Celebrating Chilaquiles: 5 Tasty Recipes For You To Enjoy

Celebrating chilaquiles means appreciating its vibrant flavors, historical roots, and versatility.

Chilaquiles are an iconic Mexican dish that has found its way into hearts and kitchens worldwide. Traditionally served for breakfast or brunch, this dish combines crispy fried tortillas with tangy sauces, cheese, and a variety of toppings, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors.

The History of Celebrating Chilaquiles

Chilaquiles date back to the Aztec era, when tortillas were a daily staple. The word “chilaquiles” originates from the Nahuatl word chīlāquilitl, which loosely translates to “chili-soaked greens.” The dish’s simplicity allowed families to use leftover tortillas and sauce, crafting a filling meal without letting any food go to waste. Over centuries, chilaquiles evolved, incorporating new ingredients and regional variations while retaining its beloved core elements.

Today, chilaquiles have become a celebrated comfort food, enjoyed with red or green salsa, cheese, beans, eggs, and even meats like chicken or beef.

5 Delicious Celebrating Chilaquiles Recipes

photo via: Wikipedia

1. Classic Chilaquiles with Red Salsa

Ingredients:

• 10 corn tortillas, cut into triangles
• 1 cup red salsa
• 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 fried eggs (optional)

Instructions:

1. Fry the tortilla triangles until crispy and golden, then drain on paper towels.
2. In a skillet, heat red salsa until it simmers. Add the fried tortillas and stir until coated.
3. Serve topped with crumbled queso fresco, cilantro, sour cream, and fried eggs if desired.

2. Green Salsa Chilaquiles with Shredded Chicken

Ingredients:

• 10 corn tortillas, cut into triangles
• 1 cup green salsa (salsa verde)
• 1/2 cup shredded chicken
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
• Fresh avocado slices

Instructions:

1. Fry the tortilla pieces until crispy and drain.
2. Simmer the green salsa in a skillet, then add the tortilla chips and shredded chicken.
3. Garnish with onion, crumbled cotija, and avocado slices before serving.

3. Chilaquiles with Mole Sauce and Fried Plantains

Ingredients:

• 10 corn tortillas, cut into triangles
• 1 cup mole sauce
• 1/2 cup refried black beans
• 1 ripe plantain, sliced and fried
• Crumbled queso fresco
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fry the tortilla pieces and set aside.
2. Heat mole sauce in a skillet and stir in the tortilla chips, ensuring each is coated.
3. Serve with refried black beans, fried plantain slices, queso fresco, and cilantro.

4. Spicy Chipotle Chilaquiles with Black Beans

Ingredients:

• 10 corn tortillas, cut into triangles
• 1/2 cup chipotle salsa
• 1/2 cup cooked black beans
• Sliced radishes
• Chopped cilantro
• Crumbled feta cheese

Instructions:

1. Fry the tortilla pieces until crispy and drain.
2. Simmer chipotle salsa in a skillet, add tortilla chips and black beans, and stir.
3. Garnish with radishes, cilantro, and feta for a spicy and colorful dish.

5. Breakfast Chilaquiles with Scrambled Eggs and Pico de Gallo

Ingredients:

• 10 corn tortillas, cut into triangles
• 1 cup red or green salsa
• 2 eggs, scrambled
• 1/2 cup pico de gallo
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Fresh cilantro

Instructions:

1. Fry tortilla pieces and drain.
2. Heat salsa in a skillet, add the tortilla pieces, and stir until coated.
3. Top with scrambled eggs, pico de gallo, and Monterey Jack cheese, and sprinkle with cilantro.

Tips for Celebrating Chilaquiles

Celebrating chilaquiles can be an experience in itself. Add a personal touch by trying regional salsas or experimenting with different cheeses. Whether you prefer it with red or green sauce, chicken or beans, chilaquiles offer endless customization, making them perfect for breakfast gatherings or a cozy brunch at home.