Most people nowadays have become quite comfortable with the concept of Tofu. Countless breakfast cafes have begun to offer a plant-based alternative to scrambled eggs and omelettes, known as the “Tofu Scramble.” This recipe takes the Tofu Scramble a bit further, by using it to transform a traditional South American egg & corn dish called “Mote Pillo,” that comes from the Southern Highlands region of the country of Ecuador. It’s perfect for celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15), or for any weekend brunch.

“Mote Pillo” is traditionally prepared with a mixture of eggs and “Mote”, which is known to most English-speakers as White Hominy, those big white kernels of bumpy corn. Then, milk is added to make it creamy, and finally green onions bring all the flavors together. This is a lovely breakfast dish, or as a side dish for a hearty lunch. It is very kid-friendly, and can be modified to satisfy different personal tastes when it comes to both onion and egg flavors.

INGREDIENTS

14 oz. Extra Firm Tofu, drained
½ tsp. Paprika
½ tsp. Turmeric
½ tsp. Garlic Powder
½ tsp. Cumin
25 oz. can of White (Mexican Style) Hominy, drained, but reserve liquid in a small bowl (You’ll also need a ⅓ cup measuring cup for the liquid.)
2 Tbsp. Unsweetened Soymilk (or Almond Milk, if preferred)
1 tsp. Salt, or to taste
¼ cup Green Onions, chopped or minced (both green and white parts are delicious)

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat Non-Stick pan to Medium Heat. Crumble Tofu into the pan.
2. Add in the Paprika, Turmeric, Garlic Powder and Cumin.
3. Stir over Medium Heat for 10-12 minutes, moving frequently. Break up large chunks with a wooden spoon. If it’s sticking, add 1 Tbsp. water or broth, or scrape the pan with a wooden spoon or spatula. Make sure it is all turning the same yellow color (like scrambled eggs.)
4. Add the drained Hominy into the pan, and add ⅓ cup of the reserved liquid. Stir.
5. Add 2 Tbsp of Non-Dairy Milk.
6. Cook for 5 minutes over Medium Heat, stirring frequently until heated through. If it sticks or gets too dry, add 1 more Tbsp. of milk at a time. The consistency should be creamy/milky.
7. Turn off heat. Add 1 tsp. Salt, or to taste.
8. Remove from heat and serve. Sprinkle about a tsp. of Green Onions on top of each serving.

KID’S OPTIONS

• If your kids don’t like raw Green Onions, you can omit it on their portions.
• You could also sprinkle in a few Tablespoons of Green Onion (preferably minced tiny) during cooking when you add the Milk, so it can cook with the liquids. This should soften the flavor for them.

“EGG” OPTION

• If you really want an “egg” flavor to your dish, try substituting regular salt for Black Salt (Kala Namak). Start with just a ¼ tsp. of it at a time, and taste as you go.

Serves 4 to 6 people