Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Chilaquiles


From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...Our fall rains have started a bit early this year. Today was cold and wet enough to chill those of us who were outside when the deluge began. Once home, we set the first fire of the season and it quickly warmed these old bones that seem to be growing more cold sensitive every year. With the fire blazing and snug in a Northwood's fleece and wool socks, I set about making a lunch that would that would add some fire to our bellies as well. I decided to make chilaquiles (chee-lay-KEE-less) which is a traditional Mexican dish that is made with strips of fried corn tortillas, salsa and cheese. In some parts of Mexico, the tortilla strips are cooked in salsa until they start to soften, but there are exceptions to the rule, and in other areas of the country your plate will contain crisp tortilla strips that are topped with chicken, salsa, eggs and cheese. We first had chilaquiles while whale watching in Baja, and our introduction to them was the crisp fully loaded version. I still make the fully loaded variety, though I suspect the simpler version is more authentic. This is an extremely easy dish to make if you have the ingredients on hand. You'll need corn tortillas, salsa verde, chicken, eggs and cheese. Now, while you didn't hear it from me, rotisserie chicken and corn tortilla chips can make this dish even easier to prepare and just about as good to eat as the from-scratch variety. Refried beans are often served as an accompaniment to the chilaquiles and they add substance that will please those with large appetites.You can serve the chilaquiles with the same topping as you would use for enchiladas. The dish is quite filling and perfect for a fall brunch or lunch. Here is how they are made.


Chilaquiles...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite courtesy of Family Circle magazine

Ingredients:
1 cup canola oil
8 corn tortillas, cut into 3/4-inch strips
1/4 teaspoon plus 1/8 tsp salt
6 eggs, beaten
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 cup salsa verde
Optional:
Shredded queso fresco, sliced scallions and chopped cilantro

Directions:
1) Heat oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 350 degrees to 375 degrees on a deep-fry thermometer. Fry tortilla strips in 3 batches until golden-brown, 1 to 2 minutes each, gently moving around in oil with a slotted spoon. Remove with spoon to a paper-towel-lined plate. Season strips with 1/4 teaspoon salt.
2) Carefully discard all but 1 tablespoon of oil. Add eggs and cook over medium heat until scrambled, about 2 minutes. Season with remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt. Meanwhile, heat chicken and salsa verde in a medium pan.
3) Arrange tortilla strips on a large platter. Spoon chicken mixture on top, then scatter eggs on top of chicken. Garnish with shredded queso fresco, sliced scallions and chopped cilantro, if desired. Yield: 6 servings.

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14 comments :

Ginny Hartzler said...

This is a brand new one on me, I have never heard of it! And so easy!

Susan Lindquist said...

Wow! What a mound of good stuff! This sounds so delicious ... I have never heard of chilaquiles before, Mary! Thanks for the introduction! Stay warm and cozy during the rains!

Kim said...

Never tried chilaquiles... It looks good!

Vicki Bensinger said...

I've never tried this before hut it sounds and looks so tasty. Nice photos.

Vicki Bensinger said...

I've never tried this before but it sounds and looks tasty. Nice photos.

From the Kitchen said...

We've enjoyed whale watching in Baja but not this dish. It sounds like something to warm us up as our days are growing quite chilly.

Best,
Bonnie

Unknown said...

I LOVE chilaquiles. We just had breakfast on Sunday with a friend of ours at a very authentic Mexican restaurant in town and I had the chilquiles huevos!! I can't wait to make it at home now :)

Barbara said...

I like that, Mary. What a great treat for dinner. Never heard the name before...

David said...

Mary, Add a couple of jalapenos and I'd be ready to go! This is my wife's favorite kind of cool weather meals... Take Care, Big Daddy Dave

Big Dude said...

I'd never heard of chilaquiles, but I fell in love when I saw the photo, before reading a word.

Priya Suresh said...

Chilaquiles makes me hungry..

Ellen Whyte said...

Hey, I've never heard of Chilaquiles before. Looks yummy.

Life's a shoe said...

oh wow i have never heard of this dish before till now, it sounds delish!! and while we never have cool weather where i am now, I would still eat it! yum!

singerinkitchen said...

I love making this dish! One of my favorite Mexican dishes.

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