Venezuelan Perico Scramble
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Venezuela with this traditional Perico Scramble, a beloved breakfast dish featuring fluffy eggs enveloped in a medley of sautéed onions, sweet bell peppers, and juicy tomatoes. Known for its colorful appearance reminiscent of a parakeet, Perico is not only a feast for the eyes but also a nutritious way to start your day. Serve it alongside crusty bread or stuffed into warm arepas for a satisfying breakfast that will transport you to the heart of Latin America.
3
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
oil
2 tablespoons (for frying)
onion
1 (finely chopped)
bell pepper
1 (finely chopped (red, green or yellow))
garlic
2 cloves (minced)
tomatoes
2 (seeded and chopped)
eggs
6 (lightly beaten)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
1. In a medium-sized skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2
2. Add the finely chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
3
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
4
4. Incorporate the chopped tomatoes, seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper. Reduce heat to medium and let the mixture cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, until the tomatoes have softened and released some liquid.
5
5. Lower the heat to low, then pour in the lightly beaten eggs. Stir gently with a spatula, allowing the eggs to scramble and cook through, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat once the eggs are just set but still soft.
6
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed before serving.
7
7. Serve warm with freshly baked bread or stuffed in arepas, and accompany with a slice of queso fresco (fresh cheese) for an authentic experience.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Venezuelan Perico Scramble?
Venezuelan Perico Scramble is a traditional, vibrant breakfast dish featuring fluffy scrambled eggs mixed with sautéed onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes.
What does the name Perico mean?
The name 'Perico' means parakeet in Spanish, which refers to the dish's colorful appearance created by the red, green, and yellow vegetables.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 3 servings.
What are the main ingredients for Perico?
The main ingredients include 6 eggs, oil, onion, bell pepper, garlic, tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
Which type of bell pepper should I use?
You can use red, green, or yellow bell peppers for this recipe.
How should the onions and peppers be prepared?
Both the onion and the bell pepper should be finely chopped before cooking.
How long do I need to sauté the onions and peppers?
Sauté the finely chopped onion and bell pepper for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
When should I add the garlic to the skillet?
Stir in the minced garlic after the onions and peppers have softened, and cook for an additional minute.
Do I need to seed the tomatoes?
Yes, the recipe recommends using tomatoes that have been seeded and chopped.
How long should the tomatoes cook?
The tomatoes should cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they have softened and released some of their liquid.
Should the eggs be added whole to the pan?
No, the eggs should be lightly beaten before being poured into the skillet.
What heat setting is best for cooking the eggs?
Lower the heat to low before adding the eggs to ensure they cook gently.
How long does it take for the eggs to scramble?
The eggs should take approximately 3 to 5 minutes to scramble and cook through.
What is the desired texture of the eggs?
The eggs should be cooked until they are just set but still soft.
What are traditional sides for Perico?
It is traditionally served with crusty bread or stuffed into warm arepas.
Is there a specific cheese recommended for this dish?
Queso fresco, or fresh cheese, is recommended for an authentic Venezuelan experience.
How much oil is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of oil.
How many eggs are used in total?
This recipe uses 6 eggs.
What seasonings are used?
The dish is seasoned simply with salt and pepper to taste.
Is this a healthy breakfast option?
Yes, it is a nutritious breakfast featuring protein-rich eggs and fresh vegetables.
What type of cuisine does Perico belong to?
It is a staple of Venezuelan and broader Latin American cuisine.
Can I serve this dish warm?
Yes, Perico should be served warm immediately after cooking.
Does this recipe include garlic?
Yes, it includes 2 cloves of minced garlic for flavor.
What kind of onions should I use?
The recipe calls for one finely chopped onion.
Can I use this as a filling for Arepas?
Yes, stuffing Perico into warm arepas is one of the most popular ways to eat it.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is to heat oil in a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Should the tomatoes be peeled?
The recipe specifies seeding and chopping the tomatoes, but peeling is not required.
Is Perico difficult to make?
No, it is considered an easy recipe suitable for a quick and satisfying breakfast.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 total ingredients: oil, onion, bell pepper, garlic, tomatoes, eggs, salt, and pepper.
Can I adjust the seasoning at the end?
Yes, you should taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed before serving.