Would you look at that? I’m eating fried eggs now. That only took 27 years. In other inconsequential personal news, I’ve coaxed my African violet into blooming again. Apparently it likes to be watered every seven days. Go figure!
Maybe it’s silly or childish, but I often catch myself craving recognition for these tiny everyday accomplishments. Living and working by myself is totally awesome, most of the time. An occasional “good job,” or pat on the back goes a long way, though.
Sometimes I think it would be nice to have someone around. Like the other day, when I lifted up a heavy vintage desk and dragged a thick wool rug underneath all by myself, no one was around to see it. If they had been, I would have flexed my arm muscles and paraded around the apartment like a champion. Actually, no, I would have just asked for help.
Back to the fried eggs. I’ve been eating huevos rancheros with scrambled eggs (sacrilege!) for years, but I’m moving onto the fried eggs now. A plate of saucy huevos rancheros is my go-to meal when I want a substantial, savory meal with lots of protein. My latest favorite homemade version features a creamy avocado sauce and spicy black beans.
You’ll see that I took a shortcut by using jarred salsa verde. I don’t have a problem with store-bought salsas and besides, tomatillos aren’t in season anyway. If you wanted to make the recipe even quicker, you could skip the additional ingredients in the avocado salsa verde and just blend the avocado and salsa together. You’ll be missing out on some fresh flavor, though. You could also choose to serve the avocado sauce at room temperature instead of warming it. I’m just kind of particular about food temps.
Lastly, I’ll be the first to admit that this dish is not the most beautiful dish on the blog, but I try not to discriminate based on appearances. I’m hoping to distract you from the green goo with some cute puppy pics. Is it working?
Huevos Rancheros with Avocado Salsa Verde
- Author:
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: Mexican
This huevos rancheros recipe features spicy black beans and fresh, creamy avocado salsa verde. It’s a delicious, hearty and healthy breakfast that makes a great dinner, too! This is a meatless recipe that vegetarians and meat eaters can agree on.
Ingredients
Spicy black beans
- 2 cans black black beans, rinsed and drained (or about 3 cups cooked black beans)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ medium red onion, chopped
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 lime, halved
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Avocado Salsa Verde
- 1 cup mild salsa verde from a jar
- 1 ripe avocado, pitted and sliced
- Big handful cilantro (some stems are ok)
- 1 medium jalapeño, deseeded and roughly chopped (save ½ of jalapeño for garnish)
- 1 garlic clove, roughly chopped
- ½ lime, halved
Assembly
- 4+ corn tortillas
- 4+ eggs
- ½ cup feta, crumbled
- Small handful cilantro, roughly chopped
- 4 radishes, sliced into very thin pieces
- ½ jalapeño, seeds and membranes removed, finely chopped
- Hot sauce (Cholula is my favorite)
Instructions
- Cook the beans: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a medium-sized saucepan (with a lid) over medium heat. Once the oil is warmed, add the onion and sauté for a few minutes, stirring often, until the onions are turning translucent. Add the chili powder, cumin and cayenne and stir. Add the beans and ¼ cup water and stir to combine. Cover the pan, reduce heat, and let the beans simmer for about 10 minutes (if the beans seem dry at any point, add a splash of water). Remove from heat, mash some of the beans with the back of a big spoon and cover the pan until you are ready to serve.
- Make the avocado salsa verde: In a food processor, combine the salsa verde, avocado, cilantro, ½ of the jalapeño, garlic clove and the juice of ½ lime. Purée the salsa until it is super creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as necessary. Transfer the salsa verde to a small saucepan and gently warm it over medium-low heat, stirring often (or transfer the salsa to a bowl and warm it in the microwave). Don’t overheat this stuff! Cover the salsa until you’re ready to serve.
- Cook the eggs: However you’d like ’em. I fried mine but I won’t judge if you scramble yours. Top with a light sprinkle of salt and pepper.
- Warm the tortillas: Directly over a medium-low gas burner flame or in a pan, flipping until warmed through.
- Assemble the huevos rancheros: On each plate, top tortilla(s) with black beans, avocado sauce and egg(s). Garnish with crumbled feta, cilantro, chopped radishes and jalapeño. Serve with a bottle of hot sauce on the side.
Notes
- Use certified gluten-free/100 percent corn tortillas for a gluten-free meal.
- Make it dairy free: omit the feta and substitute pickled jalapeño for the fresh to make up for feta’s salty punch.
- Recipe is a combination of the sauce from my sweet potato burrito and the beans from my kale and black bean bowl. You might also like these simple, scrambled huevos rancheros.
Vegetable enthusiast. Dog lover. I'm probably making a big mess in my Kansas City kitchen right now. 
Abby@TheFrostedVegan
Cookie is such a cutie!! Also, you are doing wonderful and I admire your work all the time, so you go girl!!
Kate
Why thank you, Abby! :)
Haley @Cupcakes &...
Yum! Huevos Rancheros is one of my favorites. This looks absolutely wonderful! :)
Ashley
Don’t be silly! This is gorgeous! Beautiful, vibrant colors and a meal I could eat every single day. I’m sort of obsessed with eggs. You must, must buy “ghee” and try cooking your eggs in it. Oh my my. Congrats on bringing your plant back to life!! I am no good at keeping plants alive. I know what you mean about people seeing things you do. I just installed a ceiling light fixture today and it was sort of a pain, with more wires sticking out of the ceiling than their should have been and a slightly too short step stool…but I did it! Woot!
Kate
Woah, I’m sorry I didn’t respond sooner, Ashley! Thank you! I just added ghee to my shopping list, per your recommendation. Major pat on the back for installing your light fixture. I wouldn’t know where to begin! Your house has looked so beautiful in all the little glimpses I’ve seen on instagram.
Megan
I would like to also recommend making ghee. It’s a little time intensive, but simple enough, and makes your house smell like butter heaven. Plus you can make sure it’s coming from a quality dairy product.
★★★★★
Kate
I think it’s about time I tried! Thanks for the suggestion, Megan.
Colleen
What has been my go to lazy lady dinner this year just got awesomer. Thanks friend!
Kate
Aha! Found your comment! Hope you’re as obsessed with avocado salsa verde as I am.
G Fred
No distraction needed! I think this dish is beautiful!! Also, I am giving you internet high fives for your progress with eggs! Hi cute Cookie!
Kate
Thank you, friend! Got your card the other day. It’s on my fridge. :)
Stefanie
Hey, that green goo looks amazing! Even though I totally do love seeing cute Cookie pics too! I love that you topped this with radishes! I love that idea so much more than red onions!!!
Kate
Thanks, Stefanie! I’m so into topping Mexican dishes with radishes lately, especially the dishes that are less tomato-y. They add a nice crunch and a bit of heat, but they aren’t overpowering like red onions can be!
Shanna Mallon
Would you believe I was exactly 27 when I began liking fried eggs, too? Tim made me one the first time I visited his family, and I ate it because he made it for me, not because I would have asked for it that way, and, shockingly, I liked it! Never looked back. : )
Kate
Maybe 27 is the year to learn to like fried eggs! I can’t say that I love them quite yet, but I’m close!
McKel Hill, MS, RD,
The food is gorgeous, but the pup makes the shot :)
dixya
that green goo looks delicious.. your pup is cuteee
Katrina @ WVS
mmm mmm such a fabulous meal! i’d like this for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!!
Becky @ A Calculated
No way–this is gorgeous! I just pinned that last photo to my Food Photography board. Stunning!
Kate
Thank you, Becky!
PiaL
Dearest Kate…your blog today made my heart ping! and I loved seeing a picture of Cookie. Besides enjoying your recipes and pics I appreciate what you do all alone. Been there. Married at almost 41, had first and only child at 45 , and now that I’m almost 70 I see how much time there is if we’re lucky and that the time spent alone is character-building. Ha ha, end of speechifying. Sending love and good wishes.
Kate
Pia, your comment absolutely made my day. Thank you. All my best to you!
Claire
Have you tried medium boiled eggs? That’s my new favorite.
Kate
No, I haven’t! It might take me a while to learn to like boiled eggs… I’ll work on it!
Lindsey (dolly and o
I totally love everything about this! Fried eggs, spicy black bean, and avocado salsa verde…you most certainly cannot go wrong. I now know what I will be making for breakfast this weekend :)
Angela@eatspinrunrpt
Ok firstly, mad props to you for reviving that African violet. I have the utmost respect for anyone who can keep plants alive (because I am totally incapable.) And secondly, that is one of the prettiest fried eggs I have ever seen!
Katy
Gorgeous photos! That avocado salsa verde looks delicious. Eggs are a great, easy meal. I don’t think I would be able to resist adding a little sriracha :)
Tieghan
I am personally a huge fried egg fan and this look delicious! And gorgeous! Your colors are so pretty and that egg white is so white! How on earth did you do that?
Kate
Hey Tieghan! I used a local egg and followed How Sweet Eats’ cooking technique! Ta da: http://www.howsweeteats.com/2013/04/exactly-how-i-cook-my-sunny-side-up-eggs-so-they-look-cute-in-food-photos/
Nora (Buttercream Fa
I love this post! This is one of my favorite dishes for any meal, and I won’t lie, the pictures of cute Cookie aren’t hurting at all either. :)
Mary Ann
Yo Kate, I am sure, when Cookie saw you move that heavy desk, she was saying ‘You Go Girl’ in pup language, which sometimes is the wag of a tail, other times a grin, or barking!
Will try this tomorrow, no wait, I want to make your pumpkin pecan scones again! Perhaps we will have huevos for dinner one night this week.
Kate
Haha! Thank you, Mary Ann.
Brooke
This recipe looks great! I really like the idea of adding feta on top, especially since we have a some in our fridge! I’m not sure why it never occurred to me to make this meal for dinner, its such a great veggie-friendly meal when you need the protein! Also, I love eggs for dinner!
michelle
I followed your recipe tonight and decided to make my own corn tortillas. It was delicious! My husband wants the leftovers for dinner again tomorrow.
Kate
That’s awesome! I’ve never made my own tortillas. Glad you and your husband enjoyed the huevos rancheros!
Kiran
Cookie is so so adorable!! And I want this for breakfast, lunch and dinner!! Pinned :)
Much to My Delight
As a native Texan who grew up eating huevos rancheros basically every weekend, I must disagree with you when you call this dish unattractive. Looks beautimous to me! I usually reach for a red sauce, but a green one sounds awesome too!
Pooja
This looks delicious! Have you tried adding garam masala to the beans? I do that, it adds a nice heat.
Kate
No, I haven’t, but that is a great idea! I like adding a tiny dash of cinnamon but I’ll try garam masala next time.
Joanne
Maybe if you’ve come around there’s hope for my boyfriend? He hates egg yolks. Weirdo. I am all for them, however, and think they are one of the prettiest things out there! Especially on these tortillas of deliciousness.
Kate
There is hope! I hope he changes his mind. If not, these would still be fantastic with scrambled eggs on top.
Dearna @tohercore
Haha, Im all for the pat on the back too. Though self-satisfaction when you do something for yourself is great also. This dish sounds delish – and you’re right, the pictures of Cookie in amongst the green goo are a nice touch ;)
Emily @ the pig & qu
This is the stuff dreams are made of. Or the stuff it’s worth waking from a dream to enjoy. Yeah, that one. Love the yolk porn, too. Gorg.
Skye
So many fresh flavours – heaven.
And such beautiful photos!
Liz {What Dress Code
I’d say this recipe still looks pretty darn delicious despite your worries about it not photographing well — and this will definitely be my new go-to for huevos rancheros, a long-time favorite of mine!
★★★★★
Honey,What's Cooking
Looks decadent.. Huevos Rancheros is my favorite thing to order for Brunch.. I’m so making this.. I would have made this the exact same way, but I wouldn’t have made the avocado salsa verde, that is just brilliant. Love it Kate!
Sophie
Whatever lady, your huevos rancheros are beautiful, and expertly photographed! I recently posted a similar recipe and mine are nowhere near as pretty :) LOVE your verde sauce, can not wait to try! I am a single-wife often these evenings with my husband working nights, so I’m all about this simple dish for one (and then a few repeats)! And I know how that lonliness can feel. Sometimes I don’t see my husband for days at a time. I’m glad I have my pup, but it would be much nicer to have my favorite human around!
Kate
Thank you, Sophie! I’m not sure why, but Mexican dishes made with small tortillas are so difficult to photograph! Tacos, tostadas, huevos rancheros… impossible. Hope you love the avocado sauce! It’s good on everything.
Chris
OMG! Where have you and Cookie been all my life! Your food looks amazing and Cookie is just gorgeous. I anticipate spending many happy and delicious hours with you both.
★★★★★
Kate
Hey Christ, thank you! I’m glad you found my blog and hope you enjoy the recipes.
Stephanie
This was so wonderful!! Made this for dinner tonight! My hubby who always insists on meat was in love with dish! I always try to do 1 or 2 meatless meals a week and this one is a favorite for sure! I love the kale burrito bowl that also uses the salsa verde! I really love that sauce! Thanks for another delicious recipe!!
Kate
Thanks, Stephanie! I’m so glad you both enjoyed the huevos rancheros! I don’t think I will ever get enough of that avocado sauce. :)
Amy
This is a beautiful dish — as is everything on your website! And keeps the pics of Cookie coming — such a darling!
Amanda
Girl what are you talking about! This looks beyond gorgeous, and encompasses pretty much all the best food groups. I can’t wait to have this for breakfast this weekend. Thank you for all the stunning recipes!
★★★★
Kate
Thank you, Amanda! :) Hope you love the huevos rancheros.
sasha
Had your pear and cranberry crisp for bfast and then this for lunch, it was wonderful
made salsa verde from Nigel Slater recipe , the whole thing rocked out, wow, love your work
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you, Sasha!
Chris
I just found your blog, it is wonderful! Congrats on having such a friendly site. I have so many people with different food restrictions everything from nut allergies, to vegan, to Kosher, etc. This site is a great resource for me. Thank you! Can’t wait to try the Huevos Rancheros this week!
Kate
Thanks, Chris! I’m trying to make it even easier to browse recipes based on diet. Stay tuned!
Cindi
Bravo!! *throws roses*
I laughed, I cried… It was better than Cats!
★★★★★
Kate
Why thank you! *curtsy*
Nikki
Hey, I ate this recipe a couple of minutes ago and I must tell you it tastes great!
(I made a few changes.)
Your blog always gives me dinner-inspiration :)
Kate
I’m so glad! Thanks for commenting, Nikki.
Karen Lawson
Hi Kate, Just wanted to say “Atta Girl, Bravo” on all your busy-ness. Your dog is crushing me with Cuteness over load, I’m especially smitten by top pic on right! OMG!
Thanks for recipe, It looks delicious! Now I know what to do with my avocado, and cilantro. Can’t wait to make this dish : )
Oh by the way I found you via Pioneer WOman.
Kate
Hi Karen! Thank you! Cookie says hi, too. Hope you love the huevos rancheros! They’re my favorite.
sara
Fantastic recipe! I made the salsa a little more mild by not addng the extra jalapeno and it was perfect for us. So delicious!!
★★★★★
Kate
Thanks, Sara! Happy to hear it!
Kyle
This is great!. I did find I had some extra avocado salsa verde left. Any ideas for usage
★★★★★
Glenda
NOOOO! Talk about a sacrilege! Feta cheese on huevos rancheros? Never! If you want a white cheese, try using authentic Mexican cheese, Oaxaca cheese, also known as asadero. Or substitute Fontina or Monterey jack.
Farah
This was fantastic, a great flavor combination. I doubled the chili powder & cumin, halved the cayenne. I also put the 1/2 lime juice in beans as well (it’s in beans ingredients list but no instructions on usage). Can be great vegan, without egg (top with chopped romaine & tomatoes) or in combination with a vegan tofu fritatta. Loved it, served it over rice, was so easy, thank you!
★★★★★
Doni
Delicious! Huevos are my husband’s favorite and I had never made them at home and decided it was time. I studied a lot of recipes and was drawn to yours for the avacado salsa verde. My husband was thrilled and sent photos bragging to his friends. My only alteration was to add cooked chorizo below the beans (sorry) because that is always the way he has it when eating out. Thank you for sharing such a great recipe!
★★★★★
Chris
Love this recipe, thank you! I’ve been making this for my wife for months now, and decided to try it with home made salsa verde. Even better!
★★★★★
Kate
Awesome! Thanks, Chris.
Haley
Hi Kate! My name is Haley. I just started learning how to cook maybe two years ago. I got into the lifestyle of traveling and living abroad and I found that one of the best and most beautiful ways of saying thank you for someone’s kindness/hospitality and the most universal way of sharing an experience was through cooking. So I was determined to learn. When I moved to Chile I decided I would cook a different meal four or five nights a week. It was insane. I really just jumped into some weirdly complicated recipes. I tried recipes from SO many random sources. And Kate, yours were always my favorite. I have followed your blog for so long and I’ve made maybe 90% of the recipes on your website. I loved them all (especially the cauliflower lentil tacos, arugula pesto pizza, pumpkin fettuccine, and sun-dried tomato and chickpea pita sandwiches). And now my new favorite, your Mexican salad with jalapeno dressing. Anyway, I just got done working on a cruise ship where all our meals were prepared for us for months. And the thing I looked forward to the most was coming home and making your recipes again. I just rushed to the bookstore and bought your book. It is beautiful. I can’t wait to try your new recipes. So, thank you, sincerely, for helping me not be afraid of cooking, for putting recipes out there that are so delicious without insanely complicated ingredients, and for being my very first cook that I “swear by”. You are a gem Kate! Your talent, humility, and humor always shines through in your posts. Now I’m off to see exactly how many limes you called for in your margarita pitcher because that looks fabulous. I know I’ll have to branch out again eventually, but for now it’s just me and the loveliest of cookbooks I’ve ever owned!
Oh! And this huevos rancheros recipe is amazing. Love the radishes. I add salsa verde! So good. This is my favorite breakfast to make and always my go to for guests/friends!
★★★★★
Kate
Haley, belated THANK YOU for your tremendously kind note. Thank you! I’m amazed that you have cooked through so many of my recipes and delighted to hear that you’ve enjoyed so many. Thank you for buying my book! Welcome back from your trip, and I hope you’re having a great week.
Nilda UrrutiaEstrany
Delicious! I make my black beans with onions and olive oil. Buy the Goya black beans on a Red can. It says ready to eat but I usually sautee in a little olive oil a bit of ham, one small white onion chopped, then add the beans and ck the salt. I use a seasoning packet of onion and garlic and add 3/4 can of water. Let it come to a boil and then lower to med-low 10 min. Done. More if you want less sauce. Sorry got carried away! I don’t like the beans spicy. The deseeded jalapeño I love! Thanks and again sorry for giving you my recipe. I’m making yours!
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you for sharing, Nilda!