The Fire Is Not Quenched

Eggs In Purgatory is a hangover dish by Nigella in her cookbook, Nigellisma. According to Miss Lawson, this dish cooked in a fiery tomato sauce feels like heaven after a night of carousing. She first made this when she was a teenage student living in Florence. This Italian version Uova Al Purgatorio cost very little and is quick and simple to make, but look so delizioso. You can cook for one, or for a group in a large communal pan for a quick meal of breakfast or supper.

Please note that there are few versions of Eggs in Purgatory, originally called Shashuka or Harrisa Egg. The spices used in the original version reflected its roots in North Africa. It is a staple poached eggs dish in Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria and Libya. It is also popularly eaten in Israel. The name Eggs in Purgatory, is probably the Italian/Spanish version where there are mostly Roman Catholics. The eggs simmering in a fiery bubbly tomato sauce look like they are in purgatory.  Purgatory is the place where those who die in a state of grace but are not ready for ascension into heaven, must wait in a long suffering limbo.

Eggs In Purgatory
Adapted from Nigellisma
Serve 1

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small clove garlic (peeled)
1/4 teaspoon dried chilli flakes(1 tsp)
1x 400grams can chopped tomatoes(250g)
1/2 teaspoon sea salt flakes(normal sea salt)
1 or 2 large eggs(1 egg)
2 teaspoon grated parmesan or more as needed
1 splash of chilli oil (optional to serve)
2 slices white bread or your choice


Method

• Pour the olive oil into a frying pan, then grate in or mince and add the garlic, scatter in the chilli flakes and put the pan over a medium heat, stirring for 1 minute.

• Tip in the tomatoes, stir in the salt,and let it come to a bubble. It's got to be hot enough to poach an egg in.

• Crack in the egg, sprinkle the Parmesan over it, leaving some of the yellow yolk still exposed, and partially cover with a lid.

• Let it bubble for 5 minutes, by which time the white should be set and the yolk still runny, but keep an eye on it.

• Remove from the heat and serve - if so wished - sprinkled with a little more Parmesan and some chilli oil, and some bread to dunk in.

This post is linked to Little Thumbs Up "Egg' hosted by Baby Sumo, organised by Zoe and Doreen.
This is also linked to Cook Like A Star "Nigella Lawson' hosted by Anuja,  and organised by Zoe and Joyce.

Where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.  Matthew 9:48