This classic dish has numerous variations across cultures. In the Middle East, it is called Shakshuka. The Italian version of Eggs in Purgatory is said to have originated in Naples in southern Italy as poor people's food. In the Catholic religion, purgatory is the place sinners go to be cleaned of their misdeeds before entering heaven. It’s unclear whether "purgatory" refers to the bubbling red tomato sauce used to poach the eggs or the fire of the chile paste or crushed red pepper flakes that the sauce is spiked with.