Tofu Scramble Recipe: Colombian Huevos Pericos Made Vegan

Huevos pericos, which perhaps could be translated into English as “Parakeet Eggs”, is a typical Colombian breakfast made of eggs, tomato and green onions. Here I am going to share a plant-based version, using tofu instead of eggs. This variant can be perfect for you if you are avoiding eggs, because of dietary restrictions, by choice, or right now in the USA, price!

Replacing eggs with tofu is common in plant-based diets. The first time I tried it myself I was amazed about how crumbled tofu, seasoned with turmeric and other condiments, could resemble scrambled eggs so closely. Even more closely is you use black salt, or kala malak, which is originary from India and has a sulphurous smell and taste, just like real egg. Add it to the turmeric tofu, and you have the perfect scrambled eggs duplicate – without the cholesterol or the price tag.

Tofu vs. egg: nutritional analysis

The duplicate is also quite true from the nutritional standpoint, and in fact tofu is slighlty superior in my opinion:

• tofu has no cholesterol and is low in fat, including saturated fat
• tofu contains modest amount of fiber, whereas eggs have no fiber at all
• tofu contains all the 9 essential aminoacids, making it “complete” protein and similar to animal-based protein like egg
• most tofu in the USA is set with calcium salts, and as a result tofu is a good source of calcium
• tofu does not contain vitamin B12. But – you can add nutritional yeast to the scramble which provides vitamin B12, and flavour.
• tofu has some choline, but eggs are significantly higher in choline.

Ingredients

Makes 3-4 servings:

• 1 large tomato, diced
• 4 green onions, sliced
• 14 oz medium to extra firm tofu, crumbled (no need to press or drain)
• 1/2-1 teaspoon turmeric, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon kala malak*, or more to taste (optional)
• 1 tablespoon reduced sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast*
• Parsley, cilantro or microgreens to garnish (optional)

* You can get kala malak in health stores and online. Nutritional yeast is available in most large grocery stores, my go-to is from Trader Joe’s.

Instructions

• In a dry pan, or a pan with a few drops of vegetable oil, sautée the tomato and green onions until light softened.
• Add the crumbled tofu, turmeric, black pepper, black salt and soy sauce. Stir.
• Cook until the pan content looks relatively dry.
• Turn off the heat and add the nutritional yeast. It is important to do this last to preserve as much B12 as possible (vitamins deteriorate with heat). Adjust salt.
• Garnish with your choice of greens.
• Serve with your choice of tortillas or bread.
• Bonus idea: goes well with refried beans too.