Red Chilaquiles with Cheese in 5 steps

Good morning and welcome to Paulina Cocina! The place where we love to cook because we also love to eat. Today we come with a special recipe for Red Chilaquiles, because we love Mexican food because as my grandmother would say, it is “polentous.”.

Think this: fried corn tortillas with spicy sauce for breakfast. And I assure you that you will have plenty of fuel to face the entire day. Of course, if you are not used to it, take it easy (and some boldo tea).

About red chilaquiles and Mexican food

Red chilaquiles are a traditional dish of Mexican cuisine which has become a favorite around the world. This delicious preparation consists of corn tortillas cut into triangles or strips, which are fried until crispy and then dipped in a red chili sauce.

The red chilaquiles They are known for their spicy flavor and their ability to satisfy the most demanding palates.. They are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch or dinner and a popular breakfast option in Mexico. They are frequently served at festive events and parties. This dish is a delicious blend of flavors and textures, with the combination of crispy tortillas and spicy sauce satisfying comfort food cravings.

Red chilaquiles in Mexican cuisine

Iconic dish of Mexican gastronomy that has become a favorite both in Mexico and in many parts of the world. This delicious dish is commonly prepared with corn tortillas cut into triangles or strips, which are fried until crispy. Then, they are bathed in a sauce, which can be red or green.

Red chilaquiles with cheese They are a variant of the dish that includes grated cheese on top before serving them. The cheese melts over the hot sauce and tortillas, creating a contrast of flavors between the creaminess of the cheese and the intensity of the chili sauce. The cheese used may vary, but fresh cheese or cotija cheese are common options in the preparation of this recipe.

Interesting facts about red chilaquies

The sauce for red chilaquiles is a fundamental preparation in Mexican cuisine, with a base of dried chilis, tomatoes, onion and garlic. Its spicy flavor and red color make it an essential ingredient to give life to this traditional dish. The versatility of the sauce allows you to adjust the spiciness and consistency according to personal preference.

To prepare the sauce, dried chiles, such as guajillos, anchos, or chiles de arbol, are toasted or roasted to enhance their flavor and aroma.. Then, they are hydrated in hot water until they soften.

The chilies are mixed with the roasted tomatoes, onion and garlic to form the base of the sauce. Spices such as cumin, oregano, and black pepper are often added to give more depth to the flavor. Once the ingredients are combined, they are blended to obtain a smooth, homogeneous sauce.

Origin of the word chilaquiles

The origin of the name “chilaquiles” comes from Nahuatl, an indigenous language spoken by the Aztecs and other peoples in Mesoamerica. before the arrival of the Spanish.

The word is derived from the combination of two Nahuatl words: “chil” meaning “chili” and “ātl” meaning “water”. On the whole, It literally translates as “chiles in water” or “chiles in broth.”.

Historically, they were a dish prepared from leftover or hard corn tortillas that were soaked in chili sauce to soften them and give them flavor.. Over time, this preparation evolved to include a variety of ingredients and became a more elaborate and popular dish in Mexican cuisine.

They have become a iconic element of Mexican gastronomy and are served in a wide variety of styles, with different sauces and accompaniments. Its original name reflects the importance of chili, one of the fundamental ingredients in Mesoamerican cuisine, in the preparation of this delicious dish.

How to accompany my red chilaquiles

The chilaquiles recipe can be served in various ways, and the choice of ingredients depends on personal preferences.

• Eggs: Eggs are a common addition. You can serve them as fried eggs, fried eggs or even in the form of a poached egg, providing protein and flavor to the dish.
• Queso: Cheese is an ideal complement. You can sprinkle fresh cheese, cottage cheese, cotija cheese, grated cheese or cream cheese over the chilaquiles to give them a touch of creaminess and flavor.
• Crema: Cream, whether sour cream or Mexican cream, is used to soften the spiciness of chilaquiles and add a touch of freshness.
• Avocado: Avocado or avocado, sliced ​​or chunked, is a refreshing and creamy option that combines very well with intense flavors.
• Onion and cilantro: These fresh ingredients are used to give a touch of freshness and additional flavor to the dish. You can add chopped onion and cilantro on top.
• Beans: Refried or whole beans are a popular choice to accompany chilaquiles. They can be served on the plate or as a garnish in a separate bowl.
• Carne: If you prefer a more substantial version, you can add shredded meat, such as chicken, pork, beef, or chorizo.
• Additional sauce: Some people enjoy an extra touch of sauce in their chilaquiles to intensify the spicy flavor and moistness of the dish.
• Lemon: A few drops of fresh lemon juice can add a citrus touch that enhances flavors.

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Red chilaquiles recipe

Yield: 4 portions

Preparation time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 12 corn tortillas
• 3 dried guajillo chiles
• 3 dried chiles de arbol
• 4 medium tomatoes
• 1/4 of onion
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Salt to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 1 cup of crumbled fresh cheese
• Agria crema or Mexican crema
• Sliced ​​avocado
• Chopped fresh cilantro

Easy steps to make red chilaquiles

1. Remove the seeds and stem from the clean chilies. Roast them in a hot pan for a few minutes, then add the tomatoes, onion and garlic cloves until golden brown.
2. Blend everything together with a cup of chicken broth and a pinch of salt until you obtain a smooth sauce. Pour into a frying pan and cook over medium heat for about 5-10 minutes until thickened.
3. Cut the corn tortillas into triangles or strips and fry them in hot oil until golden and crispy. Drain on kitchen paper.
4. Add the tortilla chips (fried tortillas) to the pan with the red sauce and stir well to coat them.
5. Serve on individual plates. Add crumbled fresh cheese, sour cream or Mexican crema, sliced ​​avocado and chopped fresh cilantro as garnish.