Mexican Braised Beans Soft Egg (Print Version)
Tender spiced beans topped with soft-boiled eggs, avocado, and fresh garnishes for a comforting vegetarian meal.
# What You Need:
→ Beans and Aromatics
01 - 2 tbsp olive oil
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced
05 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
→ Braising Base
06 - 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
07 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
08 - 1 cup vegetable broth
09 - 2 tsp ground cumin
10 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
12 - 1/2 tsp chili powder
13 - 1 bay leaf
14 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Eggs
15 - 4 large eggs
→ Garnishes
16 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
17 - 1 avocado, sliced
18 - 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta
19 - Lime wedges
# How-To:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, jalapeño, and red bell pepper. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and chili powder. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add black beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
04 - Reduce heat to low, cover, and braise for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and the mixture is thickened. Remove and discard bay leaf.
05 - While beans are braising, bring a saucepan of water to a gentle boil. Carefully add eggs and simmer for 6 minutes for soft-boiled. Transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking, then gently peel.
06 - Spoon braised beans into bowls. Top each with a peeled soft-boiled egg, avocado slices, queso fresco, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Serve immediately, optionally with warm corn tortillas.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The way the creamy yolk mingles with the spiced beans creates this incredible richness that feels indulgent despite being so simple
- Its one of those dishes that actually tastes better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or unexpected leftovers
02 -
- Getting that 6 minute egg timing right makes all the difference set a timer and have your ice bath ready
- The bean mixture will continue thickening as it rests so dont worry if it seems slightly soupy when you take it off the heat
03 -
- Mashing a small handful of beans against the side of the pan naturally thickens the sauce without any extra effort
- Letting the beans rest for 5 minutes off the heat before serving lets the flavors settle and the texture become even more velvety