A traditional Andean dish made from tender hominy corn and softly scrambled eggs, gently cooked with scallions and a touch of turmeric. Naturally gluten-free, rich in fiber, and full of ancestral flavor, this protein- and mineral-rich dish is both comforting and nourishing.
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 3
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked mote (hominy corn, preferably from dried and soaked kernels)
- 4 pasture-raised eggs
- 1/2 cup chopped scallions (green and white parts)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons water or unsweetened plant milk (to fluff the eggs)
- Optional: a pinch of ground cumin or achiote for traditional color
Instructions
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped scallions and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add cooked mote and turmeric. Stir well and heat through, about 3–4 minutes.
- In a bowl, whisk the eggs with water and salt.
- Lower the heat and pour the eggs into the skillet, stirring constantly to coat the mote evenly.
- Cook gently for 3–5 minutes until the eggs are just set but still moist.
- Serve warm, optionally with avocado slices or a fresh tomato salad.
Estimated Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~260 kcal |
| Protein | ~10 g |
| Fat | ~11 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~28 g |
| Fiber | ~5 g |
| Iron | ~2 mg (11% DV) |
| Vitamin B12 | ~0.6 mcg (25% DV) |
| Magnesium | ~45 mg |
| Folate | ~90 mcg (22% DV) |
Health Benefits
1. Digestive and microbiome support
Mote (hominy) is made from nixtamalized corn, which increases calcium availability and provides resistant starch—a prebiotic that feeds gut bacteria.
Reference: Martinez I et al. (2010). Gut microbiome response to resistant starch. ISME Journal.
2. Brain and nerve function
Eggs provide choline, vitamin B12, and essential fats important for neurotransmission and cognitive health.
Study: Zeisel SH. (2009). Choline’s role in brain development and function. Annual Review of Nutrition.
3. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant protection
Turmeric contains curcumin, known for reducing oxidative stress and systemic inflammation. Pairing it with olive oil enhances absorption.
Source: Aggarwal BB et al. (2007). Curcumin: Biological activities and health benefits. Biochemical Pharmacology.
Tips for Best Results
- Use dry mote soaked and cooked at home to avoid added preservatives or sodium found in canned varieties.
- Avoid overcooking the eggs to maintain moisture and texture—mote pillo should be soft and creamy.
- Customize spice: Achiote or cumin can be added for a deeper traditional Ecuadorian flavor.
- Serve with avocado for additional fiber and healthy fats.
- Batch cook mote and store for future meals—great in soups or salads.
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