Huevos Rancheros

This is a lovely treat that I discovered this past winter on a road trip. As we were driving through Texas, New Mexico and Arizona my friend and I ate as much Mexican food as we could get our hands on. What I learned is that Mexican food is cheap and can be made extremely healthy.

Huevos rancheros is a Mexican style egg dish that is great for brunch. It's nutrient packed, very filling and usually holds me over until dinner time.

Huevos Rancheros
2 corn tortillas, steamed
1/4-1/2 c. refried pinto beans / refried black beans / cooked black beans
1-2 eggs, cooked over easy (or cooked longer if you prefer)
1 green onion, sliced
1/2 avocado, chopped
1/4 c. tomato, chopped
Salsa
Handful of spinach or shredded lettuce
1-2 tbsp. fresh cilantro
1 slice lime
Hot sauce, optional

I use corn tortillas because they're gluten-free and super cheap in California. I easily find ones that are pure (check the ingredients for preservatives), but if you're struggling you can also use rice flour tortillas which are gluten-free as well. For those of you that don't limit your gluten intake feel free to use flour tortillas, but you still have to check the ingredients!! :) Lots of people complain that corn tortillas are too dry, but the trick is to steam them and then they taste GREAT. I throw a little water in a pot on high heat with a steamer basket and place the tortilla on top and cover. Suuuuper easy! Just be careful removing the tortilla... it's hot!!

Okay... what I do is steam my tortillas first and set aside. Then I warm up whatever beans I'm using then I spread the beans on one tortilla and then cover with the other tortilla (kind of like a quesadilla). I use the time when my tortillas are steaming and my beans are warming to chop the other ingredients. Lastly, cook your eggs and layer them on top of your tortillas. Then top with your tomatoes, avocado, green onion, lettuce or spinach and salsa. Serve with cilantro and lime and ENJOY!! :) This is such a wholesome meal and is soooo satisfying.

P.S. my neighbors are playing Mariachi music as I post this... so appropriate :)