Celebrating Chilaquiles Recipe

Delve into the savory delight of chilaquiles with this step-by-step guide.

Chilaquiles are a traditional Mexican dish that transform stale tortillas into a deliciously comforting meal. Often enjoyed for breakfast or brunch, chilaquiles consist of lightly fried tortilla pieces smothered in a savory sauce, topped with an array of garnishes such as queso fresco, avocado, crema, and sometimes even a fried egg. This dish is deeply rooted in Mexican culture and its simplicity allows for endless variations. Whether you prefer it with green salsa (salsa verde) or red salsa (salsa roja), this dish is perfect for using up leftover tortillas while delivering an explosion of flavors.

Ingredients

• 12 corn tortillas, cut into triangles
• 1 1/2 cups salsa verde (or salsa roja)
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/4 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• Optional: 4 fried eggs

Nutrition

Calories: ~350 calories

Instructions

1. Prepare Tortillas: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tortilla triangles in batches, frying until crispy and golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels. Repeat until all tortillas are fried.
2. Heat the Salsa: In the same skillet, remove excess oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Pour in the salsa and cook over medium heat until it thickens slightly and simmers, about 5 minutes.
3. Combine Tortillas and Salsa: Add the fried tortillas to the skillet with the salsa. Gently toss to coat all the tortillas with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the tortillas to soften slightly.
4. Prepare Garnishes: While the tortillas are cooking, prepare your garnishes: crumble the queso fresco, slice the avocado, chop the cilantro, and dice the onion.
5. Serve: Divide the chilaquiles among four plates. Top with crumbled queso fresco, avocado slices, chopped cilantro, and diced onion. Drizzle with Mexican crema or sour cream. If desired, top each serving with a fried egg.

Enjoy your hearty and delightful chilaquiles, a perfect dish to start your day or to enjoy as a comforting meal at any time. This versatile recipe welcomes your own personal touch; try adding chicken, beans, or other toppings you love. A tip for extra crispiness: bake the tortillas in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes before frying. For a healthier twist, you can skip the frying and bake the tortillas until they're crispy. Buen provecho!