Incredibly Delicious Chilaquiles For A Flavorful Fiesta!

As a passionate home cook, I’ve always been looking for new recipes to add to my repertoire. I recently stumbled upon a Mexican dish called Chilaquiles, and I quickly fell in love with it. The bright flavors of the tomatoes, onions and peppers, combined with the crunchy chips and creamy cheese, make for an unforgettable and delicious experience. This recipe has quickly become a favorite in my home, and I’m excited to share it with you!

Chilaquiles Recipe

Ingredients

• 12 corn tortillas, cut into small strips
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 2 cups shredded cheese (such as Monterey Jack or Cheddar)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Sour cream, for serving (optional)
• Sliced avocado, for serving (optional)
• Sliced jalapeños, for serving (optional)

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 375°F.
• Cut the corn tortillas into small strips and set aside.
• Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until softened.
• Add the garlic, cumin, and chili powder, and cook for another 1 minute.
• Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, and cream, and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
• Add the chopped cilantro and stir to combine.
• Place the tortilla strips in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Pour the sauce over the tortilla strips, and spread evenly.
• Top with the shredded chicken, shredded cheese, and salt and pepper, to taste.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
• Serve chilaquiles with sour cream, avocado, and/or jalapeños, if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 185 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 22 mg
• Sodium: 223 mg
• Potassium: 167 mg
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Vitamin A: 653 IU
• Vitamin C: 6 mg
• Calcium: 109 mg
• Iron: 1 mg

What is the origin of chilaquiles?

Chilaquiles is a traditional Mexican dish that has been around for centuries. Its precise origin is difficult to pinpoint, but some believe it dates back to the Aztec civilization. The dish consists of fried corn tortilla chips which are covered in a salsa or mole sauce and topped with cheese, eggs, and/or other ingredients. Chilaquiles is a popular breakfast dish in Mexico, but can also be served as a snack or light meal.

Some say that chilaquiles originated as a way to use up leftover tortillas and sauce. In Mexican homes, it is common to fry up leftover tortillas and combine them with whatever sauce and toppings are on hand. Over time, the dish evolved and became a staple in Mexican cuisine.

Another theory is that chilaquiles were originally served as a way to celebrate a special occasion. In pre-Hispanic Mexico, it was common to cook a large feast for special occasions, and chilaquiles would often be served as part of the feast. The dish was then passed down through generations, becoming a staple in Mexican cuisine.

Regardless of its exact origin, chilaquiles is a popular dish in Mexico and around the world. It is a delicious, comforting meal that is sure to please any palate.

What are the traditional ingredients for chilaquiles?

Chilaquiles is a traditional Mexican dish made with lightly fried corn tortillas, salsa, eggs, and cheese. The key ingredients used to make chilaquiles are corn tortillas, a salsa of your choice, eggs, cheese, and onion.

The corn tortillas are cut into small strips and lightly fried until golden and crispy. The fried tortillas are then added to a sauce of your choice. Most commonly, a red or green salsa is used, but it can also be made with a variety of other sauces, such as a tomatillo salsa, mole, or adobo.

The eggs are then scrambled into the sauce and fried tortillas, and the chilaquiles are topped with cheese and onion. The dish is usually served with a side of refried beans and rice, or with a side of avocado slices and crema.

Chilaquiles is a simple dish that can be customized to your tastes. You can add additional ingredients such as chorizo, jalapenos, or potatoes to make the dish even more flavorful. Alternately, you can make the dish vegetarian by omitting the eggs and substituting other vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms.

No matter what ingredients you choose to use, chilaquiles is sure to be a delicious and satisfying meal.

What are the health benefits of chilaquiles?

Chilaquiles are a traditional Mexican dish made with fried tortillas, salsa, and either shredded chicken or eggs. As such, they offer a variety of health benefits.

Below are some of the most notable health benefits of chilaquiles:

• High in Protein: Chilaquiles typically contain shredded chicken or eggs, both of which are excellent sources of protein. Protein is essential for maintaining healthy muscles and bones, as well as aiding in wound healing.
• Rich in Vitamins & Minerals: Chilaquiles are also a source of vitamins and minerals such as calcium, potassium, zinc, and magnesium. These vitamins and minerals are essential for many bodily processes, and can help ensure you’re getting the nutrients you need.
• Low in Calories: Chilaquiles are a relatively low-calorie dish, making them a great option for those looking to watch their weight.
• Low in Fat: Chilaquiles are also low in fat, and the fat that is present is mostly healthy unsaturated fats. This makes them a great choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.
• High in Fiber: Chilaquiles are a good source of dietary fiber, which can help promote healthy digestion and regularity.

Overall, chilaquiles are a nutritious and delicious dish that can provide numerous health benefits. With its variety of vitamins and minerals, protein, fiber, and low-fat content, chilaquiles can be a great way to get the nutrients your body needs without sacrificing flavor.

What are some tips for making delicious chilaquiles?

Use fresh ingredients: Using fresh ingredients is the key to making delicious chilaquiles. Try to use the freshest tortillas, tomatoes, onions, and other ingredients that you can find.

• Choose your ingredients wisely: Choose your ingredients based on their flavor and texture. For example, use firm tomatoes and crunchy onions for the best texture.
• Toast the tortillas: Toast the tortillas for a few minutes in a skillet before adding them to the dish. This will give them some crunch and also add flavor.
• Add the sauce: Chilaquiles are typically served with a salsa or other sauce. Choose a sauce that will complement the flavors of the chilaquiles.
• Mix it up: Add some variety to your chilaquiles by adding different types of vegetables or proteins. This will give the dish an interesting flavor.
• Serve it hot: Serve the chilaquiles immediately after cooking for the best flavor and texture. If you let it sit for too long, it will become soggy and lose its flavor.

What are some modern variations of chilaquiles?

Modern variations of chilaquiles are an inventive way to enjoy this classic Mexican dish. Some creative takes on the traditional recipe include chilaquiles casseroles, sushi-style chilaquiles, and chilaquiles tacos. These twists add a unique and delicious flavor to a family favorite.

Chilaquiles casseroles layer the traditional flavors of chilaquiles into one pan. Start by coating the bottom of the dish with tortilla chips, followed by a layer of refried beans, cheese, and your favorite chilaquiles sauce. Top with a layer of your preferred proteins, such as chicken, and finish with a final layer of chips and cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbly.

For those looking for a more exotic take on chilaquiles, sushi-style chilaquiles offer an interesting spin. Start by preparing the chilaquiles ingredients as you normally would. Instead of serving the dish in a bowl, however, spread the ingredients on a sheet of nori seaweed. Roll the seaweed into a cylinder and cut into slices, similar to sushi.

Finally, chilaquiles tacos offer a delicious way to enjoy this classic Mexican dish. Start by heating up some corn tortillas. Top with a layer of refried beans and any other favorite chilaquiles toppings. Roll up the tacos and enjoy with a side of your favorite chilaquiles sauce.

These modern variations of chilaquiles offer unique and delicious ways to enjoy this classic dish. From chilaquiles casseroles to sushi-style chilaquiles and chilaquiles tacos, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

How can chilaquiles be served?

Chilaquiles can be served in a variety of ways, depending on the region and individual preference. In Mexico, they are usually served as a breakfast dish and can be served with a variety of toppings such as cheese, fried eggs, and refried beans. In other areas, they are often served as a side dish with meats, such as chicken, beef, pork, or fish. Chilaquiles can also be served as a main course, with the tortilla chips served in a bowl with a variety of toppings, such as cheese, tomatoes, onions, and sour cream.

Other creative variations include adding chorizo, or topping with a poached egg. When served as a main course, chilaquiles can be topped with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream. When served as an appetizer or side dish, they can be topped with a variety of sauces, including mole, chipotle, or guajillo.

No matter how they are served, chilaquiles are sure to be a crowd pleaser.

What other dishes are similar to chilaquiles?

Chilaquiles are a classic Mexican dish, but there are many other dishes that are similar. Some other dishes that are comparable to chilaquiles include enchiladas, huevos rancheros, tacos, burritos, and nachos.

Enchiladas are a dish that is made with corn tortillas that have been filled with meat, vegetables, cheese, or a combination of these and are then covered in a sauce and baked. Similar to chilaquiles, they are traditionally served with Mexican rice, black beans, and a variety of salsas.

Huevos rancheros are a classic Mexican breakfast dish that consists of fried eggs served over a corn tortilla with a tomato-based sauce and topped with cheese, sour cream, and salsa. It is often served with a side of refried beans.

Tacos are a traditional Mexican dish that consists of a corn or flour tortilla filled with a variety of ingredients, such as beef, pork, chicken, or fish, and topped with lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, and a variety of salsas.

Burritos are a Mexican-style dish that consists of a flour tortilla filled with various ingredients, such as refried beans, cheese, and meat, and then rolled and grilled.

Nachos are a popular Mexican-style dish that consists of fried tortilla chips topped with melted cheese, jalapeños, tomatoes, and other toppings. They are usually served with a side of salsa and sour cream.

These dishes are all similar to chilaquiles in that they are all Mexican-inspired dishes prepared with tortillas. They also share similar ingredients and accompaniments. However, each dish has its own unique flavors and textures that make them all delicious in their own right.