Authentic and Delicious Chilaquiles Recipe: A Classic Mexican Dish for Any Mealtime

If you’re looking for a traditional Mexican breakfast dish that is hearty, flavorful, and easy to prepare, then chilaquiles is a great option. Chilaquiles is a dish made from fried tortillas that are simmered in a spicy tomato sauce and topped with a variety of ingredients, including eggs, cheese, and avocado. In this post, we’ll explore the history of chilaquiles, provide a step-by-step recipe for making this delicious dish, and offer some tips for cooking the perfect batch of Mexican chilaquiles.

History of Mexican Chilaquiles

Chilaquiles has a long history in Mexico and is considered a traditional breakfast dish in many regions. The dish is believed to have originated in pre-Columbian times, when people would fry stale tortillas to make them more palatable. Over time, the dish evolved to include a variety of sauces and toppings, including eggs, cheese, and meat.

Recipe for Mexican Chilaquiles

Here is a simple recipe for making traditional Mexican chilaquiles:

Ingredients for Mexican Chilaquiles

• 12 corn tortillas
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 eggs
• 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions for Mexican Chilaquiles

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Cut the tortillas into strips and spread them out on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown.
3. While the tortillas are baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, and jalapeño pepper to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft.
4. Add the cumin, oregano, and chicken broth to the skillet and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.
5. Once the tortillas are done baking, add them to the skillet with the tomato sauce and stir to coat the tortillas evenly.
6. Crack the eggs into the skillet and cover the skillet with a lid. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked to your liking.
7. Top the chilaquiles with crumbled queso fresco, sliced avocado, and chopped cilantro. Serve hot.

Cooking Tips for Mexican Chilaquiles

Here are a few tips to help you make the perfect batch of Mexican chilaquiles:

1. Use stale tortillas: Chilaquiles are traditionally made with stale tortillas that have been left out overnight. This allows the tortillas to dry out and become crispy when fried.
2. Simmer the sauce: Simmering the tomato sauce for a longer period of time allows the flavors to meld together and creates a richer, more flavorful sauce.
3. Use a cast-iron skillet: A cast-iron skillet is ideal for making chilaquiles, as it retains heat and creates a nice sear on the tortillas.
4. Cook the eggs to your liking: Some people prefer their eggs sunny-side up, while others prefer them scrambled. Cook the eggs to your liking, but be sure to cover the skillet with a lid to ensure that the eggs cook evenly.
5. Cooking Time:
6. Prep time: 10 minutes
7. Cook time: 20 minutes
8. Total time: 30 minutes
9. Ingredients:
10. 10-12 corn tortillas
11. 2 cups of tomato sauce
12. 1/2 cup of water
13. 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
14. 1/4 cup of chopped onion
15. 1 garlic clove, minced
16. 1/2 teaspoon of salt
17. 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
18. 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
19. 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder
20. 1/4 cup of crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheese
21. 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
22. Instructions:
23. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Cut the corn tortillas into triangles, and place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes until they are crispy and lightly golden.
24. In a medium saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, water, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
25. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
26. Add the baked tortilla chips to the sauce and stir to coat them evenly. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the tortillas to absorb some of the sauce.
27. Once the tortillas are fully coated, remove the pan from the heat and transfer the chilaquiles to a serving dish. Sprinkle the crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheese and chopped fresh cilantro over the top.
28. Serve immediately while still hot and crispy. You can also add toppings like sliced avocado, diced onion, or a fried egg on top for extra flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Chilaquiles are a classic Mexican dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This simple recipe uses a homemade tomato sauce that is easy to make and deliciously flavorful. Baked tortilla chips are coated in the sauce and then topped with cheese and fresh cilantro for a satisfying and delicious meal. Whether you prefer them as a snack, appetizer, or main course, chilaquiles are a versatile and delicious addition to any meal. Try this recipe today and experience the rich and vibrant flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine.

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