Huevos Rancheros

 

Huevos Rancheros is a traditional Mexican breakfast dish made with fried eggs, corn tortillas, and a delicious, flavorful tomato-based sauce. It’s hearty, spicy, and full of vibrant flavors, often served with beans, avocado, and cilantro. The dish is popular in many regions of Mexico and is a great way to start the day with a combination of protein, carbs, and healthy fats.

Here’s how to make Huevos Rancheros:

Huevos Rancheros Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 corn tortillas
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1/2 cup refried beans (or black beans, optional)
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce or salsa (you can use store-bought or homemade)
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 small clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta (optional)
• 1/2 avocado, sliced (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lime wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the salsa ranchera (sauce):

• Heat a tablespoon of oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until softened.
• Add the minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder (if using) and sauté for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
• Add the tomato sauce (or salsa) to the pan. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Fry the tortillas:

• Heat the vegetable oil in a separate skillet over medium heat.
• Lightly fry the corn tortillas, one at a time, in the hot oil for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they are crispy but still flexible. You don’t want them to become too crispy or hard.
• Once fried, drain the tortillas on a paper towel to remove excess oil. Keep them warm.

3. Cook the eggs:

• In the same skillet you used for the tortillas, crack the eggs and fry them sunny-side up, over-easy, or to your preferred doneness. You can use a little oil or butter to fry the eggs, depending on your preference.
• Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

4. Assemble the dish:

• Place the fried tortillas on a serving plate.
• Spread a layer of warmed refried beans (or black beans) on each tortilla, if desired.
• Spoon the salsa ranchera (tomato sauce mixture) over the top of the beans.
• Carefully place a fried egg on top of each tortilla.

5. Garnish and serve:

• Garnish with crumbled queso fresco, fresh cilantro, and avocado slices.
• Serve with lime wedges for a burst of fresh flavor.
• Optionally, add a dollop of sour cream or hot sauce on top for extra creaminess and heat.

Tips:

• Customizations: Huevos Rancheros is highly customizable. You can add extra toppings like sliced jalapeños, fresh tomatoes, or even a fried plantain for a sweet contrast.
• Beans: If you don’t have refried beans, you can use black beans, pinto beans, or even a bean dip as the base.
• Make-ahead salsa: You can make the salsa ranchera in advance and store it in the fridge for a few days for easy meal prep.
• Corn tortillas vs. flour tortillas: Traditional Huevos Rancheros uses corn tortillas, which are slightly crispier and more authentic, but you can substitute flour tortillas if you prefer.

Huevos Rancheros is a delicious, satisfying, and nutritious meal that's perfect for breakfast or brunch. The combination of crispy tortillas, fried eggs, and tangy salsa makes for a flavorful dish that will leave you energized and satisfied. Enjoy!