Instructions

• Roast the 1 jalapeño until the skin is charred (under a broiler, over a gas flame, or in a hot dry skillet). Let it cool, then peel off the charred skin. If you prefer less heat, remove the seeds; otherwise leave them in. Mince the peeled jalapeño and set aside.
• Heat a deep large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and warm it until shimmering.
• Add 1/2 medium onion (peeled and minced) to the pan. Sauté, stirring frequently, for 10–15 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
• Add 1 teaspoon minced garlic and cook, stirring, for 1–2 minutes more until fragrant.
• Add 4 cups ripe diced tomatoes (or the 2 cans) and 14 ounces prepared vegetarian refried beans (1 can) to the pan. Stir thoroughly to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low.
• Stir in the minced roasted jalapeño, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, and 1 1/4 teaspoons chili powder. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper (or more to taste) and salt to taste. Stir to incorporate.
• Let the sauce simmer gently, uncovered or partially covered, for about 10 minutes to meld flavors and thicken slightly. Stir occasionally and reduce heat if the sauce is bubbling too vigorously.
• Using the back of a spoon, make six shallow wells in the sauce spaced evenly across the pan. Crack 6 large eggs, one at a time, into the wells so the eggs sit on top of the sauce.
• Cover the pan and cook on low to medium-low heat until the egg whites are set and the yolks reach your desired doneness. This usually takes about 10–20 minutes total—check at 10 minutes for runnier yolks and continue longer for firmer yolks. Watch the pan so the sauce does not reduce too far or begin to stick.
• When the eggs are done, sprinkle 1/3 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (or 2 oz. cotija cheese) evenly over the pan. Replace the lid for a minute or two to melt the cheese.
• Remove from heat. Garnish with 1 tablespoon freshly chopped cilantro and 1/2 ripe avocado, sliced thin, if using. Serve immediately with warm tortillas or tortilla chips and sour cream on the side, if desired.