Chilaquiles, a traditional Mexican breakfast dish, is a vibrant and flavorful combination of crispy corn tortillas tossed in a rich and spicy sauce. With its roots in the ancient Aztec civilization, this delectable dish has undergone numerous transformations, resulting in a diverse array of regional variations. In this article, we present three distinct recipes that capture the essence of chilaquiles while showcasing the unique culinary traditions of different regions of Mexico.
Our first recipe, Chilaquiles Rojos, is a classic rendition that embodies the vibrant flavors of central Mexico. Featuring corn tortillas simmered in a tantalizing red sauce made from dried chiles, this dish is a symphony of heat, smokiness, and tang. The second recipe, Chilaquiles Verdes, originates from the verdant state of Oaxaca. In this variation, the tortillas are bathed in a luscious green sauce crafted from roasted tomatillos, poblano peppers, and fresh herbs, resulting in a refreshing and herbaceous flavor profile. Finally, our third recipe, Chilaquiles con Pollo, is a hearty and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken with the traditional chilaquiles preparation.
Each of these recipes offers a distinctive culinary journey, highlighting the diverse and vibrant nature of Mexican cuisine. Whether you prefer the bold and spicy Chilaquiles Rojos, the refreshing and tangy Chilaquiles Verdes, or the hearty and comforting Chilaquiles con Pollo, these recipes guarantee an unforgettable and authentic Mexican experience.
CHILAQUILES
Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network
Categories main-dish
Time 20m
Yield 1 serving
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Heat 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat in a cast-iron skillet until it registers 350 degrees F on a candy/frying thermometer. (If you don't have a thermometer, carefully dip the corner of a tortilla wedge into the oil. If it sizzles, you are ready to fry.)
- Carefully drop the tortilla quarters into the hot oil and fry, turning them halfway through with tongs or a spider, until crisp but not yet browned, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Remove the tortilla quarters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain; set aside.
- Heat the enchilada sauce in a small pan over medium-high heat until hot. While it is heating, fry the eggs. Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Crack the eggs into the skillet and fry until the edges are nice and crispy, a minute or two. Season with salt and pepper.
- While the eggs are frying, assembled your chilaquiles. In a shallow 1-quart dish, arrange half of the fried tortillas in a layer. Sprinkle them with half of the cheese. Pour enough of the hot enchilada sauce over the tortillas and cheese to cover most of the chips. Add the remaining chips to the dish in an even layer. Top with the remaining cheese and more sauce. The amount you add here is up to you. You may end up with some leftover enchilada sauce depending on your preference.
- Top with the fried eggs and salsa of your choice. Enjoy while it's nice and hot.
CHILAQUILES WITH ROASTED TOMATILLO SALSA
Provided by Marcela Valladolid
Categories main-dish
Time 35m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Special equipment: 4 individual casserole dishes
- To make the salsa:
- Preheat the broiler or oven to 550 degrees F.
- Remove husks from the tomatillos and rinse under warm water to remove the stickiness. Put the chiles, garlic, onion and tomatillos on a baking sheet. Season with a little olive oil, and salt and pepper, to taste. Put on a rack about 1 or 2 inches from the heat, and cook, turning the vegetables once, until softened and slightly charred, about 5 to 7 minutes. When cool enough to handle, peel the garlic and pull off the tops of the chiles. Add all the broiled ingredients to a blender along with the fresh cilantro and puree. Pour in 1/4 cup of chicken broth and blend to combine. Add more broth, if needed, for desired consistency.
- To make the chilaquiles:
- Pour about 1/3 cup vegetable oil into a large saute pan over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the tortillas, working in 2 or 3 batches, and cook until lightly browned and nearly crisp. Drain the tortillas on paper towels and discard the remaining oil. Wipe the pan with a paper towel.
- In the same pan, add the tomatillo salsa and bring to simmer over low heat. Add the tortillas and cook until soft but not mushy, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Divide the mixture among 4 individual casserole dishes. Top with the cheese crumbles and onion rings. Drizzle with Mexican crema, sprinkle with some chopped fresh cilantro and serve immediately.
- *Cook's Note: Salsa Verde means "green sauce" and is typically made with tomatillos, green chiles and cilantro. Make your own fresh, or you can also find it canned at most supermarkets.
- Tomatillos are a small green fruit encased in a tissue paper-like husk. They should be used when they are still green, before they are ripe and the husk has turned brown. Before using, remove the husk, rinse and dry the fruit. (They do not need to be seeded.) They are found in most supermarkets
- **Cook's Note: Chilaquiles is a Mexican brunch dish invented to use leftovers. It is made with day old tortillas (cut or torn into chips) and salsa verde. They are cooked together until the tortillas are slightly softened. Chilaquiles are eaten alone or with beans, eggs or shredded chicken.
- ***Cook's Note: Queso fresco is a white, mild, fresh Mexican cheese with the texture of fresh farmer's cheese in the US. Queso fresco can be found in many supermarkets, Latin specialty markets or online. It can be substituted with a mild feta cheese.
GREEN CHILAQUILES WITH EGGS
This comforting Mexican dish is made with fried tortillas and salsa. Frying tortillas is easy, but you can use store-bought chips if you'd like; just be sure that they are thick, the type sold in bags at Mexican groceries or tortillerías.
Provided by Martha Rose Shulman
Categories breakfast, brunch, main course
Time 1h
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Heat broiler. Place tomatillos and chiles on a baking sheet and set about 4 inches below broiler. Roast until dark and blackened in spots, about 5 minutes. Flip over and roast on other side until tomatillos are soft and charred in spots and chiles are soft all the way through, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
- Transfer tomatillos and chiles to a blender along with juices on baking sheet. Add cilantro sprigs, then blend to a coarse purée.
- Heat oil over medium heat in a large, wide casserole or saucepan and add onion. Cook, stirring often, until tender, 5 to 8 minutes. Add a little salt, stir in garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Turn heat to medium-high and add tomatillo purée. Cook, stirring often, until salsa thickens and leaves a canal when you run a wooden spoon down the middle. Add broth, bring to a simmer, and simmer 10 minutes or until salsa coats the back of a spoon.
- Beat eggs in a bowl and season with a little salt. Turn heat to low and stir eggs into salsa. Add chopped cilantro and stir until eggs are set. Mixture should be creamy.
- Stir in tortilla chips, making sure they are completely submerged, and remove from heat. Sprinkle with crumbled cheese and serve at once.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 233, UnsaturatedFat 8 grams, Carbohydrate 20 grams, Fat 13 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 11 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 690 milligrams, Sugar 6 grams, TransFat 0 grams
Tips:
- Select the right tortillas: Day-old corn tortillas are the best choice for chilaquiles, as they are sturdier and less likely to break apart. You can also use fresh tortillas, but they should be slightly stale.
- Cut the tortillas into even-sized pieces: This will help them cook evenly. You can use a knife or a tortilla cutter to do this.
- Toast the tortillas: This will give them a nice crispy texture. You can toast them in a skillet on the stovetop or in the oven.
- Choose your salsa wisely: The salsa is what gives chilaquiles their flavor, so it's important to choose one that you like. You can use a store-bought salsa or make your own.
- Add your favorite toppings: Chilaquiles are a versatile dish, so you can add whatever toppings you like. Some popular options include cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo.
- Serve chilaquiles immediately: Chilaquiles are best served fresh, so don't let them sit for too long before eating them.
Conclusion:
Chilaquiles is a delicious and easy-to-make Mexican dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It's a great way to use up leftover tortillas and salsa, and it's also a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give chilaquiles a try!
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