Chilaquiles - Fried Tortillas in Sauce

Chilaquiles - Fried Tortillas in Sauce

 

Do you have a bad hangover and need an instant cure? Well this dish, Chilaquiles is considered to ure any hangover in minutes. Well that is what the old ladies in Mexico believes. To me Chilaquiles is an excellantway to use up left over tortillas at the end of the day. All over Mexico Chilaquiles are served during breakfast or as a branch. But to me fried tortillas in a bowl of spicy sauce is an excellent way to end a tiring day. What do you think about it? When would you prefer to have this wonderful dish? Do let me know your opinions.

 

Preparation Time  : 10 minutes

Cooking Time       :  20 minutes

Difficulty               :  Very easy

Serves                   :  4 - 6

 

 

Ingredients :

Oil for deep frying

6 to 8 Corn tortillas, cut into 1 1/2-inch squares or diamonds

1 Onion, chopped

2 or 3 Serrano or jalapeño chiles, minced (you can use bottled, if you can't find fresh ones) 

2 or 3 cloves Garlic, minced

3 cups Tomatoes, crushed or chopped

Salt to taste

Pepper to taste 

1/2 cup Queso fresco or feta cheese, crumbled (You can also use any procssed cheese)

1/3 cup Sour cream or crema agria

 

Method :

  1) Add about 1 inch of oil to a large, deep skillet.

 

  2) Heat over medium flame until shimmering.

 

  3) Add the tortillas in batches and fry, turning occasionally until lightly crisp.

 

  4) Remove to a paper towel-lined plate and repeat with the remaining tortillas.

 

  5) Pour off all but about 3 tablespoons of the oil.

 

  6) Add 3/4 of the chopped onions and chiles and saute until the onions are cooked through and just beginning to brown.

 

  7) Add the garlic and saute for another minute or so.

 

  8) Stir in the tomatoes and salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10 minutes.

 

  9) Carefully stir in the tortillas and simmer for another 5 minutes or so until the tortillas soak up some of the sauce and are softened but not mushy.

 

  10) Garnish with the remaining chopped onions, queso fresco and sour cream.

 

  11) Serve hot with scrambled or fried eggs and refried beans.

Variations :Sauce Variations:

 Use salsa verde instead of the tomato sauce. Or try your favorite mole sauce.

Optional Additions :
 Stir in some cooked, shredded chicken breast with the tortillas.

Or beat 5 eggs and stir them lightly into the simmering sauce to form ribbons of cooked egg before stirring in the tortillas.

Garnishes:

Other possible garnishes include chopped avocado, chopped cilantro.