Easy Ecuadorian Mote Pillo
Mote pillo is a classic Ecuadorian dish of hominy cooked in achiote oil with scrambled eggs, fresh cilantro, and melted cheese. Ready in 20 minutes and deeply comforting.
Calories 354kcal
Ingredients
- 1 can hominy mote, 30 ounces (about 1 pound), drained
- 1/4 cup achiote oil
- 4 green onions finely chopped
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro finely chopped
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese mozzarella, Parmesan, or queso fresco
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Make the flavor base
- Heat the achiote oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped green onions and cook until soft and fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes.
Add the hominy (mote)
- Stir in the drained 30-ounce (1-pound) can of hominy. Cook, stirring frequently, for 3 to 5 minutes so the hominy absorbs the flavor and warms through. Season with salt to taste.
Cook with the eggs
- In a small bowl, lightly beat the eggs with a pinch of salt. Reduce the heat to medium-low, pour the eggs over the hominy, and gently stir and fold, as if making scrambled eggs mixed into the hominy, until the eggs are just set but still soft and moist, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Finish with herbs and cheese
- Turn off the heat. Stir in the chopped cilantro. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top, cover the pan, and let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes so the cheese melts.
Serve
- Serve warm, on its own or with hot sauce/ají on the side.
Notes
- Use pre-made achiote oil for convenience, or make your own by warming 1/2 cup neutral oil with 2 tablespoons achiote seeds over low heat for 5–7 minutes, then straining.
- No achiote oil on hand? Neutral oil works too, you'll lose the color and earthy flavor, but a pinch of turmeric can help mimic the golden hue.
- Queso fresco is the most traditional cheese choice, but mozzarella melts best and Parmesan adds extra saltiness, a mix of the two works great.
Nutrition
Calories: 354kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 677mg | Sodium: 440mg | Potassium: 438mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 2158IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 280mg | Iron: 4mg