Chilaquiles are a beloved staple in Mexican cuisine, known for their comforting and satisfying qualities. This traditional dish typically consists of fried or baked tortilla pieces slathered in a flavorful sauce, usually verde (green), and topped with a variety of garnishes. Originating from pre-Hispanic Mexico, chilaquiles reflect a rich culinary history and resourcefulness, transforming simple ingredients into a hearty meal.
Made from tomatoes, green chiles, onions, and fresh herbs, the verde sauce lends a bright, tangy flavor that beautifully complements the crunchy tortillas. In addition to their deliciousness, chilaquiles evoke a feeling of home and family, often served on weekends or special occasions, bringing people together around the table. Each family’s recipe has its own unique twist, passed down through generations, adding to the dish’s allure and cultural significance.
In this blog post, we will explore a simple yet delicious recipe for chilaquiles verde, guiding you through the process of making this iconic dish in your own kitchen. Whether you are an experienced cook or a novice, this recipe is accessible and customizable, inviting you to discover the delightful flavors of Mexican cuisine. So, let’s gather our ingredients and embark on this delicious culinary journey together!
Chilaquiles recipe verde
Ingredients
- 4 Medium Tomatillos
- ¼ cup Cilantro (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic
- ¼ cup Onion (chopped)
- 1-2 Jalapenos or Serrano pepper
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- salt (to taste)
Ingredient for Tortilla chips
- 10-12 Tortillas, cut into wedges
- 5 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
Ingredient for chilaquiles
- 1 small onion, sliced into rings
- ⅗ cup crumbles queso fresco
- ½ cup Cilantro leaves
- ½ cup Mexican crema
- 7 eggs
- Salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1. Making the Verde Sauce1. Choosing the Ingredients: Start with ripe tomatoes, which are important for the sauce's distinctive flavor. You'll also need green chilies (such as jalapeños or serranos), onion, garlic, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and salt. 2. Roasting or Boiling: You can choose to roast or boil the tomatoes and peppers. To roast ,preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place the tomatoes and peppers on a baking sheet. Roast for about 15-20 minutes until they're slightly charred and soft. If boiling, add them to a pot of water and boil for about 10 minutes until soft. 3. Blending the Sauce: Once cooked, add the tomatoes and peppers to a blender or food processor. Add the chopped onion, garlic (2-3 cloves), a handful of fresh cilantro, lime juice (about 1-2 tablespoons) and salt to taste. Blend until smooth, adjusting seasoning as needed. The result should be a vibrant green sauce with a balanced flavor—fresh, tangy, and slightly spicy.
- Step 2. Preparing the Tortillas1. Choosing the Tortillas: Corn tortillas are traditional, but you can use flour tortillas if you prefer.2. Cutting the Tortillas: Cut the tortillas into quarters or sixths, according to your preference for the size of the chips.3. Frying or Cooking: For a crispier texture, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the tortilla pieces in batches, frying until golden and crisp, about2-3 minutes on each side. Remove with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Alternatively, for a healthier option, you can bake the tortilla pieces at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until they become crispy.
- Step3. Mixing EverythingThe final step is where the magic happens when you bring the tortilla chips and verde sauce together. 1.Heating the Sauce: In the same skillet used for frying, add the verde sauce over medium heat. Let it simmer for a few minutes to develop the flavor. 2. Mixing in the Tortillas: Once the sauce is heated, add the crispy tortilla chips to the skillet. Gently mix them into the sauce, making sure all the pieces are coated in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the chips to soften a little while still retaining some crispness. Be careful not to overcook, as you want the tortillas to maintain their texture.
- Step4. Serve and enjoy!!
Serving Suggestion
1. Garnish
Cheese: Crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese adds a creamy, salty contrast to the fiery verde sauce. Sprinkle generously over the chilaquiles just before serving.
Crema: A sprinkling of Mexican crema (similar to sour cream but thinner and thicker) adds a delightful creaminess and helps balance the spice of the green sauce. You can also use sour cream or Greek yogurt as alternatives.
Avocado: Sliced or sliced avocado provides a buttery texture and complements the dish beautifully. Consider squeezing lime juice over the avocado to enhance its flavor.
Fresh herbs: Chopped fresh cilantro not only brightens the color but also adds to the freshness of the dish. You can also experiment with green onions or radishes for extra crunch.
2. Protein Content
Eggs: Chilaquiles are often served with eggs, which makes a hearty breakfast or brunch. Scrambled eggs, boiled eggs, or fried eggs work great. The liquid yolk adds richness to the dish when smashed onto the chilaquiles.
Shredded Chicken or Beef: For a more filling meal, consider adding shredded cooked chicken or beef. This adds protein and makes the dish even more filling, perfect for brunch or lunch.
Beans: Refried beans or black beans can be served on the side or spooned over the chilaquiles for extra flavor and texture. They also add nutritional value, making the meal more balanced.
3. Accompaniments
Salsas: Offer a variety of salsas on the side—such as red salsa or pico de gallo—to give diners options and extra layers of flavor. Each salsa can bring a unique flavor, ranging from spicy to tangy. Tortilla Chips: If you have leftover tortillas, consider serving extra tortilla chips on the side for extra crunchiness, so guests can scoop up any extra verde sauce
