Tigrillo

Name: Tigrillo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Ecuadorian
Ingredients: 3 green plantains; 3 eggs; 150g queso fresco, crumbled; 2 tbsp butter; 1 small onion, diced; Salt and pepper; Coffee for serving

Tigrillo (tee-GREE-yoh)

Mashed Green Plantain with Egg and Cheese

⏱ Prep Time 10 min

📈 Difficulty Easy

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 426 kcal

A hearty coastal breakfast of mashed green plantain mixed with scrambled eggs and melted cheese, served with coffee — the Zaruma mountain town specialty.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 18.0g

Carbs 48.0g

Fat 18.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

vegetarian gluten-free nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ dairy ⚠ eggs

Equipment Needed

skillet potato masher saucepan

Presentation Guide

Vessel: plate

Garnishes: cilantro

Accompaniments: coffee, fruit juice, aji

Ingredients

3 green plantains
3 eggs
150g queso fresco, crumbled
2 tbsp butter
1 small onion, diced
Salt and pepper
Coffee for serving

Instructions

1
Boil green plantains in salted water until tender, about 20 min. Drain and mash.
2
Melt butter in a skillet. Sauté onion until translucent.
3
Add mashed plantain to the skillet, stir to combine with onion.
4
Push plantain to the sides, scramble eggs in the center, then fold everything together.
5
Add crumbled cheese, stir until it melts into the mixture.
6
Serve hot with strong Ecuadorian coffee.

💡

Did You Know?

Tigrillo gets its name from the ocelot (tigrillo) because the mix of yellow egg, white cheese, and green plantain resembles the spotted cat's coat.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

skillet
potato masher
saucepan

Garnishing

cilantro

Accompaniments

coffee, fruit juice, aji

The Story Behind Tigrillo

Tigrillo originated in the gold-mining town of Zaruma in El Oro province, where miners needed a filling, energy-rich breakfast before descending into the tunnels. The combination of plantain, egg, and cheese provided sustained energy. It has since spread across the coast as a beloved breakfast staple.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed breakfast 📜 Origins: Coastal highland tradition

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