Perico is a traditional Latin American dish of scrambled eggs with tomatoes, onions,herbs, and spices.Popular in Venezuela,and Ecuador, it's a breakfast staple.
The history of perico can be traced back to indigenous cooking methods, where eggs were combined with locally available ingredients like tomatoes and onions. Over time, this dish evolved and became a beloved part of the culinary culture in these regions, known for its simple yet flavorful preparation.
Today, perico is enjoyed not only for its delicious taste but also for its nutritious profile, providing a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It's often served with arepas, bread, or as a filling for tacos or burritos, showcasing its versatility and appeal across different meal settings.
Ingredients:
- Eggs
- Tomatoes
- Onion
- Salt
- Pepper
- Oil or butter for cooking
Method of Preparation:
1. Heat oil or butter in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
3. Add diced tomatoes and cook until softened.
4. Beat eggs in a bowl and season with salt and pepper.
5. Pour the beaten eggs into the pan with the tomatoes and onions.
6. Gently scramble the eggs until they are cooked to your desired consistency.
7. Serve hot as a delicious breakfast or brunch dish.
Nutrition Value:
1. Eggs:
- Calories: Approximately 70-80 calories per large egg.
- Carbohydrates: Less than 1 gram.
- Protein: About 6 grams.
- Fat: Around 5 grams, with a mix of saturated and unsaturated fats.
- Sodium: Varies but typically around 70-80 milligrams.
- Cholesterol: Around 185-200 milligrams.
- Vitamins: Rich in vitamins such as B12, B6, A, and D.
- Minerals: Contains minerals like iron, zinc, and selenium.
- Nutritional Benefit: Eggs are a good source of high-quality protein, essential vitamins, and minerals. They provide energy, support muscle growth and repair, and contribute to overall health.
2. Tomatoes:
- Calories: Approximately 25-30 calories per medium-sized tomato.
- Carbohydrates: About 5-6 grams.
- Protein: Around 1-2 grams.
- Fat: Negligible amount, usually less than 0.5 grams.
- Sodium: Very low, about 5-10 milligrams.
- Cholesterol: None.
- Vitamins: Rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate.
- Minerals: Contains potassium, manganese, and other minerals.
- Nutritional Benefit: Tomatoes are a great source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They support immune function, promote heart health, and may have anti-inflammatory properties.
3. Onion:
- Calories: Approximately 40-50 calories per medium-sized onion.
- Carbohydrates: Around 10-12 grams.
- Protein: About 1 gram.
- Fat: Minimal, usually less than 0.5 grams.
- Sodium: Very low, about 1-2 milligrams.
- Cholesterol: None.
- Vitamins: Contains vitamin C, vitamin B6, and folate.
- Minerals: Rich in potassium and manganese.
- Nutritional Benefit: Onions provide antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They support digestive health, have anti-inflammatory properties, and may help lower cholesterol levels.
4. Salt:
- Sodium: A teaspoon of salt contains around 2,300 milligrams of sodium.
- Nutritional Benefit: While sodium is necessary for electrolyte balance and nerve function, excessive salt intake can contribute to high blood pressure and other health issues. Moderation is key.
5. Pepper:
- Calories: Very low, negligible.
- Carbohydrates: Minimal, less than 1 gram.
- Protein: Negligible amount.
- Fat: Minimal, less than 0.5 grams.
- Sodium: Very low.
- Cholesterol: None.
- Vitamins: Contains vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin K.
- Minerals: Provides small amounts of potassium and manganese.
- Nutritional Benefit: Pepper adds flavor and contains antioxidants like vitamin C. It may have anti-inflammatory properties and can enhance the absorption of certain nutrients.
6. Oil or Butter for Cooking:
- Calories: Varies depending on the type and amount used.
- Carbohydrates: None in pure oil, minimal in butter.
- Protein: None in oil, minimal in butter.
- Fat: Oil is pure fat, while butter contains saturated fats.
- Sodium: None in pure oil, minimal in butter.
- Cholesterol: Butter contains cholesterol, while most oils do not.
- Nutritional Benefit: Oil provides essential fatty acids and can be a source of vitamin E. Butter adds flavor but should be used in moderation due to its saturated fat content. Choosing healthier oils like olive oil can benefit heart health.
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