Huevos Tirados Veracruzanos (Eggs Poached in Black Bean Broth)
Eggs set gently in a soupy pot of black beans with onion, chilli and epazote, a homely breakfast from Veracruz.
Made with Corn tortillas from masa harina and Mexican black beans. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time25 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £1.60 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Heat the oil in a wide, shallow pan over a medium heat. Fry the onion and serrano chilli for 4 minutes until soft.
4 min - 2
Add your ready made frijoles negros (see the base recipe) with their broth, the water and the epazote. Mash a few spoonfuls against the side of the pan and simmer for 6 minutes, until it is like a thick, loose soup.
6 min - 3
Warm the corn tortillas one at a time in a dry pan for 30 seconds each side and wrap them in a clean tea towel to keep soft.
- 4
Make four small gaps in the beans and crack an egg into each. Spoon a little bean broth over the whites, cover and cook very gently for 4 to 5 minutes, until the whites are completely set.
4 min 30 s - 5
Serve in shallow bowls with the tortillas, crumbled queso fresco and lime wedges. Taste first, as the beans are already seasoned.
Tips
- Keep the heat low once the eggs go in. Fast boiling toughens the whites and breaks the yolks.
- Epazote gives the classic earthy taste. Coriander is a fine stand in, added at the end rather than in the pot.
- Mash a few beans first. Their starch thickens the broth so the eggs sit in it rather than sinking.
Storing and freezing
Best eaten straight away. Leftover beans without eggs keep 3 days in the fridge; do not keep the cooked eggs.
Questions
Is huevos tirados the same as huevos rancheros?
No. Huevos rancheros are fried eggs on tortillas under a tomato salsa, while huevos tirados are eggs cooked directly in a pan of black beans, a Veracruz home breakfast.
How do I make the yolks firmer?
Cover the pan and cook for 6 to 7 minutes instead of 4 to 5. The steam sets the tops of the yolks. Make sure the whites are fully set before serving.
Can I make it dairy free?
Yes. Leave out the queso fresco or top with sliced avocado. The beans, tortillas and eggs contain no dairy.
More made with corn tortillas from masa harina
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.