Tigrillo Ecuatoriano
A hearty and flavorful breakfast dish from Ecuador, Tigrillo combines mashed green plantains with scrambled eggs, cheese, and sometimes bits of pork or chorizo. It's a popular way to start the day, offering a rich and satisfying taste of Ecuadorian cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 large Green plantains(peeled and roughly chopped)
- 6 large Eggs
- 150 g Queso fresco (or similar crumbly white cheese)(crumbled)
- 50 ml Milk
- 2 tbsp Butter or oil
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- 100 g Optional: Cooked pork or chorizo(finely chopped)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Boil the chopped plantains in salted water until very tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 2
Mash the cooked plantains in a bowl with a fork or potato masher. Add salt and pepper to taste.
💡 Tip: For a smoother texture, you can use a food processor, but a slightly chunky mash is traditional. - 3
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with milk, salt, and pepper.
💡 Tip: Adding milk makes the scrambled eggs fluffier. - 4
Melt butter or heat oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the mashed plantains and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and heated through. If using pork or chorizo, add it now and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
⏱️ 8 minutes - 5
Push the plantain mixture to one side of the skillet or remove it temporarily. Pour the egg mixture into the empty side of the skillet and scramble until almost cooked.
💡 Tip: Scramble the eggs separately or partially to ensure they don't overcook. - 6
Gently mix the scrambled eggs with the plantain mixture. Stir in the crumbled cheese and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is slightly melted and everything is well combined.
⏱️ 3 minutes💡 Tip: Avoid overmixing once the eggs and plantains are combined to maintain distinct textures. - 7
Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use ripe but firm green plantains for the best texture.
- ✓Don't overcook the eggs; they should remain moist.
- ✓Adjust salt and pepper to your preference.
- ✓The addition of pork or chorizo adds a savory depth, but it's delicious without it too.
🔄 Variations
- Add finely chopped cilantro or parsley for freshness.
- Serve with a side of avocado slices or aji (Ecuadorian hot sauce).