Guest Author - Amy McDaniel

Ever since I had an outstanding plate of migas at a restaurant in New Orleans, I have been recreating the meal several times a week at home, whenever I have a few random ingredients and a craving for some satisfying eggs. Migas (MEE-guhs) is a Tex-Mex creation, a mixed bag that always includes eggs and bits of corn tortillas but that could also include any number of extras. In Spanish, the word "migas" derives from the word for "crumbs." No two plates of migas turn out exactly the same.

It may not be pretty, but food doesn't always need to be pretty, especially not for lazy breakfasts or midnight munchies. This Mexican egg scramble, or Migas, recipe hits the spot with a minimum of time and effort, using whatever scraps of Mexican ingredients are hiding in the fridge.

I am not including any measurements in this recipe because tastes differ so drastically. I like my migas to be replete with fresh sauteed vegetables and tomatoes, punched up with some fresh jalapeno, and accented with some cheese, but not too much. How much meat I prefer depends on my mood. As for the egg, I throw in two or three depending on how hungry I am, but I see the egg as what binds the dish together rather than as the main event. Usually one tortilla does the trick, but I have used two for a more substantial meal.

That might not describe your perfect plate of migas at all. Maybe you like lots of meat and a generous portion of salsa. Or if you prefer omelets to scrambles, you can make a more elegant egg-heavy dish, skipping the tortillas. Another option is to heat whole tortillas and use the scramble as a filling for breakfast tacos, instead of throwing pieces of tortilla into the scramble. Be creative!

Here�s the procedure:

1. Gather and prep the ingredients you choose to include:

Leftover tortillas, torn into bite-sized pieces

Fresh or pickled jalapenos or other hot peppers, finely chopped
Fresh or canned tomatoes, chopped
Chunky salsa, homemade or store-bought
Chipotles, chopped fine
Red onions or other onions, chopped
Bell peppers, chopped
Sausage, chorizo, bacon, or leftover cooked meat, shredded
Avocado, chopped
Cilantro, minced
Cheese that is good for melting, shredded

Eggs, beaten lightly

Salsa or hot sauce

2. Spray or lightly grease a medium-sized skillet with vegetable or olive oil. Set over medium heat.

3. Add tortillas and any other ingredients that you want to brown, which may include onions, peppers, and sausage.

4. Add eggs along with ingredients like salsa, avocado, cheese, chipotle, and tomatoes. Scramble with a fork until eggs are cooked through.

5. Transfer to a plate and sprinkle with cilantro, if using. Serve with extra salsa or hot sauce.