Pastor Migas: Try This Delicious Spanish Recipe

The pastor migas are a traditional dish typical of the region of Aragon and Extremadura, in Spain. It is prepared with simple and inexpensive ingredients, as this recipe was typical of the lower classes. However, we are facing one of the tastiest dishes in Spanish cuisine.

Before starting, it should be borne in mind that many of the ingredients included in the recipe are not ideal for regular intake. They are products with a high content of trans fats and additives, therefore, they should be consumed sporadically.

Ingredients for preparing the shepherd’s migas

To prepare this recipe, you will need the following:

• Salt.
• 4 eggs
• 5 cloves of garlic
• 100 milliliters of water.
• 150 grams of bacon.
• 300 grams of rustic bread.
• 150 grams of fresh chorizo.
• 1/2 teaspoon of sweet paprika.

Step by step

The first thing to do is to crumble the bread into small pieces. Put it in a bowl and let it dry for 24 hours. The next day, it will be necessary to moisten them with water, previously adding a pinch of salt. Cover the bread pieces with a damp cloth and let it rest for 10 minutes.

At the same time, it will be necessary to cut the bacon and the chorizo. The best thing is that the pieces are not too small, but generous. Place a base of extra virgin olive oil in a skillet and add both elements to make a sauce. Once browned, remove from heat and set aside.

In the same skillet, with the rest of the oil and the fat from the chorizo ​​and the bacon, add the whole garlic and the wet breadcrumbs. Cook for at least 20 minutes over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent them from sticking together. The aim is for the bread to absorb the fat that is left in the pan.

After time, add the chorizo ​​and bacon to the preparation. Add paprika and stir vigorously to prevent it from burning. Then remove the pan from the heat and place the contents in a bowl. Fry the eggs and serve with the migas.

Tips for preparing this recipe

When preparing the pastor’s migas, a series of tips should be taken into account. The first has to do with the type of oil to be used.

It is always recommended to opt for extra virgin olive oil. It is more resistant to high temperatures and has a higher proportion of omega 3 fatty acids, which have been shown to be beneficial for cardiovascular health.

On the other hand, it is essential to use a rustic-style bread. Packed loaves won’t look as good. They tend to get excessively hard overnight and are unable to regain moisture.

Finally, it is important to use fresh, smoked and strong-flavoured chorizo ​​and bacon. However, keep in mind that both products should not be part of the regular diet. They contain additives like nitrites, which can be harmful to health. This is evidenced by a study published in Nutrients .

Contraindications of shepherd’s migas

Despite being a tasty dish, there are certain people who should avoid eating pastor’s migas. We’re talking about those patients with heart disease. In these cases, it is necessary to minimize the intake of elements that can alter the organism’s states of inflammation, such as trans fats.

Otherwise, there may be inefficiencies in the proper functioning of the heart or interactions at the pharmacological level that reduce the effect of the medications. In these situations, it is advisable to maintain a diet as healthy as possible, with a high predominance of plant foods.

It should be taken into account that regular intake of trans fats increases the risk of complex pathologies, according to research published in Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome. It’s okay to eat a dish like this occasionally, but don’t make it regular.

Prepare this delicious recipe!

Pastor migas are a tasty dish to try  the traditional flavors of Spanish cuisine. This is a very simple and quick recipe to make, which does not present any difficulties. It will only be necessary to choose the ingredients well.

Remember that variety is one of the secrets of a healthy diet. There is no reason to completely eliminate certain foods, but they should be included in optimal proportions. Fresh ones and those of vegetable origin should always be prioritized, as their nutritional density is greater.