Some of you may know that I’m married to a Mexican-American, and to top it off, he’s a chef. Recipe for weight gain? In the early days, I would have to say yes, but I’ve adapted a lot of the recipes he made for me in the beginning to fit my healthier lifestyle.  Just because I need to eat lean to STAY lean, doesn’t mean I need to eliminate the flavor!  Mexican happens to be one of my favorite cuisines (good thing I married it, hahaha) so I often experiment with foods from this country. The great thing is that chiles and spices are bursting with flavor, and provides no fat, and really no calories worth speaking of.

These days, I’m looking to spice up my breakfast, at least once a week/during the weekend, just for a change.  I never really tire of oatmeal and egg whites, but there are days when I just need to mix it up.  Breakfast happens to be my favorite meal because I can be more generous with carbs, as I hit the gym about an hour later. So here you go – my spin on “Huevos Rancheros!”

HUEVOS RANCHEROS

1 tsp olive oil

1/2 cup chopped Vidalia (sweet) onion

1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper

1 clove garlic, minced

1 can (14.5 oz) mexican-style stewed tomatoes (they come w/jalapenos and spiced)

1/4 can shopped green chiles (like pickled jalapenos)

1/4 tsp chili powder

1/4 tsp chipotle powder

1/4 tsp ground cumin

chili flakes , salt and pepper to taste

cooking spray

2 corn tortillas

1 egg + 4 egg whites

1/2 cup reduced fat cheese or LIFETIME fat free cheese

Preheat oven to 350F. Heat oil in medium nonstick skilled over medium-high heat. Add onion, bell pepper and garlic, saute 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in tomatoes, green chiles, chili powders, cumin, and red chili flakes, bring to boil and reduce to simmer, about 10 minutes or until thick, stirring frequently.

Heat tortilla on open gas flame on top of the stove until charred. Arrange tortillas in the bottom of a small baking dish coated with cooking spray. Spread tomato mixture evenly over tortillas.  Whisk egg with egg whites. Make 2 indentations in tomato mix using a wooden spoon. Divide egg mixture between the two indentations. Bake 15 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese and bake an additional 5 minutes or until cheese melts and eggs are set.  Add a couple of slices of avocados for healthy fats!

You can also add more eggs/tortillas to this recipe and bake in a larger dish if making for your entire family!  Here’s what it wold look like w/everybody getting one egg: