Today I am sharing a traditional recipe from the State of Tabasco using “Chaya”, a popular ingredient in Tabasco cuisine. This post is a part of the project “Come Tabasco” (Eat Tabasco), a culinary movement started by a local group of entrepreneurs in the food industry in order to promote the regional products that form the unique Gastronomy of Tabasco.
Scrambled Eggs with Chaya
I am honored to be a part of this project by showcasing the richness that the State of Tabasco has to offer the world.
The leaves of the Chaya plant are consumed as a vegetable in some states of the Yucatan Peninsula. In Tabasco, it is cooked in the same way as kale, cabbage, or spinach; its flavor is similar to that of Swiss Chard. Since it has a certain amount of toxicity when raw, it is preferred to be consumed cooked.
A way to avoid the toxic effect when preparing a salad or drink with Chaya is to add an acid agent like lime, lemon, pineapple, etc.
Chaya is a sturdy plant that can be continuously harvested, and grows very easily in Mexico; many people in the southern states grow it in their backyards and sell it at their local markets. Chaya is also a great source of calcium, magnesium, iron, proteins, and antioxidants, and people have been eating it for its many medicinal benefits since pre-Hispanic times.
How to make Scrambled Eggs with Chaya
DIRECTIONS:
- Wash Chaya leaves and places them in a pot with cold water over medium-high heat. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. The chaya leaves will keep their bright green color. Remove from pot, drain and chop to cook. (Please check the ingredients list below)
- Heat a medium-sized non-stick frying pan over low heat. Add the oil, once it is hot add the onion and cook for a couple of minutes.
- Stir in the chopped tomato and cook for a minute and then add the chopped chaya leaves. Sauté for two more minutes.
- Crack the eggs and add to the pan, stir and season with salt to taste. Cook until the desired doneness.
Serve with beans, fried plantains or sliced avocado and warm corn tortillas.
To know more about the “Come Tabasco” project visit their Facebook page: “Come Tabasco”
¡Buen provecho!
Mely,
If you have any questions about this recipe or how to use chaya, please let me know in the comments section.
More recipes:
How to Make Red Pozole
Easy Red Rice Recipe
Scrambled Eggs with Chaya
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil
- 2 Tablespoons of white onion finely chopped
- ½ cup tomato chopped
- ⅓ cup Chaya cooked and chopped*
- 2 eggs**
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Wash Chaya leaves and places them in a pot with cold water over medium-high heat. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. The chaya leaves will keep their bright green color. Remove from pot, drain and chop to cook.
- Heat a medium-sized non-stick frying pan over low heat. Add the oil, once it is hot add the onion and cook for a couple of minutes.
- Stir in the chopped tomato and cook for a minute and then add the chopped chaya leaves. Sauté for two more minutes.
- Crack the eggs and add to the pan, stir and season with salt to taste. Cook until the desired doneness.
Serve with beans, fried plantains or sliced avocado and warm corn tortillas.
Notes
- Instructions to cook the Chaya are given below.
- I prefer pan scrambled eggs, but that is my choice, you can beat the eggs first in a bowl and then add them to the frying pan.
- I got my Chaya leaves online from “Carmen’s Garden”, the leaves arrived fresh and they last for several days. You can buy the leaves or a small cutting to have your own plant.
Marge
This has become a staple around our house. We have it for lunch several times a week. I also sauté red peppers with the onion and add cheese. Delicious!
Mely Martínez
Hello Marge,
Love the combination with red peppers! Enjoy!
Maria
I live in South Florida and bought a Chaya Spinach plant and have been growing it for about 3 months. I tried to make this following your instructions, but it still had a toxic taste. Any suggestions? Should I pick baby leaves?
Mely Martínez
Hello Maria,
Yes, try the tender leaves if you find it the taste is not what you want.
Patty
I was told to boil it, drain it, then boil it again. I haven't eaten any of mine yet though. Hope it helps.
Evangeline
Can you use extra virgin olive oil instead of vegetable oil?
mmartinez
Hello Evangeline,
Of course, you can. Enjoy!
Phuc Griffin
I just got back from Mexico. I visit Merida area and drink a lot of chay drink over there. I love it. However, I got a nasty rash on both of my hands. I wonder because my body react to the drink or it happens because I visit oneto of the ruin in Uxmal and touch something like poison ivy while walking around. This is just for asking not to blame anything. Please don't get offended or anything. My whole family love the chay drink. I want to buy the tree and grow it butout could not find anywhere yet. Any idea?. I love in Melbourne, Florida. Thank you.
mmartinez
Hello Phuc,
You can find a Chaya Plant on Ebay.
Aime
Hi! I am in the orlando area and would happily give you some Plants! 4 oh 7 4 two 9 5 four two nine! Text is best! 🙂
Patricia Smart
I would like to know if this is a good plant for Oklahoma weather, and where can cuttings or new ants can be purchased.
mmartinez
Hello Patricia,
I try to found about before answering you. This type of plant grows better in tropical weather. Maybe you can have a potted plant and bring indoors during the winter time.
GlorV1
Sounds and looks great Mely. I'll have to check on that plant. Right now I use the super food Spirulina in smoothies. I like the idea of super foods. Thanks for the info. Good to see you. Take care.
Mely Martinez
Hello Gloria,
You can grow the plant since you have a vegetable garden. It will be fine in that CA weather. Spirulina is also a great choice.
David Martin
I went to Belize and got hooked on Chaya. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and can't find the leaves anywhere - stores, Mexican markets, farmer's markets, restaurants - nowhere. I searched your mention of "Carmen's Garden" and came up empty handed. ¿Help?
Mely Martínez
Hello David,
I know your feeling, I got some chaya leaves searching online and found them on eBay.
That was years ago. Nowadays you can buy a Chaya plant on the Facebook marketplace and get it to ship to you via USPS.