| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 580 | 35g | 12g | 41g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 10g | 24g | 1.2g |
There’s something truly special about this recipe that calls to my affection for food – the New Mexico Red Chile Huevos Rancheros. Tantalizing with its blend of vibrant, earthy flavors and an eye-catching presentation, this dish combines culinary traditions from South of the border, wrapped up and presented in my own unique way.
Perhaps it’s my Italian roots playing out, coaxing me to always find joy and resonance in culturally rich and homely recipes, much like ones from my childhood spent in the close-knit neighborhoods of Jersey. Or even simpler, it could just be the gratifying process of cracking a dozen eggs to kickstart this dish. The fact that this recipe has a hearty nutriment of fresh vegetables stirred into it, is a big win in my book as a grandfather trying to stay as fit as ever for those long, invigorating hiking trails.
The Heart of the Recipe
The New Mexico Red Chile Huevos Rancheros does a fantastic job of pulling you into its flavorful world. A meticulous layering of refried beans on crisp corn tortillas topped with eggs, sharp Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, and a zesty punch of New Mexico red chile sauce. That’s quintessential comfort food for you!
It doesn’t end there. The recipe is scattered with diced onion and tomatoes, lending a sweet crunch. A generous drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and another of cilantro introduces a whole new flavor dimension. The finishing touch of creamy avocado slices and dollops of sour cream makes this a meal worth savoring till the last bite.
Serving it Right
Each serving of New Mexico Red Chile Huevos Rancheros is a hearty portion packed with vegetables, protein, dairy and grains. While the eggs and cheese provide essential proteins and the refried beans are a good source of fiber, the avocados add healthy monounsaturated fat to the mix. Even the red chile sauce has its health perks – it’s a wonderful source of vitamin C and a natural way to rev up your metabolism.
This dish rings very close to the ever popular Mexican breakfast dish Chilaquiles. Pair it with a fresh green smoothie for a fulsome breakfast or team it up with your favorite Mexican sides for a lavish brunch spread. No matter how you serve it, the New Mexico Red Chile Huevos Rancheros is sure to become a family favorite. And as I transport this beloved recipe to your table, I find my childhood, my heritage, and my joy in cooking come full circle.
What You’ll Need
- 12 eggs
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 cans refried beans
- 2 cups of grated cheese (Cheddar or Monterrey Jack)
- 2 cups of New Mexico red chile sauce
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup of chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup of sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Begin by heating the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the diced onions to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until they are translucent and fragrant, usually this takes about 5 minutes.
Step Two
Add the refried beans to the skillet, stirring them in with the sautéed onions until they’re fully heated through. Then, reduce your burner to low heat to keep the beans warm without drying them out.
Step Three
In a separate pan, heat each corn tortilla briefly on both sides until they are soft and pliable. You can also lightly fry them in a bit of oil if you prefer your tortillas crispy. Once heated, spread a generous layer of refried beans on each tortilla and place them on individual plates or a large platter.
Step Four
In another non-stick skillet, cook the eggs to your preferred style, seasoning with a bit of salt and pepper. Once cooked, place an egg on each tortilla, on top of the layer of beans.
Step Five
Spoon a generous portion of the New Mexico red chile sauce over each egg, then follow with a generous sprinkle of the grated cheese. Cover the skillet, allowing the heat to melt the cheese on top of the eggs and sauce.
Step Six
Garnish each serving with a bit of the diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, a few slices of avocado, and a dollop of sour cream.
Step Seven
Serve the Huevos Rancheros immediately while they’re hot, and enjoy this spicy, satisfying New Mexico dish! Make sure to have extra New Mexico red chile sauce available for those who want a little extra kick.
