I’m always a candidate for easy, healthy, flavorful food. Every so often, I like to make breakfast for dinner. It’s usually some combination of a green smoothie, like this one, french toast or pancakes (like the whole wheat-yogurt-cinnamon ones I contributed to Darling), maybe potatoes and definitely eggs. The kids often prefer a scramble or boiled egg, but I like to whip these up for the adults at the table. This recipe serves one each for four (or two for you and your favorite fellow egg-lover), but really, you could multiply it many times.

Easy Huevos Rancheros
4 corn tortillas
1 jar salsa (see note)
4 eggs, local if possible
butter, for the pan
feta or cotija cheese
cilantro (to top)
avocado (to top)
salt and pepper

To start, warm up your tortillas and salsa. The tortillas can be warmed up in a microwave between paper towels, or in a toaster oven set to low or warm. The salsa can go in a sauce pan over med-low heat. Stir occasionally.

A word about the salsa – go for a chunky tomato salsa. If it has the depth of a little smoky flavor or heat, even better. Try to avoid salsas that are too thin/watery, or have lots of other ingredients in them, like mango or corn and beans. We still have some tomato salsa we canned over the summer, but I’m quickly finding I didn’t make nearly enough to last us until the next tomato season. Lessons for next summer!

Heat butter (about 1 tsp per egg) in a skillet or saute pan over medium heat. When it starts to sizzle a bit, crack an egg into the pan. I usually make over easy eggs, but you could definitely do sunny-side-up, or even poach yours. If you can get two eggs in the same pan, or get a couple of pans going on different burners, that will be helpful with timing.

Once the eggs are cooked to your liking, it’s time to assemble. On a plate with rimmed edges, or in a shallow bowl, layer your warm tortilla, a couple of spoonfuls of warm salsa and egg. Top generously with feta or cotija cheese, cilantro and avocado. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

In addition to making a great addition to your next breakfast for dinner night, this will be the perfect start to your Thanksgiving morning or, you know, any morning.