Delicious Chilaquiles with Homemade Tortilla Chips

Chilaquiles is a traditional Mexican breakfast dish that is delicious, flavorful, and easy to prepare. In this recipe, we will be making a red chilaquiles sauce from scratch, along with homemade tortilla chips, to create an amazing breakfast meal that will leave you wanting more.

How to Make Chilaquiles

Preparing the Sauce

To begin, you will need a medium to large pan for your cooktop. We will be using six guajillo chilies, which can be substituted with ancho chilies or any combination of both. Cut the ends off the chilies and remove the seeds and stems. Place the seeds in a separate bowl, so it’s neat and tidy. You can leave some seeds if you like, but try to remove most of them.

Smash a few garlic cloves, no need to mince them, and dice one yellow onion. Add the chilies, onion, and garlic into the pan, and cover with about an inch of water. Place the pan over high heat and bring it to a boil. Cook for about 10-15 minutes until everything is tender, and the color has changed.

Straining the Sauce

Once everything has softened up, take the pan off the heat and pour the mixture into a colander over a heat-proof bowl. Reserve some of the liquid and add half a cup of it to the blender. Add the chilies and veggies into the blender, along with one and a half teaspoons of salt. Blend until the mixture is very smooth, which should take about two to three minutes. Your sauce is now ready, and it smells delicious!

Making the Tortilla Chips

Next, line a rimmed baking sheet with paper towels and place a wire rack on top. We will now make homemade tortilla chips. Heat half an inch of oil of your choice in the same skillet over medium heat until it reaches 350 degrees.

Cut 15 corn tortillas into triangles and fry them in batches in the hot oil until they are crispy and golden brown, which should take about one to two minutes. Remove them from the oil and place them on the wire rack to cool. Repeat the process until all the tortilla triangles are fried.

Serving the Chilaquiles

Once the tortilla chips are ready, it’s time to assemble the dish. In a large bowl, mix the tortilla chips with the chilaquiles sauce until they are well coated. Top the chips with some crumbled queso fresco, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream.

For an added twist, serve your chilaquiles with some over-easy eggs. It’s a delicious combination that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch.

Required kitchen tools or equipment:

• Medium to large pan
• Blender
• Colander
• Rimmed baking sheet
• Wire rack
• Paper towels
• Tongs
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Bowl
• Spoon

Tips or variations:

• For a green variation of chilaquiles, use tomatillos and green chilies instead of guajillo or ancho chilies.
• Add shredded chicken, pulled pork, or scrambled eggs to the chilaquiles for additional protein.
• Top with crumbled queso fresco, chopped onions, and sliced jalapenos for a spicy kick.
• Serve with refried beans or a side of rice to make it a full meal.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What are chilaquiles?

A: Chilaquiles are a traditional Mexican dish made with tortilla chips simmered in a spicy tomato or tomatillo-based sauce.

Q: Can I make the sauce in advance?

A: Yes, the sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Q: Can I use store-bought tortilla chips instead of making them at home?

A: Yes, you can use store-bought tortilla chips instead of making them at home, but homemade tortilla chips provide a better texture and flavor.

Q: Can I make chilaquiles without frying the tortilla chips?

A: Yes, you can bake the tortilla chips in the oven instead of frying them to make them healthier. Spread the tortilla chips in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until crispy.

Q: Can I freeze leftover chilaquiles?

A: Yes, you can freeze leftover chilaquiles for up to three months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Conclusion

Chilaquiles is a popular Mexican breakfast dish that is easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Making the red chilaquiles sauce from scratch and frying homemade tortilla chips may seem daunting, but it’s worth it when you taste the final product.

You can also make the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it easier to enjoy this delicious dish whenever you want. So why not try making chilaquiles for your next breakfast or brunch and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills?

Print