MexicanBrunch

Recipe Story

origins & traditions

Huevos Motuleños is a beloved breakfast dish from Motul, Yucatán, that showcases the region's culinary richness. This elaborate brunch creation starts with crispy fried tortillas as the base, generously topped with smooth refried black beans and perfectly fried eggs. The dish is then adorned with a vibrant homemade tomato sauce, diced ham, sweet green peas, crumbled queso fresco, and fried plantains on the side. Each component adds its own texture and flavor, creating a harmonious blend of savory, slightly sweet, and tangy notes. The combination of crispy, creamy, and soft textures makes every bite interesting. This dish represents the fusion of indigenous and Spanish influences that define Yucatecan cuisine, making it perfect for a leisurely weekend brunch or special breakfast gathering.

Instructions

step by step

0/10 done

Prepare the tomato sauce: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes until thickened. Set aside.
Warm the black beans in a small pot over low heat. Mash them slightly with a potato masher or fork to create a spreadable consistency. Keep warm.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (about 1/4 inch deep). Fry tortillas one at a time for 30-45 seconds per side until crispy and golden. Drain on paper towels.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and fry eggs sunny-side up or to your preference, working in batches if needed. Season with salt and pepper.
Slice plantains diagonally into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Fry in the hot oil until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain and keep warm.
To assemble: Place one crispy tortilla on each plate. Spread a generous layer of refried black beans over the tortilla. Top with two fried eggs.
Spoon warm tomato sauce over and around the eggs. Sprinkle diced ham over the top.
Add cooked peas around the eggs. Crumble queso fresco (or feta cheese) over everything.
Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve fried plantains on the side.
Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Huevos Motuleños

4.4 (34)

Traditional Yucatecan breakfast featuring crispy tortillas layered with refried black beans, fried eggs, tomato sauce, ham, peas, and cheese. A hearty and colorful Mexican brunch masterpiece.

medium

45 min

4 servings

Ingredients

0 of 18 checked

Base

8 pieces Tortillas, corn tortillas
2 cups Black Beans, cooked and drained

Main

8 pieces Eggs, large

Sauce

4 pieces Tomatoes, diced
2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
1 pieces Onions, diced
3 cloves Garlic, minced
2 tablespoons Olive Oil

Toppings

200 grams Ham, diced
1 cups Peas, cooked
1 cups Cheese Feta, crumbled

Side

2 pieces Plantain, ripe, sliced

Cooking

6 tablespoons Vegetable Oil, for frying

Seasonings

1 teaspoons Cumin, ground
1 teaspoons Oregano, dried
2 teaspoons Salt, to taste
1 teaspoons Black Pepper, freshly ground

Garnish

3 tablespoons Cilantro, chopped (optional)

Chef Tips

expert advice

•For the crispiest tortillas, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying - a drop of water should sizzle immediately.

•You can fry tortillas ahead and reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.

•The tomato sauce can be made a day ahead and refrigerated.

•For authentic flavor, seek out Yucatecan-style tomato sauce or add a pinch of habanero for heat.

•The key to perfect assembly is having all components ready and warm before plating - this dish is best enjoyed immediately.

•You can use canned black beans for convenience, just drain, rinse, and season with cumin and salt before mashing.

Variations & Substitutions

make it your own

•If queso fresco is unavailable, feta cheese is an excellent substitute with similar texture and saltiness.

•For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and add sautéed mushrooms or extra cheese.

Storage & Reheating

keeping it fresh

Storage

Components can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Tomato sauce keeps for 3-4 days. Refried beans last 3-4 days. Fried tortillas lose crispness and should be prepared fresh or stored for only 1 day in an airtight container. Fried plantains keep for 2 days. Store ham and cheese separately for up to 5 days.

Reheating

This dish is best enjoyed fresh. To reheat: Warm beans and tomato sauce in separate pots over low heat. Recrisp tortillas in a 350°F oven for 3-5 minutes. Fry fresh eggs rather than reheating. Warm plantains in the oven alongside tortillas. Assemble with reheated components.