipe or is it perfect comfort food? Either way, it’s delicious!

Old fashioned dishes that are referred to as peasant food are always the epitome of comfort food. This is one of my favorites. It is so satisfying with the tomato sauce, cheese, eggs, and Parmesan cheese. I like to keep the bread slices soft, rather than toasting them. I feel like I can get every drop of the sauce using soft bread slices.

TIPS FOR MAKING THIS PERFECT BRUNCH RECIPE

• Use really fresh, preferably free-range and organic, eggs. The yolks on free-range eggs are bright, sunny yellow and have a richer flavor.
• When making the sauce, if you want it milder and less spicy, add the crushed red pepper flakes to the tomatoes instead of infusing the olive oil. You can also leave them out completely.
• Take the time to allow the onions and garlic to take on just a hint of color to intensify the flavors. Be careful, you don’t want to brown the garlic or it will taste bitter.
• Don’t skimp on the butter in the sauce. It mellows out the acid of the tomatoes and just marries all of the flavors together.
• Be sure to cover the pan once the eggs have been added, but leave a little open slice to allow the steam to escape. If you don’t cover the skillet, the eggs won’t cook.

VARIATIONS TO THIS DISH

Make this perfect comfort food your own! Here are a few suggestions to get you started.

• Eliminate the red chile flakes and add one or two links of hot Italian sausage. Remove the casings and cook the sausage, breaking the meat up into small pieces. Drain off the fat and continue the sauce by sauteing the vegetables with the cooked sausage.
• Another meaty option is to dice pancetta and saute before adding the vegetables.
• Looking for more nutrition? Add fresh spinach to the skillet when sauteing the onions and garlic.
• Go totally decadent by adding a slice of goat cheese to the top of the eggs at the end of cooking. Give it a few minutes to melt. I can’t tell you how rich and delicious this addition is. The combination of the sauce, the egg yolks, and the goat cheese is so incredible, you will think Homer Simpson is at your table with the moaning that will emanate.

EQUIPMENT USED

• Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons-6 Piece – I love the long, rectangle design. They even fit into small spice jars.
• Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet (10-Inch) with Glass Lid and Handle Cover – its pre-seasoned, which is wonderful!
• J.A Henckels International Classic Starter Knife Set, 3-Piece – good knives make food prep easier…and safer.
• Extra Thick Flexible Plastic Kitchen Cutting Board Mats Set, Set of 6 Colored Mats With Food Icons & Easy-Grip Handles, Non-Porous, Dishwasher – different colors for different foods. No more onion flavored fruit. It’ a good thing.

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