Huevos Rancheros: The Classic Mexican Breakfast Dish

Introduction

Huevos Rancheros is a classic Mexican breakfast dish that has become popular all over the world. The dish consists of warm corn tortillas topped with spicy black beans, a perfectly poached egg, and fresh toppings like cilantro and avocado. It’s a great way to start the day and can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. In this post, we’ll show you how to make this delicious dish at home.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Huevos Rancheros for 4 people:

• 4 corn tortillas
• 4 large eggs
• 1 can of black beans (15 oz)
• 1 small onion
• 1 jalapeño
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 avocado
• 1 lime
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, jalapeño, and garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until soft.
3. Add the black beans (with their liquid), cumin, paprika, and salt to the skillet. Stir to combine and let simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the beans are heated through and the liquid has thickened slightly.
4. While the beans are cooking, heat the corn tortillas in the oven for 5-7 minutes, until warm and slightly crispy.
5. To poach the eggs, bring a pot of water to a simmer over medium heat. Crack each egg into a small bowl or ramekin. Once the water is simmering, gently pour each egg into the water and let cook for 3-4 minutes, until the whites are set and the yolks are still runny.
6. To assemble the dish, place a warm tortilla on each plate. Top with a spoonful of the black bean mixture, a poached egg, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and slice the flesh. Divide the avocado slices among the plates. Squeeze a wedge of lime over each plate, and serve immediately.

Variations

Huevos Rancheros is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste. Here are some variations you can try:

• Vegetarian: Skip the eggs and add extra black beans or sliced tofu for a protein-rich vegetarian version.
• Vegan: Make the dish vegan by using vegan tortillas and skipping the eggs. Replace the poached eggs with sliced avocado or a vegan cheese alternative.
• Spicy: If you like your food spicy, add extra jalapeño or hot sauce to the black bean mixture.
• Meaty: Add cooked chorizo or bacon to the black bean mixture for a meaty twist on the dish.
• Cheesy: Top the dish with shredded cheese or crumbled queso fresco for a cheesy finish.

Conclusion

Huevos Rancheros is a classic Mexican breakfast dish that is easy to make at home. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful and nutritious meal that will keep you full and satisfied all morning long. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast or a leisurely brunch, Huevos Rancheros is the perfect dish to add to your repertoire.

FAQ

What are Huevos Rancheros?

Huevos Rancheros is a traditional Mexican breakfast dish made of fried eggs, served on a warm tortilla and topped with a tomato-chili sauce.

What ingredients do I need to make Huevos Rancheros?

You will need eggs, tortillas, tomatoes, onion, jalapeno pepper, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and oil.

Can I make Huevos Rancheros without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute the eggs with tofu or tempeh to make it vegan or vegetarian.

How do I make the tomato-chili sauce?

To make the tomato-chili sauce, heat oil in a pan and sauté onion, garlic, and jalapeno pepper. Add diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Can I make the tomato-chili sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the tomato-chili sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I use store-bought tortillas?

Yes, you can use store-bought tortillas, but homemade tortillas taste better.

How do I warm up the tortillas?

To warm up the tortillas, heat them in a dry skillet over medium-high heat for 10-15 seconds on each side until they are warm and pliable.

How do I fry the eggs?

To fry the eggs, heat oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Crack the eggs into the skillet and cook until the whites are set and the yolks are runny, about 2-3 minutes.

Can I add other toppings to my Huevos Rancheros?

Yes, you can add other toppings such as avocado, cheese, cilantro, or sour cream.

Can I make Huevos Rancheros for dinner?

Yes, you can make Huevos Rancheros for dinner. It is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed any time of the day.