individual baked huevos rancheros
“I didn’t sign up for this.”
“Lauren, yes you did.”
“Um, no. You must be mistaken.”
“Lauren, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you did.”
“Well, don’t be the bearer of bad news. Why don’t you be the barer of good news? It’s all the rage this year.”
“Lauren, really?”
{Mr. Universe slides the tiny print memo in front of Lauren}
“Oh. . .”
A part of me is regretting letting my husband take this new international traveling job. I blame the naive part of me. I figured the worst that could happen when he traveled was he would be tired all the time from the jet lag or he would misplace his passport. On a scale of things to worry about, those two things seem relatively small.
What I wasn’t emotionally prepared for (apparently I should have read the fine print) was the possibility of him flying on the 787 Dreamliner. Seriously, Boeing? Or, the possibility of being held hostage in North Africa. Algeria, anyone? Um, yeah. That whole supportive wife contract I signed back in late December saying I would remain calm about him traveling around the globe can take a mother truckin’ hike.
So, I’m proposing a new contract. A quid pro qo, if you will, between Mr. Universe and me. A contract that will keep the world full and happy, while keeping my freak out meter at a low. I propose that I will keep making delicious food and sharing it with the world, if the world will bring back to me, safe and sound, my husband. Deal? Deal.
Phew. Glad we got that out of the way before he heads to Poland and North Africa.
On with the food!
If you’re a huge fan of brunch like yours truly, this is the dish for you. Sometimes it isn’t always budget friendly to dine out on Saturday or Sunday mornings, so why not make brunch at home? I’m usually a hash or omelet girl kind of girl, but lately, I’ve been crushing hard on the huevos rancheros. Tortilla, eggs, spice, oh my!
Besides all the yummy spice flavor, this version of huevos rancheros is way healthier. Baked instead of fried equals one more Bloody Mary! What could be better?
I rest my case.
Individual Baked Huevos Rancheros
Yield: 2 to 3 six-inch skillet
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 17 minutes
Ingredients:
1/2 lb chicken chorizo
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 yellow onion, chopped
1 small green pepper, chopped
1 jalapeno, deseeded and chopped
1 garlic clove, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 15 oz. can tomato sauce
1/4 cup water
2 cups tortilla chips
6 eggs
1.5 cups pepper jack cheese, shredded
Cilantro, garnish
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
In a skillet preheated to medium-high heat, brown chorizo for about 5 minutes. Once cooked, set aside. In the same skillet, add a tablespoon of olive oil and saute onion, pepper, jalapeno, garlic, and oregano until softened. Add the tomato sauce with water, and simmer until thickened. Add chorizo back to skillet.
Place chorizo mixture back into six-inch skillets. Layer tortilla chips on top. Crack two eggs and place on top of each skillet. Add a lot of cheese on top!!! Place skillets into oven and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes or until the eggs looked cooked. Garnish with cilantro.
Adapted from Food and Wine Magazine
This looks OUTSTANDING!!!! I’ve never heard of chicken chorizo- I want it!!
Lauren replied: — January 21st, 2013 @ 4:04 pm
Liz, chicken chorizo is the best! It has all the spice and flavor, but with half the fat. You will love it!
I think you’ve got a perfectly fair deal going on with Mr. Universe.
And these huevos rancheros? Oh me oh my, they look SO tasty!
Lauren replied: — January 21st, 2013 @ 4:06 pm
Thanks, Stephanie! You will love this recipe. So easy and very flavorful!
Lauren:
Don’t get down on yourself if worry creeps in…it is natural to feel anxious about things out of your control. Every family member of employees who work in volatile regions of the world say a prayer every night that their loved one will return safely. Faith in the “universe” is wise, so keep your relationship healthy by being honest. We are here to help… a shoulder to cry on if need be. Keep making comfort food that tastes delicious and have “jazz hands” when Mr. B has touched down in Denver. See you soon!
Love,
Dad
Lauren replied: — January 21st, 2013 @ 7:51 pm
Thanks, Dad! Love you too. Can’t wait to see you on Thursday!
Safe travels to your hubby! I give you the freak our frequently pass cause I’d be a serious mess… Your huevos look marvelous and it’s a good thing you put them in front of hubby so he can see what he’ll be missing while he’s gone!
I’ll cut the calories anywhere for one more bloody Mary! These look so stinking good! Hang in there girl. Your husband will be fine and so will you. Nothing a little wine and home cooking can’t cure!
Lauren replied: — January 22nd, 2013 @ 12:20 am
You are totally right! Thanks for the reminder:)
Oh no! I can’t imagine the anxiety. Only comfort food like this can make you feel better. Safe travels to your hubs!
Lauren replied: — January 22nd, 2013 @ 12:21 am
Thanks, Cassie! It’s been hard adjusting, but I know we are on the right path! And thankfully there are yummy comfort foods to keep me distracted:)
woah, that’s scary and i’d be so anxious! i hope safe travels for him and everything!! i’d love to get my hands on these huevos rancheros, seriously, they are the perfect meal for one!!
Lauren replied: — January 22nd, 2013 @ 12:22 am
Thanks, Julie! I know everything will be okay, but it just sucks having to worry all the time. Good thing there are yummy comfort foods to keep me distracted:)
Great blog! Nice photos too! Thank you for sharing, I will definitely try this one out. Are you using New Mexico Chile, though? If it is from Hatch or Chimayo, it isn’t going to taste right. I get my chili online from the CHIMAYO CHILE BROTHERS. Here is a link to their site: http://www.chimayochilebros.com/shop
They share some great recipes for Northern New Mexico cooking too!
Keep up the good work!
I miss you so much! Poland was awesome, but the food… not so much. Croatia is a must. Good people, good food, good wine. What more can you ask for. Halfway home and missing you more every day.