Sticky Pinny

Look out of the window. Look at it! The weather has definitely taken a turn for the worst and it’s safe to say that we can say goodbye to the sun for the rest of 2011!

This morning has been a spectacularly grim day. Grey, cold, raining. I wanted to make something for breakfast that would brighten up mine and the husband’s morning! I had a flick through Thomasina Mier’s Mexican Food Made Simple and there is was, her take on huevos rancheros – (translation: eggs, ranch style) which is a traditional Mexican breakfast dish which was considered a poor farm worker’s food. It consists of a chilli tomato sauce and fried egg, usually served with a tortilla.

The tomato sauce does need a bit of time to cook down, but it gives you time to read the paper and have a coffee.

Fresh, tasty and with just enough hint of spice, this dish is very filling and perfect if you have a sore head from the night before!

I have slightly adapted Thomasina’s recipe, her use of lard (and I’m sure this is authentic) didn’t float my boat so used olive oil instead.

Huevos Rancheros
Adapted from Thomasina Miers
Serves 2

Ingredients

For the sauce:
1 small onion, diced finely
1 red chilli chopped finely (deseed if you wish)
2 cloves garlic
1 tin tomoatoes
a few drops of Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp brown sugar
salt & pepper
a small glug of olive oil

To serve:
2 eggs
2 tortilla wraps
a small amount of cheddar, grated
a few sprigs of coriander, chopped

First, get the sauce cooking. Sweat the onion and chilli with the olive oil for about 10 mins. Be careful not to brown them. Once they are translucent, add the garlic and stir through for a moment or two before adding the tomatoes, sugar and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together and then season well. Bring to a bubble and then leave to simmer for 30 mins. Keep checking the pan incase you need to add any water. You should be left with a nice, thick, tomato sauce.

When the sauce is ready, fry off a couple of eggs to your liking and warm the tortillas up either in the oven or microwave.

To assemble, place a tortilla on the plate and then scoop a generous amount of the sauce on top. Top with the fried egg and sprinkle the cheese and coriander over.

Eat and feel like you’re on holiday!