Chilaquiles are a beloved Mexican dish that turns the simple ingredients of tortillas, sauce, and cheese into a symphony of texture and flavor. A traditional breakfast fare, it’s known for its comforting and robust character, making it a favorite for brunch or even a hearty dinner. The foundation of the dish is lightly fried tortillas, which are then bathed in a rich sauce made from tomatoes and chili peppers, creating a harmonious blend of smokiness and tang. Toppings like fresh cheese, crema, and avocado add creaminess and a cool counterpoint to the warm spices. It’s a dish that’s both rustic and refined, with each ingredient shining through to create a tapestry of taste that’s quintessentially Mexican.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 12 corn tortillas
- Canola & avocado oil (enough for baking or frying)
- 3 roma tomatoes
- ⅓ white or yellow onion
- 2 guajillo chiles (seeded)
- 2 or 3 chiles de arbol (more if you like it spicy)
- 2 garlic cloves
- ½ tablespoon chicken or vegetable flavor (Knorr)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Mexican Crema
- Queso fresco
- Avocado
- Red or white onion slices
Instructions:
- Cook chiles, tomatoes, onion, and garlic in boiling water until soft.
- Blend the cooked ingredients with spices until pureed.
- Fry or bake the tortillas until crispy.
- Stir tortillas into the sauce until coated, then remove from heat.
- Top with crema, cheese, and avocado before serving immediately to maintain texture.
Chilaquiles have stood the test of time, evolving from a practical way to use stale tortillas to a beloved national dish. While the dish’s exact origins are unclear, its roots can be traced back to the Aztecs. Chilaquiles reflect the spirit of Mexican cuisine, which often revolves around the ingenious repurposing of ingredients to reduce waste and create delicious meals.