Breakfast

Eggs In Purgatory

Name: Eggs In Purgatory
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 large eggs; 1 cup low-carb tomato sauce; 6 slices prosciutto; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

By Quinn Merriweather · June 19, 2026 · Breakfast

Prep15 min

Cook20 min

Total40 min

Serves4

Eggs In Purgatory, a keto breakfast delight

As a home cook, I'm always on the lookout for recipes that are not only delicious but also easy to make and perfect for a low-carb keto diet. That's why I fell in love with Eggs In Purgatory, a traditional Mediterranean dish that's been adapted to fit our keto lifestyle.

The story behind this recipe is one of simplicity and flavor. It's a dish that originated in North Africa and the Middle East, where eggs are poached in a spicy tomato sauce, often served with crusty bread or over rice. But for our keto version, we'll be using a low-carb tomato sauce and serving it with crispy prosciutto and fresh parsley.

What I love about this recipe is that it's perfect for a weekend brunch or even a quick weekday breakfast. The best part? It's incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. You'll need some eggs, tomato sauce, prosciutto, parsley, and a few spices, but that's about it.

In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of high-fat ingredients like eggs, prosciutto, and olive oil to keep our dish rich and satisfying. We'll also be using a low-carb tomato sauce that's made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and spices, which adds a burst of flavor to our dish.

So, if you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make keto breakfast recipe, look no further than Eggs In Purgatory. It's a dish that's sure to become a staple in your household, and one that you'll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's perfect for a weekend brunch or a quick weekday breakfast.
The combination of flavors and textures is truly delicious and satisfying.
It's a great way to add some variety to your keto diet and try something new.
The use of high-fat ingredients like eggs, prosciutto, and olive oil makes it a great source of energy and helps to keep you full and satisfied.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to this recipe is the combination of flavors and textures that come together to create a truly delicious dish. The spicy tomato sauce adds a depth of flavor that's balanced by the richness of the eggs and prosciutto. The parsley adds a fresh and herbaceous note that cuts through the richness of the dish.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the technique used to cook the eggs. By poaching the eggs in the tomato sauce, we're able to create a delicate and tender texture that's just set. This is important because it allows the eggs to retain their moisture and flavor, which is essential for a dish like this.

Finally, the use of high-fat ingredients like eggs, prosciutto, and olive oil is what makes this dish truly keto-friendly. These ingredients provide a rich source of energy and help to keep us full and satisfied, which is perfect for a low-carb diet.

Overall, the combination of flavors, textures, and techniques used in this recipe come together to create a truly delicious and satisfying dish that's perfect for a keto breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making Eggs In Purgatory, the ingredients are just as important as the technique. You'll need a few simple ingredients like eggs, tomato sauce, prosciutto, parsley, and a few spices, but the quality of these ingredients can make all the difference in the flavor and texture of the final dish.

For the tomato sauce, look for a low-carb option that's made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and spices. You can also make your own tomato sauce from scratch using canned tomatoes, olive oil, and spices.

4 large eggsFresh eggs are essential for this recipe, as they will have a better texture and flavor than older eggs. Look for eggs that are labeled as 'fresh' or 'extra-large' for the best results.
1 cup low-carb tomato sauceLook for a tomato sauce that's made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and spices, and has no added sugars or preservatives. You can also make your own tomato sauce from scratch using canned tomatoes, olive oil, and spices.
6 slices prosciuttoProsciutto is an Italian cured meat that's made from pork. It's salty and savory, and adds a rich flavor to the dish. Look for prosciutto that's labeled as 'thinly sliced' or 'fresh' for the best results.
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsleyFresh parsley is a bright and herbaceous ingredient that adds a fresh flavor to the dish. Look for parsley that's labeled as 'fresh' or 'curly-leaf' for the best results.
2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic is a fundamental ingredient in many Mediterranean dishes, and adds a deep and savory flavor to the sauce. Look for garlic that's labeled as 'fresh' or 'organic' for the best results.
1/2 teaspoon saltSalt is an essential ingredient in many dishes, and helps to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients. Look for salt that's labeled as 'unrefined' or 'sea salt' for the best results.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperBlack pepper is a fundamental ingredient in many dishes, and adds a sharp and savory flavor to the sauce. Look for pepper that's labeled as 'freshly ground' or 'organic' for the best results.
2 tablespoons olive oilOlive oil is a rich and flavorful ingredient that's perfect for cooking the prosciutto and adding flavor to the sauce. Look for olive oil that's labeled as 'extra-virgin' or 'cold-pressed' for the best results.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheeseParmesan cheese is a rich and savory ingredient that adds a deep flavor to the dish. Look for Parmesan cheese that's labeled as 'freshly grated' or 'aged' for the best results.
1/4 cup chopped fresh basilFresh basil is a bright and herbaceous ingredient that adds a fresh flavor to the dish. Look for basil that's labeled as 'fresh' or 'sweet' for the best results.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or sauté panInstant-read thermometerSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWhiskSpatula

How to Make Eggs In Purgatory

1
Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk them together with a fork. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, and set the bowl aside.
2
Heat the olive oil in a large heavy skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the prosciutto and cook until it's crispy and golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
3
Remove the prosciutto from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave the grease in the skillet, as it will add flavor to the sauce.
4
Add the garlic to the skillet and cook until it's fragrant and lightly browned, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can quickly become bitter.
5
Add the low-carb tomato sauce to the skillet and stir to combine with the garlic and grease. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it's thickened and reduced slightly.
6
Create 4 small wells in the sauce and crack an egg into each well. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the eggs cook until the whites are set and the yolks are cooked to your desired doneness, about 5-7 minutes.
7
Remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool for a minute or two. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top of the eggs and sauce, and add a sprinkle of chopped parsley and basil.
8
Serve the Eggs In Purgatory hot, garnished with additional parsley and basil if desired. Offer the crispy prosciutto on the side, and enjoy!
9
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving, as this will allow the flavors to meld together and the eggs to set.
10
To check for doneness, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the eggs. The whites should be set and the yolks should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 160°F.
11
To serve, use a spatula to carefully lift the eggs and sauce out of the skillet and onto a plate. Garnish with additional parsley and basil, and serve with the crispy prosciutto on the side.

Expert Tips

Use fresh and high-quality ingredients, as they will make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the final dish.
Don't overcook the eggs, as they can quickly become tough and rubbery. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, and remove the skillet from the heat when the eggs are cooked to your desired doneness.
Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese over the top of the eggs and sauce, as it will add a rich and savory flavor to the dish.
Use a variety of herbs, such as parsley, basil, and oregano, to add a bright and fresh flavor to the dish.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and spices, as it will allow you to create a unique and personalized version of the recipe.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving, as it will allow the flavors to meld together and the eggs to set.
Use a sharp chef's knife to chop the herbs and garlic, as it will help to release their flavors and oils.
Don't overcrowd the skillet, as it can cause the eggs to steam instead of cook evenly. Cook the eggs in batches if necessary, to ensure that they are cooked to your desired doneness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the eggs, which can cause them to become tough and rubbery.
Not using fresh and high-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the final dish.
Not letting the dish rest before serving, which can cause the flavors to not meld together properly.
Not using an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the eggs, which can cause them to be undercooked or overcooked.
Not cooking the prosciutto until it's crispy and golden brown, which can cause it to be chewy and flavorless.
Not adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese over the top of the eggs and sauce, which can cause the dish to be lacking in flavor and richness.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced onions or bell peppers to the skillet with the garlic for added flavor and nutrition.
Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or feta, to add a unique flavor to the dish.
Add some chopped ham or bacon to the skillet with the prosciutto for added smokiness and flavor.
Use different types of herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to add a unique flavor to the dish.
Serve the Eggs In Purgatory with some toasted bread or crostini on the side, for a fun and easy breakfast or brunch option.
Add some diced tomatoes or spinach to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
Use different types of meat, such as sausage or chorizo, to add a unique flavor to the dish.

What to Serve With Eggs In Purgatory

Eggs In Purgatory is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Try serving it with some toasted bread or crostini on the side, for a fun and easy breakfast or brunch option. You can also serve it with some roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts, for a healthy and satisfying side dish.

For a more substantial meal, try serving the Eggs In Purgatory with some grilled meat or fish, such as steak or salmon. The rich and savory flavors of the dish pair perfectly with the smoky flavors of the grilled meat, and the textures complement each other beautifully.

Serve with toasted bread or crostini on the sideServe with roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sproutsServe with grilled meat or fish, such as steak or salmonServe with a side salad, such as a green salad or a caprese salad

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Eggs In Purgatory can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheated in the microwave or oven when you're ready to eat it. To reheat, simply place the dish in the microwave and cook on high for 30-45 seconds, or until the eggs are warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat the dish in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until the eggs are warmed through.

To freeze the dish, simply place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you're ready to eat it, simply thaw the dish overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in the microwave or oven as directed.

It's also possible to make the sauce and prosciutto ahead of time, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply cook the eggs and assemble the dish when you're ready to eat it, and serve hot.

To prevent the eggs from becoming tough and rubbery, it's best to cook them just before serving. However, if you need to cook them ahead of time, you can cook them and then store them in the refrigerator for up to a day. Simply reheat them in the microwave or oven when you're ready to eat them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Eggs In Purgatory?

Eggs In Purgatory is a traditional Mediterranean dish that consists of eggs poached in a spicy tomato sauce, often served with crusty bread or over rice. Our keto version uses a low-carb tomato sauce and serves the eggs with crispy prosciutto and fresh parsley.

Is Eggs In Purgatory a keto-friendly dish?

Yes, Eggs In Purgatory can be a keto-friendly dish if made with low-carb ingredients and portion sizes. Our recipe uses a low-carb tomato sauce and serves the eggs with crispy prosciutto and fresh parsley, making it a great option for a keto breakfast or brunch.

Can I make Eggs In Purgatory ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce and prosciutto ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply cook the eggs and assemble the dish when you're ready to eat it, and serve hot.

How do I reheat Eggs In Purgatory?

To reheat Eggs In Purgatory, simply place the dish in the microwave and cook on high for 30-45 seconds, or until the eggs are warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat the dish in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until the eggs are warmed through.

Can I freeze Eggs In Purgatory?

Yes, you can freeze Eggs In Purgatory for up to 2 months. Simply place the dish in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer. When you're ready to eat it, simply thaw the dish overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in the microwave or oven as directed.

What are some variations of Eggs In Purgatory?

There are many variations of Eggs In Purgatory, including adding different types of cheese, meats, or herbs to the dish. You can also serve the eggs with different types of bread or sides, such as toasted bread or roasted vegetables.

Is Eggs In Purgatory a healthy dish?

Eggs In Purgatory can be a healthy dish if made with fresh and high-quality ingredients. The eggs provide a good source of protein, while the tomato sauce and parsley add fiber and vitamins. The prosciutto adds a source of fat, but it's also high in sodium, so be sure to balance it out with other ingredients.

Can I make Eggs In Purgatory for a crowd?

Yes, you can make Eggs In Purgatory for a crowd by simply multiplying the ingredients and cooking the eggs in batches. This is a great option for a brunch or breakfast gathering, and can be served with a variety of sides and beverages.

The Full Recipe

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