Huevos Rancheros

Huevos Rancheros is a classic Mexican breakfast dish that beautifully combines vibrant flavors and hearty ingredients. Typically featuring fried eggs served atop warm corn tortillas, it’s smothered in a rich, spicy tomato and chili sauce.

This dish is not only satisfying but also versatile, allowing for variations with additional toppings like cheese, avocado, or beans. Perfect for brunch or a hearty breakfast, Huevos Rancheros is a delicious way to start your day with a taste of traditional Mexican cuisine!

Huevos Rancheros

Ingredients:

2 White onions

4 Roma tomatoes, cored

2 Jalapenos

2 Serrano peppers

6 Garlic cloves (divided)

2 Guajillo chilies finely chopped

Bacon grease or fry oil

Corn tortillas

Eggs

Shredded cheese, for sprinkling

Instructions:

Prepare the Onions: Cut each onion in half while keeping the root end intact.

Vegetable Prep: Core the tomatoes, trim the stems off the jalapeños and serranos, and optionally remove the seeds for less heat.

Cook the Vegetables: Fill a large pot halfway with water, then add all the prepared vegetables and 4 garlic cloves.

Boil: Bring the water to a boil and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the tomatoes soften, adding more water if necessary.

Cool and Peel: Using a slotted spoon, remove the vegetables and let them cool slightly. Once cool, peel the skins off the tomatoes (soaking them in cold water can help loosen the skin).

Finalize Pepper Prep: Cut off the stems from the jalapeños and serranos, and remove seeds if you prefer less spiciness. Discard the onion roots.

Blend Sauce: In a blender, combine all the cooked vegetables, the remaining 2 garlic cloves, chopped guajillo peppers, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Blend until smooth.

Heat the Sauce: Transfer the blended mixture to a saucepan, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Fry Tortillas: In a cast-iron skillet, heat about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease or oil. Add the tortillas and flip them to coat with grease, cooking until warm and slightly puffed but not crispy.

Cook the Eggs: Return the skillet to the heat, adding more grease if necessary, and crack in the eggs. Fry them until they are cooked to your liking (over-easy is recommended).

Assemble: Place the warmed tortillas on plates, top each with an egg, sprinkle with cheese, and ladle the sauce over the top. Add more cheese if desired. Serve hot.

Notes:

Vegetable Variations: Feel free to customize the vegetable blend based on your preferences. You can add bell peppers or corn for extra flavor and texture.

Spice Level: Adjust the spiciness by leaving the seeds in the jalapeños and serranos or omitting them for a milder sauce.

Fresh Herbs: Consider adding fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish to enhance the flavor and presentation.

Tortilla Options: While corn tortillas are traditional, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer a softer texture.

Egg Preparation: Fry the eggs to your desired doneness—over-easy, sunny-side-up, or even scrambled, depending on your taste.

Make Ahead: You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a few days. Just reheat it when ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions: Serve with sides like refried beans, avocado slices, or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Cheese Choices: Use your favorite cheese, such as queso fresco, cotija, or even shredded cheddar for a different flavor profile.

Leftovers: Leftover sauce can be used as a topping for other dishes, like tacos or grilled meats.

Presentation: For an appealing presentation, stack the tortillas and egg neatly and drizzle extra sauce on top before serving.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is Huevos Rancheros?

Huevos Rancheros is a traditional Mexican breakfast dish featuring fried eggs served on tortillas, topped with a spicy tomato and chili sauce.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat it before serving.

What can I substitute for corn tortillas?

You can use flour tortillas or even gluten-free tortillas if needed.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Simply omit the bacon grease or oil and use vegetable oil instead.

The dish is already vegetarian without the bacon.

Is it possible to add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, spinach, or even avocado for extra flavor and nutrition.

What if I don’t have guajillo chilies?

If guajillo chilies are unavailable, you can substitute with any mild chili pepper or use chili powder for a different flavor.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Can I use scrambled eggs instead of fried eggs?

Yes! Scrambled eggs can be used if you prefer that texture.

Just cook them in the skillet before adding to the tortillas.

How spicy is this dish?

The spiciness depends on the type and amount of chilies used.

You can adjust the heat by removing the seeds from the jalapeños and serranos or using milder peppers.

What should I serve with Huevos Rancheros?

Huevos Rancheros pairs well with refried beans, avocado slices, or a fresh salad.

You can also serve it with fresh salsa for added flavor.