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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Tom Hunt

How to turn leftover tortillas or nachos into a Mexican-style brunch – recipe

With flying colours: Tom Hunt’s Mexican migas recipe.
With flying colours: Tom Hunt’s Mexican migas brunch. Photograph: Tom Hunt/The Guardian

Brighten up New Year’s Day with this Mexican migas brunch. Upcycle leftover soft tortilla wraps (or stale nachos) in minutes by simply frying them up with some huevos revueltos (scrambled eggs) and a little tomato. Mexican migas are very similar to the classic Spanish and Portuguese dish of fried stale breadcrumbs, only using tortillas instead of old bread. They’re a bit like chilaquiles, which I wrote about a few years ago, though with a few key differences: Mexican migas are made with torn strips of stale tortillas, and the eggs are scrambled together with the crisp fried tortilla rather than served alongside, as in chilaquiles. You can also use leftover nachos to make this dish – just break them into little pieces first.

Mexican migas

If you have a lonely tortilla or the remains of a bowl of nachos or tortilla chips, don’t hesitate to try out this simple recipe and turn them into a delicious and speedy Mexican brunch. Mexican migas can be made with stale tortillas, or tortilla chips or nachos. If using whole tortillas, tear them into bite-sized strips, then fry until crisp before adding the other ingredients; if you’re working with nachos, just crush them a little in the pan before adding the eggs. I also sometimes use scrambled tofu instead of eggs, so I have also included that as a vegan option. All the topping suggestions are optional, so use whatever you have available.

Serves 2

2 corn or wheat tortillas, or 10-12 nachos
2 tbsp oil
4 eggs, or 200g silken tofu, broken into curds
4-6 tbsp tomato salsa, or tinned chopped tomatoes or 1 large chopped tomato

Optional toppings, to taste
Mexican white cheese, or feta or cheddar, crumbled
Red onion, finely chopped
Refried beans
Fresh coriander
Lime wedges
Pickled or fresh jalapeños
Hot sauce
Extra tortillas

Tear the tortillas into bite-sized strips (or break the nachos into bite-sized pieces). Heat the oil in a large frying pan, then fry the tortilla for a few minutes, until crunchy. Add the eggs, leave for a minute until they start to set, then break them up and cook until done to your liking (alternatively, scramble the tofu with the fried tortillas). Stir in the salsa, season and serve on warmed plates with your optional toppings of choice, and perhaps a tortilla or two on the side.

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