Authentic Mexican Chilaquiles: A Delicious Recipe to Start Your Day
Welcome to this week’s culinary adventure on Cooking With Gin Lee! As part of our celebration of Mexican cuisine, today we're diving into the comforting, flavorful world of Chilaquiles. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, this dish is a vibrant symphony of crispy chips simmered in a rich salsa, topped with fresh ingredients. Whether you're making it for a weekend treat or a festive gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
Chef’s Tips & Variations
Conclusion
Ingredients
4 cups of tortilla chips (preferably homemade or thick-cut for crunch)
2 cups of red or green salsa (store-bought or homemade)
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup of crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese
2 large eggs (optional, for topping or side)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Optional toppings: sliced avocado, sour cream, pickled jalapeños
Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the salsa: If you prefer a homemade touch, blend ripe tomatoes, chili peppers, garlic, onion, and salt to create your salsa. Simmer for 10 minutes and set aside.
Cook the onion: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Simmer the chips in salsa: Pour the salsa into the skillet with onions. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add the tortilla chips. Carefully stir to coat all the chips evenly. Cook for 2-3 minutes—just enough to warm and slightly soften the chips while maintaining some crunch.
Optional egg topping: In a separate pan, fry or scramble eggs to serve on top of your chilaquiles or on the side, adding a hearty touch.
Finish and serve: Transfer the chilaquiles to serving plates. Top with crumbled queso fresco, fresh cilantro, and any additional toppings like sliced avocado or sour cream. Serve immediately for the best crunch!
Chef’s Tips & Variations
For a spicy kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to the salsa.
Make it vegetarian: Skip the eggs or substitute with refried beans for added protein.
For added texture: Serve with crispy bacon bits or shredded cooked chicken.
Leftover magic: Chilaquiles reheat well but are best enjoyed fresh to keep the chips crispy. Consider crisping chips in the oven for leftovers.
A Delicious Slice of Mexico
There’s no denying that Chilaquiles is a comfort food with a bold, authentic Mexican flavor profile. It’s versatile, customizable, and guaranteed to brighten any meal. We hope you enjoy making and sharing this dish as part of your culinary journey through Mexico’s vibrant cuisine. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s recipe—another exciting taste of Mexican tradition. ¡Buen provecho!