Mote Pillo
Mote Pillo is a beloved Ecuadorian dish from the Andean highlands, consisting of cooked hominy corn (mote) scrambled with eggs, onions, garlic, and achiote for color. It's a simple yet flavorful dish, often enjoyed for breakfast or as a light meal, and can be customized with cheese, herbs, and a touch of milk for creaminess.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups Cooked mote (hominy corn)(canned or freshly cooked)
- 4 large Eggs
- 1 cup White onion(finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic cloves(crushed or minced)
- 0.25 teaspoon Achiote powder (annatto)(optional, for color)
- 0.25 cup Milk(optional, for creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons Butter or oil
- Salt(to taste)
- Black pepper(to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh cilantro or parsley(chopped, for garnish)
- 0.5 cup Grated cheese(queso fresco or similar, optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, crushed garlic, and achiote powder (if using). Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
Add the cooked mote (hominy) to the skillet. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the mote to absorb the flavors.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 3
If using milk, pour it into the skillet and cook for a few more minutes until it's slightly absorbed but not dry.
- 4
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with salt and pepper (and milk if not added directly to the pan).
- 5
Reduce the heat to low. Pour the beaten eggs over the mote mixture. Cook, stirring gently, until the eggs are just set but still moist. Be careful not to overcook the eggs.
⏱️ 3-5 minutes💡 Tip: Gentle stirring helps create soft curds. - 6
If using cheese, sprinkle it over the mixture and gently fold it in.
- 7
Stir in the chopped cilantro or parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- 8
Serve hot, often accompanied by queso fresco slices and black coffee.
💡 Tip: Mote Pillo is a versatile dish, suitable for breakfast, brunch, or a light lunch.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure your mote is well-drained before adding it to the skillet.
- ✓Don't overcook the eggs; they should be moist and tender.
- ✓Achiote powder provides a beautiful golden color and a subtle earthy flavor.
🔄 Variations
- Some variations include finely chopped chives or scallions.
- A pinch of cumin can be added with the onions for extra flavor.