Huevos Rancheros


Ok, this isn't the most complicated dish in the world - but it sure is yummy. I often base part of my criticisms of breakfast restaurants on the execution of this dish, so I thought it only fair to include the instructions for a perfect Huevos (according to the Little Piggy at least). That said, don't think this is just a breakfast dish, I can eat it three times a day.

serves 2
Ingredients:
mise en place***
1 tomato, chopped
1/4 of a medium red onion, sliced (or green onion)
1 chipotle pepper (or jalapeño, seeded), minced
1/2 cup of grated cheddar cheese
1-2 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 bunch of cilantro, chopped (reserve 2 tbsp for garnish)
 
1-2 eggs per person (always better to choose organic eggs or omega-3s)
2 large tortillas (we prefer whole wheat or sprouted wheat)
1/2 a can of refried beans (pinto or black - make your own if you're a super keener)
salt, pepper, cumin and paprika (don't use crappy paprika, you should be willing to spend at least $5-8 on a jar to get an acceptable brand) - to taste
 
Garnish:
1/2 an avocado, peeled and sliced
2 slices of lime
1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt (we use yogurt in order to maintain our girlish figures)
1/2 cup of salsa, fresh is better, but use what you have
 
Method:
1. Preheat oven and broiler  (you'll want the broiler at 450-500F, but you'll also want the oven hot prior to turning the broiler on - this ensures a short cooking time and that your dish gets heated through.)
2. Assemble and prepare your mise en place
3. Place tortillas on a baking sheet, and spread 1/4 cup of beans on each.
4. On medium heat fry your eggs, as desired, we like sunny side up. Cook your eggs slightly underdone, because they'll cook again under the broiler. Season the eggs with salt, pepper, cumin and paprika to taste.
5. Place eggs on the tortilla with beans.
6.Distribute mise en place ingredients over the two tortillas, finishing with the cheese.
7. Place under the broiler in the oven. Monitor your oven, if you preheated it properly, it will only take 4-5 minutes to heat the tortillas and melt the cheese. If you don't pay close attention you'll burn it - we're speaking from experience here!
8. Remove from oven, plate and garnish with cilantro, avocado, lime, salsa and sour cream.
 
What's does mise en place mean?
[MEEZ ahn plahs]
Is a French term referring to having all the ingredients necessary for a dish prepared and ready to combine up to the point of cooking.