Welcome to my new feature, Pantry Raid Recipes! Have a few food items sitting around in your fridge and cupboards? Not sure what to make? Never fear for Mau is here!

The following is a recipe that includes some items that were about to expire, so I dashed to throw something remotely edible together. The result was actually quite delightful. It is a nod to my Mexican heritage, including pinto beans, salsa, tomatoes, and avocados. All you need now is a bottle of JUST egg (I’ve found them at most supermarkets), or some crumbled firm tofu, and you’re ready!

Pantry Raid Mexican Scramble

• 1/4 cup cooked pinto beans
• 1/4 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/2 – 3/4 cup JUST egg, your preference -OR- crumbled extra firm tofu, drained (see tofu directions below)
• 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced or chopped
• 1/4 cup yellow onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1-2 Tbsp vegetable oil or vegetable broth, for sautéing
• 1/2 avocado, deseeded and sliced (optional)
• 1/4 vine tomato, sliced or chopped (optional)
• 2 Tbsp salsa of choice (optional)
• Fresh cilantro garnish (optional)
• Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

1. Have all ingredients prepped and ready, then prewarm your cooking skillet over medium heat.
2. If using tofu, add 1/4 tsp salt, pinch of tumeric, and pinch of fresh ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly and taste, adjusting to your preference.
3. Add oil or vegetable broth to the skillet, then add onion. Cook until the onions start to soften, about 3 – 5 minutes.
4. Add mushrooms and cook until they start to seep their liquid. Cooking times vary depending on sliced or chopped mushrooms.
5. Add pinto beans, quinoa, and garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute.
6. Add JUST egg -OR- tofu and cook until heated throughly. This can take 2-4 minutes. Add pinch of kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to taste.
7. Plate and garnish with desired toppings: avocado, tomatoes, salsa, cilantro, vegan cheese, hot sauce, etc. Enjoy with some heated corn tortillas!

This makes a hearty portion so feel free to share! Or, if you’re like me, you will eat the whole thing and feel satisfied for hours! This dish is packed with protein and fiber, plus no saturated fats, trans fats, or cholesterol. This is also a great way to include more legumes and whole grains into your diet. It is a highly customizable dish, so feel free to play around with other healthy foods from your pantry. Let no food go to waste: time for a Pantry Raid!