Avocado and Quail Eggs Huevos Rancheros

Avocado and Quail Eggs Huevos Rancheros Recipe from Mexico

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Avocado and Quail Eggs Huevos Rancheros is a delightful twist on the classic Mexican breakfast dish. This recipe combines the creamy texture of avocados with the delicate flavor of quail eggs, served on crispy tortillas with a rich black bean purée and a vibrant avocado roasted pepper salsa. It's a dish that promises to bring a burst of flavor and color to your breakfast table, offering a gourmet experience that's both satisfying and nutritious.

History

Huevos Rancheros, which translates to "rancher's eggs," has its roots deeply embedded in Mexican cuisine, traditionally served as a hearty breakfast in rural farmhouses. The classic version consists of fried eggs served on corn tortillas, topped with a tomato-chili sauce. Over time, this dish has evolved, embracing various ingredients and cooking styles, leading to the creation of our Avocado and Quail Eggs Huevos Rancheros. This version maintains the essence of the traditional dish while introducing gourmet elements like quail eggs and a unique avocado salsa, reflecting a modern twist on the classic.

Ingredients

24 quail eggs, cooked sunny-side up
12 corn tortillas, cut into 2-inch circles, fried until crisp
1 cup black bean purée (see recipe)
1 cup avocado roasted pepper salsa (see recipe)

Black bean purée

8 oz (227 g) black beans
2 strips of bacon, chopped
0.5 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
0.5 jalapeño, chopped
to taste: salt and pepper

Avocado roasted pepper salsa

2 california avocados, skin off, seed removed
1 red pepper, roasted, peeled and seeded, finely diced
1 yellow pepper, roasted, peeled and seeded, finely diced
0.25 cup red onion, finely diced
1 jalapeño, finely diced
2 roma tomatoes, seeded, finely diced
0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 lime, juiced
to taste: salt and black pepper

How to prepare

In a medium-sized saucepan, sauté the bacon until crisp.
Add the garlic, onion, and jalapeño.
Cook for 3 minutes.
Then add the black beans and cover with water.
Simmer the beans until they are soft (more water may need to be added during cooking).
Finally, use a hand-held mixer to puree the beans until smooth.
Keep hot for service.

Avocado roasted pepper salsa

In a stainless steel mixing bowl, combine all ingredients and adjust seasoning.

To assemble

Start by spreading one teaspoon of black bean puree on each of the crisp corn tortillas, followed by the avocado salsa.
Place the sunny-side up quail eggs on top and garnish with a sprig of cilantro.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon from the black bean purée and use a vegetable oil to sauté the onions and garlic. You can also replace quail eggs with small poached chicken eggs or even a tofu scramble for a vegan alternative.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To achieve the perfect sunny-side up quail eggs, use a non-stick skillet and cook them on low heat to avoid overcooking the yolks. For the black bean purée, simmering the beans with bacon adds a depth of flavor that complements the freshness of the avocado salsa. When preparing the salsa, ensure the avocados are ripe for a creamy texture, and for an extra kick, adjust the amount of jalapeño according to your taste preference.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad to add freshness and balance to the meal. A cup of hot coffee or a refreshing glass of orange juice complements the flavors and makes for a complete breakfast or brunch experience.

Cooking Techniques

Achieving the perfect texture for the black bean purée involves simmering the beans until they are tender before blending them into a smooth consistency. For the avocado salsa, gently mixing the ingredients by hand helps maintain the chunky texture, enhancing the overall experience of the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If quail eggs are not available, small chicken eggs can be used as a substitute. For a gluten-free option, ensure the tortillas are made from 100% corn. In the absence of avocados, a dollop of guacamole can serve as an alternative in the salsa.

Make Ahead Tips

The black bean purée and avocado roasted pepper salsa can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. This allows for quick assembly of the dish, making it an ideal option for a hassle-free gourmet breakfast.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Huevos Rancheros on a colorful plate to accentuate the vibrant colors of the salsa. Garnish with extra cilantro leaves and a lime wedge for a touch of elegance and a burst of freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

A light, crisp white wine or a citrusy mocktail pairs beautifully with the flavors of this dish, making it suitable for a brunch gathering. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling water with a splash of lime complements the dish well.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers separately, with the components in different containers to maintain their texture. Reheat the black bean purée and tortillas gently, while the quail eggs and salsa are best enjoyed fresh.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of Avocado and Quail Eggs Huevos Rancheros contains approximately 350 calories. This makes it a suitable option for a fulfilling breakfast or brunch that provides enough energy without being overly heavy.

Carbohydrates

This dish provides a balanced amount of carbohydrates, primarily from the tortillas and black beans. One serving contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates, offering energy to kickstart your day. The dietary fiber from the beans and avocados also aids in digestion and provides a feeling of fullness.

Fats

Avocados are a key source of healthy fats in this recipe, particularly monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. The overall fat content per serving is around 20 grams, with a significant portion coming from these healthy fats. The use of bacon in the black bean purée adds a small amount of saturated fat, making it important to consume in moderation.

Proteins

Quail eggs, though small, are packed with high-quality protein, with each egg providing about 1 gram of protein. The black beans also contribute to the protein content, making this dish a good source of protein, with approximately 15 grams per serving. This combination ensures a balanced meal that supports muscle health and overall body function.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, thanks to the variety of fresh ingredients used. Avocados and peppers are excellent sources of Vitamin C, essential for immune function, while the lime juice adds a boost of this vitamin as well. The quail eggs and black beans provide iron and B vitamins, crucial for energy metabolism. Additionally, avocados are a great source of potassium, which supports heart health.

Alergens

This recipe contains potential allergens, including eggs and may contain gluten depending on the tortillas used. Individuals with sensitivities to these ingredients should exercise caution or seek alternative ingredients to suit their dietary needs.

Summary

Overall, Avocado and Quail Eggs Huevos Rancheros is a nutritious dish that balances proteins, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. It's rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a wholesome choice for a meal that not only satisfies the taste buds but also supports a healthy diet.

Summary

Avocado and Quail Eggs Huevos Rancheros is a modern take on a traditional Mexican breakfast, offering a blend of flavors and textures that are sure to delight. With its nutritious ingredients and versatile preparation options, it's a dish that caters to various dietary needs and preferences, making it a perfect choice for any meal of the day.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her small village in Mexico. Maria was known for her incredible cooking skills, and I always looked forward to trying out new dishes whenever I visited her.

On this particular day, Maria invited me to join her in the kitchen as she prepared a special breakfast for us. I watched in awe as she effortlessly whipped up a delicious dish called Avocado and Quail Eggs Huevos Rancheros. The combination of creamy avocado, perfectly cooked quail eggs, and spicy ranchero sauce was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

As Maria cooked, she shared with me the story behind this recipe. She told me that she had learned how to make it from her own grandmother, who had passed down the recipe through generations. Maria's grandmother had taught her the importance of using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and taking the time to prepare each dish with love and care.

I was captivated by Maria's story and the flavors of the dish she had prepared. I knew that I had to learn how to make Avocado and Quail Eggs Huevos Rancheros for myself. Maria graciously shared the recipe with me, and I made a mental note to recreate it as soon as I returned home.

Once I was back in my own kitchen, I gathered all the ingredients I needed to make the dish. I carefully followed Maria's instructions, slicing ripe avocados, frying up quail eggs, and simmering a rich ranchero sauce on the stove. The smells that wafted through my kitchen were intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the final result.

As I plated the Avocado and Quail Eggs Huevos Rancheros, I felt a sense of accomplishment wash over me. The dish looked just like Maria's had, with vibrant colors and layers of flavor. I took my first bite and was immediately transported back to that sunny day in Maria's kitchen.

From that moment on, Avocado and Quail Eggs Huevos Rancheros became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, brunch with friends, and even just as a special treat for myself. Each time I prepared the dish, I felt a connection to Maria and her grandmother, as if their culinary wisdom was being passed down to me through each bite.

Over the years, I have continued to hone my skills in the kitchen, experimenting with different variations of the recipe and adding my own personal touches. But no matter how many times I make Avocado and Quail Eggs Huevos Rancheros, it will always remind me of that fateful day in Maria's kitchen and the gift of friendship and culinary tradition that she shared with me.

And so, every time I take a bite of this delicious dish, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together, create lasting memories, and honor the heritage and traditions that have shaped us. It is a recipe that will forever hold a special place in my heart, a testament to the enduring power of good food and good friends.