Mexican Eggs Benedict

Elevate your brunch game with this vibrant and delicious Mexican Eggs Benedict. By combining traditional elements with bold Mexican flavors, this dish offers a delightful culinary experience that’s both satisfying and memorable.

Ingredients:

• 1 butternut squash
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large avocado, mashed
• 170 grams ground chorizo (approximately 5 chorizo sausages, casings removed)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 jalapeño, sliced
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro

For the Chipotle Hollandaise:

• 2 egg yolks
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon chipotle paste (or 1 teaspoon chipotle powder)
• 1/4 cup hot melted butter or ghee (suitable for Paleo/Whole30 diets)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Butternut Squash:
   • Peel the butternut squash and slice the neck into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
   • Preheat a grill to medium-high heat.
   • Brush each squash slice with olive oil and grill for 5-6 minutes per side until grill marks appear and the squash is tender.
   • Transfer the grilled slices to an oven set on low heat to keep them warm.
2. Make the Chipotle Hollandaise:
   • In a tall container, combine egg yolks, salt, lime juice, and chipotle paste.
   • Using an immersion blender, blend the mixture for 30 seconds.
   • Slowly drizzle in the melted butter or ghee while continuing to blend until the sauce is smooth and emulsified.
   • Alternatively, a regular blender can be used for this step.
3. Cook the Chorizo:
   • In a pan over medium heat, cook the ground chorizo, breaking it into crumbles with a fork, until fully cooked.
4. Poach the Eggs:
   • Fill a pot with approximately 3 inches of water and bring to a boil.
   • Add white vinegar to the boiling water.
   • Reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer.
   • Create a whirlpool in the water by stirring with a spoon, then gently crack an egg into the center.
   • Let the egg cook for 4 minutes, then remove with a slotted spoon.
   • Repeat for the remaining eggs.
5. Assemble the Dish:
   • Place two grilled butternut squash slices on each plate.
   • Top each slice with mashed avocado, cooked chorizo, and a poached egg.
   • Drizzle the chipotle hollandaise sauce over the assembled stacks.
   • Garnish with sliced jalapeños and chopped cilantro.

Serving and Storage Tips

Mexican Eggs Benedict is a delightful dish best enjoyed fresh. To enhance your dining experience and ensure food safety, consider the following serving and storage recommendations:

Serving Tips:

• Immediate Consumption: For optimal taste and texture, serve the assembled Mexican Eggs Benedict immediately after preparation. This ensures the butternut squash base remains firm, the poached eggs are warm with runny yolks, and the chipotle hollandaise is at its peak flavor.
• Prepping Components: To streamline the serving process, prepare individual components in advance. Cook the chorizo and keep it warm, mash the avocado just before assembly to prevent browning, and have the chipotle hollandaise ready. Poach the eggs last to ensure they are warm when serving.

Storage Tips:

• Poached Eggs: If you need to prepare poached eggs ahead of time, they can be stored in an airtight container filled with ice water in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, gently reheat them in simmering water for about a minute to warm through. Whole30
• Chipotle Hollandaise Sauce: Hollandaise sauce is best when freshly made due to its delicate emulsion. However, if you have leftovers, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat, whisking continuously to restore its smooth consistency. Be cautious, as overheating can cause the sauce to separate. Brunch and Batter
• Chorizo: Cooked chorizo can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly in a skillet over medium heat before assembling the dish.
• Butternut Squash Base: Grilled butternut squash slices are best enjoyed fresh to maintain their texture. If necessary, store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
• Avocado: Mashed avocado tends to brown quickly. It’s recommended to prepare it just before assembling the dish. If you must store it, place it in an airtight container with a squeeze of lime or lemon juice to slow oxidation, and use within 1 day.

Additional Tips:

• Avoid Assembling in Advance: To prevent the dish from becoming soggy or losing its appeal, avoid assembling the components until just before serving.
• Quality Check: Always inspect stored components for freshness before use, especially when dealing with perishable items like eggs and avocado.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy Mexican Eggs Benedict at its finest, whether indulging immediately or preparing components ahead for convenience.

Variations

This versatile Mexican Eggs Benedict recipe offers plenty of room for creativity and customization. Here are some variations to suit different preferences, dietary needs, or to simply explore new flavors:

1. Vegetarian Option
Swap the chorizo for sautéed mushrooms, black beans, or roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. This keeps the dish flavorful and satisfying while making it vegetarian-friendly.

2. Sweet Potato Base
Replace the butternut squash with slices of roasted sweet potato for a subtly sweet twist that pairs beautifully with the chipotle hollandaise.

3. Spicy Kick
Amp up the heat by adding extra jalapeños, using spicy chorizo, or incorporating a dash of cayenne pepper into the hollandaise sauce.

4. Keto-Friendly Version
For a low-carb alternative, skip the butternut squash and serve the toppings on a bed of sautéed spinach or cauliflower hash. Use keto-friendly butter for the hollandaise.

5. Dairy-Free Adaptation
Replace butter or ghee in the hollandaise with a plant-based alternative, and ensure the chorizo is dairy-free. The rest of the recipe naturally aligns with a dairy-free diet.

6. Gluten-Free Upgrade
This recipe is inherently gluten-free, but ensure that the chorizo and chipotle paste or powder are certified gluten-free.

7. Seafood Twist
Swap the chorizo for cooked shrimp or lump crab meat. The seafood pairs wonderfully with the creamy avocado and tangy hollandaise.

8. Herbaceous Flair
Add fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or chives to the avocado or as a garnish for an added layer of freshness and complexity.

9. Breakfast Sandwich Style
Turn this dish into a handheld breakfast by assembling the ingredients on gluten-free English muffins or corn tortillas.

10. Smoky Chipotle Infusion
Enhance the smoky flavor by adding a dash of smoked paprika to the hollandaise or using smoked chorizo.

11. Eggs Your Way
If poached eggs aren’t your favorite, try topping the dish with sunny-side-up, over-easy, or scrambled eggs.

12. Cheese Lover’s Delight
Add shredded queso fresco, Monterey Jack, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to the layers for a cheesy enhancement.

These variations allow you to tailor Mexican Eggs Benedict to your preferences or adapt it to dietary requirements, ensuring a dish that’s as unique as your taste buds!

FAQs

1. Can I prepare the butternut squash slices ahead of time?
Yes, you can grill the butternut squash slices a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven before assembling the dish.

2. What’s the best way to poach eggs perfectly?
To poach eggs perfectly, ensure the water is simmering gently (not boiling), and add a teaspoon of vinegar to help the egg whites coagulate. Create a whirlpool in the water before adding the eggs to help them hold their shape.

3. Can I use a different type of meat instead of chorizo?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, sausage, or even shredded chicken can be substituted for chorizo if desired.

4. Is there a vegan version of this dish?
Yes! Replace the eggs with tofu scramble, use plant-based sausage or beans instead of chorizo, and make a vegan hollandaise using cashews or a dairy-free butter alternative.

5. Can I make the chipotle hollandaise without an immersion blender?
Yes, you can use a standard blender or whisk it by hand. The key is to add the melted butter or ghee slowly while blending or whisking continuously.

6. How spicy is the chipotle hollandaise?
The level of spice depends on the amount of chipotle paste or powder you use. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to your taste.

7. Can I freeze the components of this recipe?
It’s not recommended to freeze the hollandaise or poached eggs. However, you can freeze cooked chorizo and grilled butternut squash slices. Reheat them thoroughly before serving.

8. What can I serve with Mexican Eggs Benedict?
This dish pairs well with a side of fresh fruit, a simple salad, or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.

9. How can I keep the poached eggs warm while assembling the dish?
Place the poached eggs in a bowl of warm (not hot) water to keep them warm until you’re ready to serve.

10. Can I make this dish less spicy for kids or those with a mild palate?
Yes, reduce or omit the jalapeños and use a mild sausage instead of chorizo. You can also replace the chipotle in the hollandaise with a milder seasoning like smoked paprika.

This Mexican Eggs Benedict offers a delightful fusion of flavors, combining the creamy richness of avocado, the spicy kick of chorizo and chipotle, and the comforting familiarity of poached eggs and hollandaise. It’s a perfect dish to impress guests at brunch or to treat yourself to a gourmet breakfast at home. Enjoy this flavorful twist on a classic, and savor the vibrant tastes of Mexican-inspired cuisine.

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