Have you been to a Mexican restaurant lately and seen a dish called “chilaquiles” on the menu? While this treat is popular throughout Mexico as a staple of the cuisine, it’s true that many outside of the country don’t know what it is.
So, what exactly are chilaquiles? (pronounced chi-lah-KEE-les)
The name of this dish comes from a Nahuatl word meaning “chile water, edible plant.” Why is this?
Well, the base and most important part of chilaquiles are the fried corn tortillas, which serve as its base.
Gaining an appearance that is very similar to that of fried tortilla chips, small slices of corn tortillas are fried in oil until golden brown, and then placed on the plate as the base of the dish.
Next, on top of the fried tortilla strips, either a red sauce, a green sauce, or a mole sauce is poured. The type of sauced used depends on personal preference and/or the region in which your chilaquiles have been made.
Another important component of a respectable plate of chilaquiles is tender pulled chicken which is added to the sauce.
Finally, chilaquiles can be garnished with the toppings of your choosing. Common options include refried beans, sour cream, fresh cheese, and avocado. You can personalize them as you like!
Be sure to give chilaquiles a try as soon as you can!
