Chilaquiles verdes

chilaquiles_verdes

Chilaquiles is a traditional Mexican dish that is popular both at breakfast time and as a light dinner. It consists of tortilla chips that are simmered in a rich and spicy sauce, and it can be served with a variety of toppings such as cheese, beans, and sour cream. There are several variations of Chilaquiles depending on the region of Mexico, and one of the most popular in Mexico City is Chilaquiles verdes.

Chilaquiles verdes, as the name suggests, uses a green sauce made primarily of tomatillos (Mexican green tomatoes) and chilies such as serrano, poblano, or jalapeño. This creates a vibrant, zesty flavor that is both refreshing and tangy. The tortilla chips used in this recipe can be either store-bought or homemade depending on your preference, and they should be slightly stale to avoid becoming too soggy when they are simmered in the sauce.

One of the key elements in making Chilaquiles verdes is the simmering process. It is important to cook the tortilla chips until they are softened but not completely mushy. This ensures that they absorb the flavors of the sauce without losing their crispiness. The sauce itself is made by first cooking the tomatillos and chilies in a pan until they are soft and then blending them into a smooth puree. Traditional recipes call for the sauce to be strained, but this is not necessary if you prefer a chunkier texture.

To add extra depth and complexity to the dish, many recipes include other ingredients such as garlic, onion, and chicken broth. These complement the acidic flavors of the tomatillos and help to balance out the heat of the chilies. Chicken, eggs, or refried beans are often used as toppings to make the dish more filling, but you can also keep it vegetarian or vegan by omitting these ingredients.

Overall, Chilaquiles verdes is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weekend brunch or a casual dinner. It can be made in advance and reheated, making it a great option for meal prep. Additionally, it is highly customizable, meaning that you can experiment with different spices, toppings, and variations to create your own unique version of the recipe. Whether you are a seasoned Mexican cuisine aficionado or a newcomer to cooking, Chilaquiles verdes is a must-try dish that is sure to impress.

Ingredients:

  • 12 corn tortillas
  • 1 cup salsa verde (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 cup diced white onion
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

  2. Cut the corn tortillas into quarters and spread them out evenly on a baking sheet. Drizzle the vegetable oil over the tortilla quarters, and toss to coat.

  3. Bake the tortillas in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and crispy.

  4. In a large skillet, heat the salsa verde over medium heat until it is warm.

  5. Add the crispy tortilla quarters to the skillet, and toss them in the salsa verde until they are fully coated. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the tortilla quarters have soaked up some of the salsa verde and softened slightly.

  6. To serve, transfer the chilaquiles to a large serving platter. Sprinkle the crumbled queso fresco, chopped cilantro, and diced onion over the top of the chilaquiles.

  7. In a small bowl, stir together the sour cream and lime juice. Drizzle the sour cream mixture over the top of the chilaquiles.

  8. Serve the chilaquiles immediately, while they are still warm and crispy. Enjoy!