Feeling Anxious? Try This Fresh Huevos Rancheros Recipe for a Fresh Start to Your Day!

Pico de Gallo

• 1 ½ cups of tomatoes (chopped)
• ¼ cup of white onion (chopped)
• ¼ cup of cilantro
• 2 tablespoons of lime juice
• ¼ teaspoon of salt

Refried Beans

• 2 teaspoons of olive oil
• ¼ cup of onion (chopped)
• ¼ teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 can of black beans (drained & rinsed)
• ¼ cup of water
• ½ teaspoon of lime juice
• Pepper to taste!

Huevos Rancheros Base & Other Toppings

• 1 ½ cups of red salsa (store-bought or homemade)
• 4 teaspoons of olive oil
• 4 eggs (Option: You can double this up!)
• 4 corn tortillas
• ½ cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Ground pepper to taste
• Option toppings: feta cheese, sliced avocado, hot sauce, cilantro

1. For the pico de gallo, mix all ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
2. For the beans, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the salt and onions. Stir occasionally and continue to cook until the onions are soft or clear (about five minutes). Add the cumin and cook until fragrant. Stir in the beans and water. Cover for five minutes, then reduce the heat to low. Remove the lid and mash half of the beans. Continue to cook for another couple of minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat and add the lime juice (If they seem dry, add a bit more water!). Set aside for now.
3. Warm the salsa over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce to low heat and let warm until you’re ready.
4. Warm each tortilla on a skillet on medium heat. Make sure to do this on both sides. 
5. Place a tortilla on each plate, and add the bean mixture. Sprinkle a bit of the cheese on top.
6. Heat one teaspoon of olive oil in a medium pan over medium heat. Once warm, crack your eggs and cook them as desired. Once cooked, add them to the tortilla.
7. Spoon salsa and pico de gallo on top of each plate. Add pepper and other toppings, as desired.
8. Serve and enjoy!

I like to add a slice of ham in between the egg and tortilla for extra protein, but this is entirely up to you! You may also want to add bacon or other meat. I also tend to literally flood my plate with the red salsa and use extra bread for dipping afterward (This is how they do it in some restaurants in Mexico!). 

Related Article: Your Ultimate Mental Health Checklist & The 7 Components of Good Mental Health

How Can Huevos Rancheros Calm You?

A high-protein breakfast is where it’s at! Huevos Rancheros doesn’t disappoint in this regard and will keep you full for hours. But it also packs some great stress-reducing effects. Below, we take a closer look.

1. Eggs are full of great nutrients that boost your mood.

Eggs are some of the healthiest foods on the planet (we aren’t kidding!). While once demonized for their cholesterol content (which, by the way, doesn’t necessarily equate to high cholesterol), eggs have so many nutrients, including protein, vitamin A, folate, the B vitamins, selenium, choline, and more!

If we want to feel good, we’ve got to give our body the tools it needs to function optimally, and eggs definitely can help with that. 

In particular, the protein in eggs contains tryptophan, which aids in making serotonin. Serotonin is important for overall mood, brain function, and reducing anxiety. Plus, eating a bit of protein first thing with some carbs can help calm that morning cortisol awakening response, which may lead some to experience morning anxiety.

2. Beans also help improve anxiety!

This recipe has double the punch! Black beans also contain tryptophan, contributing to the creation of good ol’ serotonin. But they also contain magnesium, which is known to help produce a calming state. 

Plus, who doesn’t love a good batch of refried beans (especially when they’re homemade!)?

3. Tomatoes can further enhance your mood with plenty of great nutrients.

Tomatoes make up a large part of this recipe, including the salsa and pico de gallo. This fruit (yes, it’s a fruit, not a veggie!) contains folate and magnesium, which can alleviate depression. They, too, have tryptophan and vitamin B6, which can help regulate serotonin and other mood-enhancing neurotransmitters.

Related Article: Your Go-To Mental Health Resources: Here When You Need a Helping Hand

Take a Bite Into This Delicious Breakfast!

If you love a bit of spice in your life, you can also grab spicy salsa instead of the regular stuff.

This is definitely one the whole family can enjoy. And if you’re anything like me, you might just crave it on occasion (I’m already planning my next outing to my favorite local breakfast spot here in Mexico City!). 

Read Next: Have You Ever Wondered How Much Your Diet Affects Your Mental Health?