Kitchen Cadets: Not-quite huevos rancheros
Ask any child about their favourite foods, and capsicum will probably not be on the list. For 11-year-old Ben, it's something he can take or leave. Eggs, however, are another story. "I could eat 12 eggs a week," he enthuses. "I like them any way. Every way!" Flipping the tortilla-backed egg, Ben is pleased with this new item in his eggy repertoire. This not-quite huevos rancheros,"ranch eggs", is a not-so-authentic version of a Tex-Mex breakfast tortilla. It's easy for kids to eat and can be done before school or for the "I'm starving" arrival home in the afternoon. Healthy and so good.
Ingredients
½ to 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
4 eggs
Salt and pepper
2 vine-ripened tomatoes, finely diced
½ Spanish onion, finely diced
? bunch coriander, roughly chopped
400g can black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
? cup light olive oil, for frying
1 red capsicum, deseeded and cut in 4 lengthways
4 mini tortilla
Tabasco sauce (optional)
Serves 4 as a light snack
Method
Heat a heavy-based saucepan on a medium heat, add a little oil and pan-fry capsicum for three minutes each side. Remove from pan, cut into julienne and set aside.
In the same pan, fry one tortilla until a light golden colour, then flip. Sprinkle one tablespoon of cheese on the tortilla in the pan, then break one egg in the middle of the tortilla. Drag any egg white that spills out into the pan back onto the tortilla and season. Flip the tortilla, making sure to break the egg yolk, and fry for 30 seconds, or more for a well-done egg.
Flip the tortilla, egg side up, onto a plate, sprinkle with a little tomato, onion, coriander, a quarter of the capsicum, some black beans if using, more cheese and a few drops of Tabasco sauce.
Repeat with remaining tortillas. Roll the tortilla and eat with the hands or eat flat on a plate with a knife and fork.
The best recipes from Australia's leading chefs straight to your inbox.
Sign up
