Huevos Divorciados: The Art of the Mexican Morning Duel

🌍 Cuisine: Mexican
🏷️ Category: Breakfast
⏱️ Prep: 20 minutes
🍳 Cook: 30 minutes
👥 Serves: 2 servings

📝 About This Recipe

A classic of the Mexican breakfast table, Huevos Divorciados features two fried eggs 'separated' by a flavorful barrier of refried beans, each draped in a contrasting salsa: one vibrant Salsa Verde and one smoky Salsa Roja. This dish represents the beautiful duality of Mexican cuisine, offering a perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and savory notes. It is a visually stunning and deeply satisfying way to start your day with authentic cantina-style flair.

🥗 Ingredients

Salsa Roja (Red Sauce)

  • 3 pieces Roma tomatoes (ripe and halved)
  • 1 piece Serrano pepper (stem removed)
  • 1 clove Garlic (unpeeled for roasting)
  • 1/4 piece White onion

Salsa Verde (Green Sauce)

  • 5 pieces Tomatillos (husked and rinsed)
  • 1 piece Jalapeño pepper (halved)
  • 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro (packed)
  • to taste Salt

The Foundation

  • 4 pieces Corn tortillas (standard size)
  • 4 pieces Large eggs (fresh, room temperature)
  • 1 cup Refried beans (warm, preferably black or pinto)
  • 3 tablespoons Vegetable oil (for frying)

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons Queso Fresco (crumbled)
  • 1 tablespoon Crema Mexicana (for drizzling)
  • 1 sprig Fresh cilantro leaves (chopped)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat a dry cast-iron skillet or comal over medium-high heat. Place the tomatoes, 1/4 onion, serrano, and unpeeled garlic for the Salsa Roja on the skillet. Roast until charred on all sides (about 8-10 minutes).

  2. 2

    In a small saucepan, cover the tomatillos and jalapeño with water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 8-10 minutes until the tomatillos turn a pale olive green and are soft but not bursting.

  3. 3

    Make the Salsa Roja: Peel the roasted garlic. Place the charred tomatoes, onion, serrano, and garlic in a blender. Pulse until slightly chunky. Pour into a small bowl, season with salt, and set aside.

  4. 4

    Make the Salsa Verde: Drain the boiled tomatillos and jalapeño. Place them in the blender with the fresh cilantro and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth. Pour into another small bowl and set aside.

  5. 5

    Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a clean skillet. Lightly fry the corn tortillas for about 20 seconds per side. They should be soft and pliable, not crispy. Drain on paper towels and keep warm.

  6. 6

    In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil. Fry the eggs two at a time, sunny-side up. Cook until the whites are set but the yolks remain runny (about 3 minutes).

  7. 7

    While the eggs cook, heat your refried beans in a small pot or microwave until piping hot. If they are too thick, add a splash of water to make them spreadable.

  8. 8

    Place two warm tortillas on each serving plate, side by side but slightly overlapping in the center.

  9. 9

    Spread a generous line of refried beans down the middle of the plate, acting as the 'wall' between the two tortillas.

  10. 10

    Carefully place one fried egg on each tortilla.

  11. 11

    Ladle the warm Salsa Roja over one egg and the warm Salsa Verde over the other egg, leaving the yolks visible if preferred.

  12. 12

    Garnish the central bean 'wall' with crumbled queso fresco and a sprinkle of cilantro. Drizzle a little crema over the sauces if desired and serve immediately.

💡 Chef's Tips

Use room temperature eggs to ensure the whites cook through before the yolk hardens. Don't skip roasting the vegetables for the red salsa; that char provides the essential smoky depth. If your salsas have cooled down, give them a quick 30-second simmer in a pan before plating. For a more authentic 'divorce,' ensure the two sauces never touch—the beans must be a sturdy barrier. If you prefer a spicier kick, leave the seeds in the serrano and jalapeño peppers.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of crispy totopos (tortilla chips) for scooping up extra sauce. Pair with a hot cup of Café de Olla (spiced Mexican coffee) for a traditional experience. A side of sliced avocado or guacamole adds a lovely creamy texture to the plate. Freshly squeezed orange juice or a cold Hibiscus tea (Agua de Jamaica) cuts through the richness beautifully.